A DUI conviction in Florida can have serious consequences for professional licenses and certifications. Here’s how a DUI can affect your teaching certificate in Florida.
Teaching Certification
If you are a teacher in Florida, a DUI conviction can result in disciplinary action by the Florida Department of Education (DOE). The DOE may suspend or revoke your teaching certification or require you to complete certain conditions, such as substance abuse treatment, to continue teaching.
In Florida, having a DUI on your record does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a teaching certificate. However, a DUI conviction may impact your eligibility for a teaching certificate and could potentially affect your ability to secure a teaching job.
Can I become a teacher if I have had a DUI in the past?
It depends. In Florida, having a DUI conviction does not necessarily disqualify you from becoming a teacher, but it may impact your ability to obtain a teaching certificate.
When you apply for a teaching certificate in Florida, you will be required to disclose any criminal convictions, including DUIs. The Florida Department of Education (DOE) will review your application and take into account the nature and severity of the offense, the time that has elapsed since the conviction, and any efforts you have made to rehabilitate yourself.
The DOE may require you to provide additional information, such as court documents, police reports, and evidence of completion of a DUI program or other forms of rehabilitation. In some cases, the DOE may deny a teaching certificate based on a DUI conviction.
Additionally, school districts in Florida may have their own policies and requirements regarding hiring teachers with criminal convictions, including DUIs. It is possible that some school districts may choose not to hire individuals with DUI convictions. Generally, if you have had a single DUI in the past, this should not effect your ability to receive a teaching certificate.
Applying for Teaching Certificate with a prior DUI
When applying for a teaching certificate in Florida, you will be required to disclose any prior criminal convictions, including a DUI. The Florida Department of Education will review your application and conduct a background check, which will include a review of your criminal history.
The decision to grant or deny a teaching certificate is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account a variety of factors, such as the severity of the offense, the length of time since the offense, and any evidence of rehabilitation or good behavior. It is important to note that a DUI conviction may limit your options for employment in certain school districts or with certain employers who have strict policies regarding criminal convictions.
At Simko Law Group, you are hiring a former prosecutor that will aggressively advocate on your behalf and have your back throughout the entire case. Do not let a DUI define you and affect your teaching certificate. Call DUI Defense Lawyer Andrew Simko today for a free consultation.