Licensed Professionals

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People whose careers involve professional licensing face two distinct concerns following an arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in South Texas. In addition to criminal charges punishable by possible jail time and fines, such individuals also face possible suspension or revocation of professional licenses.

Depending on the alleged offender’s specific occupation and licensing agency, a guilty plea—even to reduced charges—could still result in a license being suspended or revoked. Any person whose occupation requires professional licensing will want to retain legal counsel as soon as possible for help minimizing the damage to his or her career.

Attorney Defending Licensed Professionals in Brownsville, TX

Are you a licensed professional who was recently arrested in the Rio Grande Valley area for DWI? Do not make a statement to authorities until you have first contacted The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. .

Brownsville criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Gracia aggressively defends clients accused of drunk driving crimes in Cameron County, Willacy County, and Hidalgo County. Call 956-504-2211 to have our attorney review your case and help you understand all of your legal options during a free initial consultation.

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Overview of DWIs and Licensed Professionals in Cameron County

• Which professions are licensed in Texas?
• How do convictions affect professional licenses?
• Where can I find more information about DWIs and licensed professionals in Brownsville?

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Types of Licensed Professionals in Texas

Several non-professional occupations (fields not requiring four-year degrees) are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Programs licensed and regulated by TDLR include:

Many other professions in Texas are licensed by other licensing agencies, including but not limited to the following:

• Board of Law Examiners — Attorneys

• Texas State Board of Medical Examiners — Physicians

• Texas Board of Nursing — Registered Nurses (RN) / Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN)

• Texas State Board of Pharmacy — Pharmacists

• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement — Law Enforcement Officers

• State Board for Educator Certification — Teachers

• Texas State Board of Public Accountancy — Certified Public Accountants

• Texas Board of Professional Engineers — Professional Engineers

• Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors — Professional Counselors

• Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services — Child Care Administrators

• Texas Board of Architectural Examiners — Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects

• Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners — Occupational Therapists

• Texas Department of State Health Services — Massage Therapists, Medical Radiologic Technologists, Respiratory Care Practitioners, Code Enforcement Officers, Emergency Medical Technicians, Midwives, Opticians, and Chemical Dependency Counselors

• Texas Department of Insurance — Insurance Adjusters and Insurance Agents

• State Securities Board — Securities Dealers / Investment Advisors

• Court Reporters Certification Board — Court Reporters / Stenographers

• Texas Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) or the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) — Interpreters For The Deaf

• Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners — Chiropractors

• Texas Board of Orthotics and Prosthetics — Orthotists / Prosthetists

• Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying — Land Surveyors

• Texas Commission on Fire Protection — Fire Protection Personnel / Firefighters

• Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services — Long Term Care Nurse’s Aides and Nursing Facility Administrators

• Texas Department of Agriculture — Pesticide Applicators and Fish Farmers / Aquaculturists

• Texas Department of Public Safety — Private Investigators and Security Guards

• Texas Funeral Service Commission — Funeral Directors / Embalmers

• Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner — Pawnbrokers

• Texas Real Estate Commission — Real Estate Brokers / Sales Agents and Real Estate Inspectors

• Texas State Board of Dental Examiners — Dental Hygienists and Dentists

• Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists — Psychologists

• Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners — Plumbers

• Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners — Social Workers

• Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners — Veterinarians

• Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers — Athletic Trainers

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Consequences of Convictions for Licensed Professionals in Brownsville

Under Texas Occupations Code § 53.021(a)(2), licensing authorities have the power to suspend or revoke a license, disqualify a person from receiving a license, or deny to a person the opportunity to take a licensing examination if the person has been convicted of and offense that does not directly relate to the duties and responsibilities of the licensed occupation and that was committed less than five years before the date the person applies for the license. Texas Occupations Code § 53.021(b) establishes that a license holder’s license will be revoked on the license holder’s imprisonment following a felony conviction, felony community supervision revocation, revocation of parole, or revocation of mandatory supervision.

It is important for any licensed professional to have legal representation during all aspects of his or her DWI cases, as concessions made in negotiating criminal penalties during plea bargaining could negatively affect professional licensing matters. Certain license holders are required to self-report convictions while others are not. A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate these complex areas.

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Resources for DWI Career Collateral Consequences in Cameron County

TDLR | Homepage — The TDLR is the state agency that refers to itself as “the umbrella licensing agency of Texas.” The TLDR’s mission is to “honor the trust of all Texans, safeguard the public, and provide a fair and efficient licensing and regulatory environment at the lowest possible cost.” Use this website to find information about news, updates, and advisory board meetings for licenses handled by the TDLR.

Alcohol Related Offenses | Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) — The mission of TxDPS is to protect and serve Texas. On this section of the TxDPS website, you can find information about consequences of various types of DWI and other alcohol-related offenses. You can also learn more about reinstatement fees and ignition interlock devices (IIDs).

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The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. | Brownsville Licensed Professionals DWI Defense Attorney

If you are a licensed professional in South Texas who was recently arrested for DWI, it is in your best interest to immediately seek legal representation. The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. represents individuals all over Hidalgo County, Cameron County, and Willacy County.

Jonathan Gracia is an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Brownsville who can fight to help you achieve the most favorable possible outcome to your case with the fewest possible penalties. You can have our attorney provide a complete evaluation of your case when you call 956-504-2211 or fill out an online contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

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