Drug Charges and Professional Licensing in Georgia

Facing drug charges in Georgia can have far-reaching consequences beyond the courtroom—especially if you hold a professional license. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, educator, accountant, or tradesperson, a drug conviction can jeopardize your career, reputation, and livelihood. Understanding how Georgia law treats these situations is essential to protecting your future and that is what The Spizman Firm is here for.

How Drug Convictions Affect Professional Licenses

In Georgia, licensing boards have the authority to deny, suspend, or revoke a professional license if a person has been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude. This includes drug-related offenses, even when they’re unrelated to the individual’s profession. Many regulatory boards, such as those overseeing doctors, nurses, or teachers, take drug offenses seriously and may impose probation, suspension, or outright revocation of a license.

These boards view a conviction as a reflection of character and judgment. As a result, any drug offense—even a misdemeanor—can prompt a disciplinary review and potentially end a professional career.

Impact on Employment and State Jobs

A drug conviction can also limit employment opportunities, particularly in the public sector. Georgia disqualifies applicants with drug convictions from working for state agencies for a certain period—three months for a first conviction and five years for multiple convictions. For current state employees, a drug-related offense can lead to suspension or termination, depending on the facts of the case and the policies of the specific agency.

Driver’s License Suspension

Another often-overlooked consequence of a drug charge is the potential loss of driving privileges. In Georgia, certain drug convictions result in the suspension of a driver’s license—even if the offense did not involve a vehicle. A first offense can lead to a six-month suspension, and subsequent offenses can result in a one-year or longer suspension. For many professionals, especially those who rely on driving for work, this can be an additional burden.

Mitigating the Consequences

Fortunately, there are legal strategies to reduce the impact of a drug charge on your professional life. Georgia offers a First Offender Program that may allow individuals to avoid a conviction altogether if they successfully complete probation. In licensing matters, boards are encouraged to consider the severity of the offense, how much time has passed since the incident, and whether the person has demonstrated rehabilitation.

If you’re applying for or trying to maintain a license after a drug charge, it’s helpful to submit documentation showing personal growth, such as treatment completion, volunteer work, or letters of recommendation. Proactively addressing the issue can make a difference in how the licensing board responds.

Protecting Your Career

A drug charge doesn’t have to end your career. With the right legal representation, it’s possible to navigate the legal system and minimize the damage to your professional standing. At The Spizman Firm, we help professionals across Georgia fight drug charges and protect their licenses. Our team serves clients in Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs. If you’re facing a drug-related charge and are concerned about your professional future, contact our Atlanta Drug Crime Defense Attorneys today to learn how we can help.

Source:

gjp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023.8.1-RFO-1-pager.pdf