Wednesday, October 1, 2008

How can an OUI affect me? I don't drive for a living.

You'd be surprised to know that an OUI affects more than just your driving privileges.  How about professional licenses?  Thats right.  If you're an attorney, an OUI conviction can present a real problem.  How about a realtor?  Yes.  What about a doctor?  Yup.  What about an investment banker with a securities license?  You betcha.  You see, an OUI can affect your life above and beyond just your driving privileges.

If you have a private or commercial pilot's license, an OUI can result in a loss of flying privileges.  What about a suspension but not a conviction?  Do you have to report that?  Yes.  Even a suspension for an OUI that doesn't result in a conviction means that you must report that suspension according to Federal Aviation Regulations.  

What if I work for the airlines but I don't fly?  Is that a problem?  Absolutely.  If you nothing but handle baggage, your job could be in jeopardy.  The FAA is a quagmire of potential legal land mines and if your attorney doesn't understand all of the different laws that could affect your livelihood, your livelihood could be in serious jeopardy.

The long and the short of it is that if you've been charged with an OUI, you can't take a single thing for granted.  Even if the idea of a criminal conviction doesn't bother you, think it through and speak with me first.  The worst mistake you could make is pleading guilty without understanding the ramifications of that plea.