Non ETOH DUI & scared for my future

3 posts · started Dec 12, 2006

wenika Dec 12, 2006, 1:17 AM
I am up on charges for a DUI although I wasn't drinking, nor did I hit/hurt anything ( they thought I was weaving; it was grad night & I was picking my daughter up so she wouldn't run the chance of a drunk driving accident or something.) Talk about irony. I did have prescribed RX in my blood stream ( I have Musc. Dystrophy and chronic back issues for which I just had surgery.)
My lawyer thinks I should fight it i.e. go to trial, because 1. I have no prev. record 2. I have stacks of documents from numerous specialists which discuss my leg weakness and inability to stand on one leg. 3. Because of the dermatomyositis my balance has been affected for the last few years.
I am very very scared about losing my liscence ( California BRN ) or being forced to do a four year recovery program and having my liscence suspended and it being on my record.

The reality is I have worked as a diabetes educator for the last two years while having to rely on prn rx; commuting to work, etc. I had this disc replacement surgery so that I can continue my career which I love. Does anyone have any insights?
Does the BRN look poorly upon someone who fights DUIs? should I not fight it and risk the DUI?
noah04 Dec 15, 2006, 11:16 AM
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!! if you can avoid a conviction, you are more likely not to have to mess with the Board, or a diversion program. I am unsure of California's laws etc, but i know DUI doesn't necessarily mean ETOH. If you have a valid prescription and a good lawyer, the first round of trouble is out of your way. It will be the State's burden to prove that your medication impairs you and you were driving unsafely.
sorry i cannot be more helpful, i wouldn't take a plea unless absolutely necessary, once you have a conviction, you begin the "process" with your career.
Dutchesslaura Dec 22, 2006, 9:20 PM
I can only empathize, I'm in the same boat. Incident occured two years ago. I'm job hunting and this thing is popping up. I am upfront during the interview but still no job. I haven't worked in a year due to a car accident (unrelated to the DUI) and need to get back to work. I am active in 12-step and take absoluety NOTHING! I would love to find a job in a call center. Best of luck to us both.:)