Drunk Driving Michigan

You do not have to be an experienced Michigan drunk driving lawyer to know that a DUI arrest will have life-changing consequences. Not only is the suspect’s driving rights and freedom at risk, but drunk driving charges could also impact one’s professional life as well. Some occupations, particularly those that have state-approved licensing, require a convicted drunk driver to report their infraction to the state board. Failure to do so can ensure that your DUI conviction may continue to haunt you, even years later.

In 2003, Livonia dentist Thomas Schwagle was arrested and convicted of DUI charges in Michigan. Although he completed his probationary terms, regularly attends AA meetings, and retired last November, law enforcement officials have accused Schwagle of several criminal charges. Police maintain that he failed to disclose his previous drunk driving conviction to the state board, in addition to unlawfully providing drugs (including nitrous oxide) to addicts and young girls.

Schwagle denies all allegations that he provided any illicit or inappropriate narcotics to anyone, neither addicts nor minors. However, he does acknowledge that he did not advise the medical board in Michigan of  his drunk driving conviction. “I guess I’m supposed to report it to the state board or something. I had no knowledge of that, and I’ve been going to my AA meetings for seven years,” Schwagle stated. Despite this, his failure to report the DUI resulted in the suspension of his medical license by the state.

Even though Schwagle retired in November 2009, he is still fighting the suspension. Teaming up with knowledgeable counsel, the former dentist is hopeful that his license will be reinstated, and the charges against him dropped.

The case described above is a perfect example of how drunk driving convictions can haunt a person for life. Just fulfilling basic requirements such as probation or jail time is sometimes not enough. Professionals (including medical practitioners) are often required to report their conviction to a state board, even though coming forward to a group of your occupational peers can be difficult. However, as seen by the case of Thomas Schwagle, disclosing such information is important to prevent a previous DUI arrest from becoming a re-occurring problem. To battle the charges and potential consequences you face, it is important to retain the legal advice and legal representation of experienced DUI attorneys in Michigan. Doing so will not only protect your driving rights and freedom, but your future as well.

Originally published here.

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