The Aftermath of Criminal Charges for Philly Nurses
For any individual, a criminal charge can feel like a permanent stain against their name, which can never be removed. But have you ever thought what happens when a licensed professional, like a nurse, faces criminal charges?
Well, the consequences might get disastrous! Right from their license to their livelihood, every single thing seems to be at stake. That’s because, other than legal repercussions, criminal charges against these professionals are investigated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
So, if you’re facing criminal charges as a nurse in Philadelphia, you need to know how to protect your future. Therefore, stick till the end of this blog to explore your options, and also learn how a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you out.
Most Common Charges and Penalties for Nurses
- DUI: DUI offenses top the chart of the most common charges, with no exceptions for doctors or nurses! Usually, a DUI charge attracts penalties like imprisonment, probation, or fines.
However, if you are a nurse, the State Board investigates your case, and DUI offenses might trigger penalties like license suspension or admission to mandatory treatment programs. - Drug-related charges: Drug-related charges, like possessing an illegal drug, are considered a serious offense if you are a nurse by profession. Why? Such charges highlight a breach of trust and can result in penalties like fines, probation, or imprisonment. Added to that, the State Board may also revoke/ suspend your license.
- Prescription malpractices: Prescription malpractices, like over-prescribing medications or prescribing without proper authorization, can also result in criminal charges. Convictions of such charges mean you are likely to face steep fines, along with probation, and/ or imprisonment sentences.
The State Board might see this as a case of ‘professional misconduct’ and revoke your license, as well as your authority to prescribe medications. - Theft: Theft cases, like stealing medication from your workplace or from patients, are also considered to be an ethical breach. So, along with legal charges like potential imprisonment, fines, and probation, your license might also get revoked or suspended by the State Board.
- Domestic violence: Domestic violence charges can also trigger legal penalties like fines and incarceration, along with restraining orders. The State Board can also intervene in this matter and raise concerns about your fitness to practice!
On top of that, you are legally liable to disclose some specific criminal charges to the State Board of Nursing, like-
- Any kind of felony convictions.
- Misdemeanors encompassing unethical practices.
- DUIs.
Failing to disclose these charges can result in an immediate suspension of your license, along with disciplinary actions from the board. So, if you want to avoid jeopardizing your career, consult a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer at the earliest!
A Quick View of the Disciplinary Process
If you are charged with a criminal allegation, the State Board of Nursing will review the charges and collect all the necessary information. Next, they will investigate to confirm the actions.
During this, an investigator might turn up at your door or place, or work to collect some additional evidence. And if they find sufficient grounds, the Board will issue an Order to Show Cause, thereby giving you a chance to respond with a written defense.
And depending on the findings, the Bard might announce the following penalties:
- License suspension, which could last anywhere from a few months to several years.
- License revocation or permanent loss of license.
- Probation, which would allow you to continue your practice, but under strict supervision.
- Fines.
What If You Disagree with the Decision?
If you disagree with the decision of the board, you have the right to appeal. However, the process is time-consuming, complex, and expensive! On top of that, you also need to present new evidence and arguments, which is why the assistance of a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer becomes necessary.
At Logue Law Group, our expert team of Pittsburgh criminal lawyers has a long-standing reputation for protecting the future of licensed professionals like you! So, make sure to call us at 412-387-6901 or send an email to sean@seanloguelaw.com to book a consultation today!