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How Will a DUI Conviction Affect My Professional License in Colorado?

By Timothy Bussey on November 17, 2025

Close-up of a person’s hands resting on a table beside a glass of liquor and car keys, representing the professional and legal consequences of a DUI conviction in Colorado, including mandatory license reporting and disciplinary action by state licensing boards.

A DUI conviction doesn’t just carry legal penalties; it can also jeopardize your career. In Colorado, licensed professionals such as doctors, attorneys, educators, nurses, and other credentialed workers may face discipline from their licensing boards following a DUI arrest or conviction.

Whether the DUI involved alcohol or drugs, the consequences can include formal evaluations, public discipline, license suspension, or even revocation. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. has helped countless professionals defend their freedom and their future.

Do I Have to Report a DUI to My Licensing Board?

In many professions, the answer is yes. Colorado has specific statutes and rules that require licensees to report certain criminal offenses, including DUI.

Mandatory DUI Reporting Laws in Colorado

Healthcare Providers: Under C.R.S. § 12-30-108, licensed healthcare professionals (such as doctors, nurses, dentists, psychologists) must self-report any criminal conviction—including DUI—to their regulatory board within 30 days.
Attorneys: Colorado attorneys must report any criminal conviction to the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. C.R.C.P. 251.8 requires lawyers to notify the court within 14 days of conviction and provide documentation.
Teachers and School Staff: Educators may be required to report criminal charges or convictions to the Colorado Department of Education and their local school districts. Educator DUI consequences may involve contract review, disciplinary hearings, or licensure sanctions.

How Licensing Boards Respond to a DUI

Each professional board has discretion in how it responds to a DUI, and decisions vary depending on the severity of the incident, prior history, and whether public safety was at risk.

Common Board Actions After a DU:

Substance abuse evaluation
Many boards require an alcohol or drug dependency assessment, especially after a second offense.
Monitored treatment or recovery programs
Participation in a licensed counseling or rehab program may be required as a condition of license retention.
Probationary license
Professionals may be allowed to continue working under certain restrictions, such as regular testing or supervision.
Public censure or reprimand
Some boards issue formal written reprimands that become part of your professional record.
Suspension or revocation
In serious or repeat cases, your license may be suspended or revoked—often temporarily, but sometimes permanently.

If your role involves trust, public safety, or working with vulnerable populations, your licensing board may act swiftly and strictly. That’s why building a proactive defense and seeking treatment early can have a big impact on the outcome.

How a DUI Affects Different Professional Licenses in Colorado

Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare DUI license suspension is a real risk, especially if the incident involved high BAC, injury, or multiple offenses. Medical and nursing boards prioritize patient safety and often require substance abuse treatment or peer assistance programs.

Attorneys

Attorney DUI reporting must be completed promptly. A single DUI may result in a private admonition or diversion program, but repeated offenses or dishonesty in reporting can escalate to public discipline or suspension.

Educators

DUI consequences for educators may include administrative leave, termination, or license review. School districts and the Department of Education consider both the legal and ethical implications of a DUI for those working with students.

Real Estate, CPA, Engineering, and Other Licenses

Licensing boards across professions require disclosure of criminal activity. Boards may assess the impact of a DUI on your integrity, reliability, and ability to perform professional duties.

What Factors Influence Licensing Board Decisions?

Boards typically evaluate more than just the fact of the DUI. Your behavior, response, and overall professional history can all influence the outcome.

Licensing boards may consider:

BAC level and whether drugs were involved
Injury or property damage resulting from the DUI
Prior disciplinary or criminal history
Honesty in reporting and cooperation with board investigations
Evidence of rehabilitation, such as counseling or abstinence
Letters of reference and statements of support from colleagues

What Should I Do If I’m a Licensed Professional Facing a DUI?

Contact a defense attorney immediately

The sooner you speak with a legal professional, the more strategic your defense can be. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we help clients manage both the criminal and professional consequences of a DUI.

Understand your reporting requirements

Failing to notify your board or licensing agency can result in more damage than the DUI itself. Review your profession’s rules, or let us guide you through them.

Complete a substance abuse evaluation

Voluntarily seeking an evaluation from a licensed provider shows responsibility and can work in your favor with your board.

Begin treatment or counseling, if appropriate

If there’s any question of dependency or misuse, early intervention may demonstrate that you are serious about accountability.

Gather support documentation

This might include employment history, letters of recommendation, performance reviews, or community involvement. These factors paint a fuller picture of who you are beyond the charge.

Can I Still Practice While My DUI Is Pending?

In most cases, yes. But it depends on your profession and whether you are placed on administrative leave or subjected to interim restrictions.

For example:

Doctors or nurses may be allowed to continue working under supervision.
Teachers may be placed on paid or unpaid leave pending the outcome.
Attorneys may be required to submit to a conduct review panel.

How The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. Can Help

Timothy Bussey received a Gold Client Champion award from Martindale-Hubbell based on client satisfaction. With over 30 years of experience, including time as a former Deputy District Attorney and military JAG attorney, he understands both the courtroom and the collateral consequences that come with a DUI.

The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. provides:

Comprehensive DUI defense to fight the criminal charge and mitigate penalties
Strategic licensing board representation to protect your career
Guidance on reporting requirements for your specific profession
Referrals to trusted substance abuse evaluators and counselors
Negotiation with boards or agencies to secure favorable resolutions

Our goal is not only to help you avoid jail or fines. It’s also to help you keep your license, protect your livelihood, and move forward with your career intact.