As a real estate agent, helping individuals and entities buy and sell property is your livelihood. You make dreams come true and create possibilities on a regular basis. However, your dreams may not be possible if you are a real estate agent with a DUI.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer is committed to helping you navigate the legal landscape of DUI charges and get the best possible outcome.
Types of Discipline a Real Estate Agent May Face After a DUI
The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) is responsible for licensure, regulation, training, and disciplinary action for real estate industry members. According to its Regulation of the Real Estate Commissioner guidance, decisions to suspend or revoke a license are based on how much it affects the skills, abilities, and responsibilities of the agent’s role. As such, alcohol offenses are taken into account when the agent has two convictions or more, and charges of drinking and driving receive significant weight.
A real estate agent with a DUI may be required to receive treatment and abstain from alcohol for a minimum of two years. The circumstances of the infraction will also be considered when decisions are made to discipline, suspend, revoke, reinstate, or deny a real estate agent’s license. A real estate agent may also be fined as a part of disciplinary action.
According to California Government Code 11522, revoked or suspended licensees may request to have their license reinstated after a minimum of one year has passed. The licensee must submit a petition to the DRE regarding their reinstatement and then must present an argument orally or in writing to the DRE. The DRE will then decide whether or not the individual’s license may be reinstated and whether or not there are any conditions attached to it.
DUI Charges and Convictions Can Wreak Havoc for Real Estate Agents
The impact of DUI charges and convictions can wreak havoc on your life and can affect both your professional and personal life. If you have been convicted of a DUI, you may be wondering what are the consequences someone can face if they have a conviction for DUI. The answer to this can all depend on the frequency at which the DUIs have occurred.
With each additional DUI conviction, the punishments increase in severity. First-time offenders may experience a wide range of penalties, including jail time, license suspension and restriction, and fines. They may also be required to attend treatment classes or have an interlock device installed in their vehicle. For subsequent DUI offenses, the penalties can be even more serious and even considered a felony.
With the stakes so high, it is vital to have the representation of a Los Angeles DUI attorney. They will negotiate with prosecutors to downgrade your charges to prevent a conviction or mitigate its impact if you are convicted. It is in your best interest to remain silent when facing DUI charges and let your lawyer do all the speaking on your behalf.
Lasting Effects of a DUI Charge
While facing DUI charges is frightening and can affect the status of your real estate license, it does not guarantee that you will lose your license or be arrested. However, the repercussions of a DUI can still be acutely felt in multiple areas of life for years to come. Among the many implications, 8 ways a DUI conviction can impact your career can include:
- Suspension or revocation of your real estate agent’s license
- Being terminated from your position as a real estate agent
- Having your driver’s license suspended or revoked
- Inability to work in the real estate industry
- Lost earnings from lack of primary employment
- Required attendance at classes for rehabilitation
- Paying more in insurance premiums
- Reduced access to higher education
Additionally, as a real estate agent, you are likely actively engaged in various organizations, associations, and clubs as part of your business networking. However, it is important to understand how a DUI can impact your role in community organizations or clubs. An organization’s policies are likely to dictate if you must disclose your DUI and whether or not you are allowed to remain in active leadership roles or must step down.
A Los Angeles DUI Attorney Can Help Safeguard Your Career
A real estate agent with a DUI faces severe penalties and could have their license revoked. With the help of a DUI attorney in LA, they can negotiate to get your charges reduced or even dropped. They actively work to mitigate the effects the DUI will have on your life.
You can expect your lawyer to build a strong defense for you after reviewing the charges and relevant factors in your case. They will gather evidence and prepare to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and arguments. They will discuss strategies and the best options available with you.
When working with a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, you have an advocate who will fight for you from the moment you contact them. With their extensive experience, they will strive to resolve your case without having to go to court, but they are prepared and equipped to represent you forcefully if your case does have to go to court. They will also provide resources and help prepare you for what to expect during the legal process and beyond.
Los Angeles DUI Attorney Protects Your Future
Los Angeles DUI Attorney knows that a DUI can throw your real estate license into uncertain territory. To avoid losing your license, a DUI lawyer can provide you with the invaluable representation you need to fight DUI charges and receive a more favorable outcome. Schedule a consultation with a lawyer today and defend your future.
