Two Privileges You Could Lose If You're Convicted Of A DUI
When people are arrested for DUIs, they generally know they can lose their driving privileges if they are convicted of the charges or do something that causes an automatic DMV administrative action to fall in place (e.g. refuse to do a breathalyzer). What they may not know is they can lose other licensed privileges as well. Here are two that may be negatively impacted by a DUI conviction and what you can do to save them.
Flying Privileges
If you are a licensed pilot, your flying privileges may be taken away if you are convicted of a DUI. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all pilots to report DUI convictions or DMV administrative actions within 60 days of the event. Failure to do so can result in the suspension or revocation of their pilot's licenses after the agency inevitably finds out about it when it reviews the National Driver Registry.
Conviction of a single DUI generally won't harm you as long as your criminal record is clean and you follow all the rules required by the FAA and the law following your conviction. However, multiple DUIs can cause the FAA to pull your pilot's license because the agency may feel this indicates you have a substance abuse problem.
It may be possible to get around this problem by working with your criminal defense attorney to get the charges changed to something other than a DUI, such as negligent or reckless driving. You are not required to report a conviction for these crimes, which may help protect your flying privileges.
Hunting Privileges
Approximately 14 million Americans participated in hunting in 2013. Many people who hunt do so with firearms. If you're convicted of a felony DUI, however, your ability to participate in this type of hunting will end, and your license may be pulled altogether.
The reason is the federal government prohibits people convicted of felonies from owning firearms. If you have a license to hunt with a firearm, it may be revoked or you may be prevented from attaining one for future seasons because of the felony and the ban on those with felony convictions from owning guns.
It may be possible to get approved to hunt with a bow and arrow or crossbow. Be aware, though, these items are considered weapons, and people who are on probation or parole are typically prohibited from having any type of weapon.
The only way out of this particular situation is to avoid being convicted of a felony. This may be done by bargaining with the prosecution to reduce the felony to a lesser charge or entering a diversion program that may help you avoid being convicted altogether.
For more information about this issue or assistance with defending against DUI charges, contact a criminal defense attorney.
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