Professional and personal implications of criminal convictions and alcohol/drug related convictions.

Criminal alcohol/drug convictions have broad implications professionally and personally. Not only are you subject to the criminal penalties imposed by the courts, you are subject to driver licenses sanctions that can range from a temporary suspension to revocation of your driver license. An alcohol/drug related conviction will impact a commercial driver’s license (CDL) by revocation of your CDL designation and, thusly, a loss of livelihood. An alcohol/drug related conviction can have a serious impact on your ability to travel. You very likely will be denied entry into Canada and other countries if convicted of an Operating While Intoxicated offense (OWI) or a drug related offense. You may not be able to travel to Canada or Mexico for up to five years after a conviction.

Alcohol/drug related offenses often lead to and trigger other agencies’ involvement beyond the criminal justice system. Alcohol/drug offenses combined with domestic violence can lead to the involvement of third party agencies such as the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services when there are children involved. Quite often when one is arrested for an alcohol or drug related offense the DHHS is called to ensure the safety of children. Children in this situation are often removed from the family home and placed in foster care if deemed appropriate by DHHS.

License ramifications of Alcohol/Drug related convictions.

The loss of driving privileges by conviction of an alcohol or drug related offense resulting in suspension and/or revocation of a driver’s license presents the task of seeking reinstatement after you have served the full suspension/revocation period imposed by the State of Michigan. The process of reinstatement is not “pro forma” or guaranteed. In most cases you must make application to the State for reinstatement. You are required participate in a substance abuse assessment, submit to blood testing verifying sobriety, demonstrate you have participated in support groups, such as alcoholics anonymous (AA). Additionally, you must present letters from community members supportive of reinstatement of your license. This evidence must be presented at a hearing before an administrative law judge who will ultimately determine your reinstatement status. This process requires the assistance of an experienced attorney who understands the system and the “bullet” points that need to be presented at such a hearing.

Alcohol/drug related offenses can affect the viability of professional licenses of attorneys, teachers, doctors, nurses and other health care providers.

Employment in professions of public trust, such as attorneys, police officers and firemen, can be jeopardized for criminal violations of alcohol/drug laws and statutes. You could very well be denied employment in various governmental agencies due to a conviction of an alcohol/drug related offense. Upon conviction of an alcohol/drug related criminal misdemeanor, such as an OWI, certain professions require reporting such convictions to their licensing boards for review for potential sanctions.

Alcohol/drug related convictions could be the basis for denial of admission to professional graduate schools because such convictions reflect on and cite potential problems with substance abuse, judgment and fitness of character of the applicant.

You need aggressive advocacy for charges of alcohol/drug related offenses. The Law Offices of William J. Campbell will provide that aggressive advocacy.

William J. Campbell has over 35 years of experience in the area of criminal defense advocacy. Mr. Campbell and/or his associates, stand ready to provide you that aggressive advocacy out of either the Lansing or Mt. Pleasant Office.

Having provided over 35 years of legal service to the Lansing, Mt. Pleasant and Central Michigan Community, William J. Campbell has experience in the areas criminal law, probate law, real property law, contract law, family law, child neglect, and estate law.