What Nurses Need to Know About Criminal Charges and the Missouri State Board of Nursing

A DUI arrest can have serious consequences for any licensed professional—but for nurses in Missouri, the stakes are especially high. In addition to criminal penalties, a DUI may also trigger disciplinary action by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, even if the incident occurred outside of work.

Many nurses are surprised to learn that they’re required to report criminal charges and convictions, and that the Board has the authority to investigate any conduct that reflects on a nurse’s ability to practice safely and ethically. If you’re a nurse in Missouri and have been arrested or charged with driving under the influence, it’s critical to understand how this may affect your license—and what steps you can take to protect it.

Will a DUI Automatically Result in Nursing License Suspension?

No—but it will likely result in a formal investigation by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. The Board is responsible for protecting the public, not defending licensees. If they believe your DUI charge suggests impaired judgment, substance abuse, or a risk to patient safety, they may initiate disciplinary proceedings under the Missouri Nurse Practice Act (RSMo Chapter 335).

In many cases, the outcome of the Board’s investigation depends less on the criminal charge itself and more on:

How the nurse handles the situation
Whether the incident was isolated or part of a pattern
Whether the nurse is honest and cooperative
Whether there’s evidence of rehabilitation or risk to the public

Are Missouri Nurses Required to Report a DUI Arrest or Conviction?

Yes. Under Missouri law, licensed nurses must report criminal convictions and, in some cases, arrests or charges.

If you fail to report a DUI, you may face additional penalties for non-disclosure or dishonesty, which can sometimes carry more weight with the Board than the underlying offense.

When and how to report the incident depends on:

Whether the case is still pending
Whether the Board has already been notified by law enforcement or an employer
Whether you’re in the middle of a renewal cycle (which also requires disclosure)

Tip: Always consult a nursing license defense attorney before submitting any written explanation to the Board. Statements made without legal guidance can unintentionally admit fault or make your situation worse.

How the Missouri State Board of Nursing Responds to DUI Charges

The Board may take a variety of disciplinary actions following a DUI, depending on the circumstances. These may include:

Private or public reprimand
Mandatory drug and alcohol evaluations
Substance abuse monitoring or probation
Random drug/alcohol testing
Restrictions on your license (e.g., no night shifts or medication access)
Temporary suspension or revocation, in severe or repeat cases

Even if your DUI was unrelated to work, the Board may argue that it calls into question your professional judgment, reliability, or safety as a healthcare provider.

Factors That Influence the Board’s Disciplinary Decision

When evaluating a DUI-related case, the Board considers:

Was this your first offense, or do you have a history of substance-related issues?
Were you charged or convicted, or was the case dismissed or diverted?
Were any patients, coworkers, or healthcare facilities involved?
Have you demonstrated remorse and taken proactive steps (e.g., counseling or treatment)?
Did you self-report the incident promptly and truthfully?

If you’ve taken responsibility, addressed any underlying substance concerns, and shown a commitment to safe practice, the Board may be more inclined to issue a non-punitive or limited sanction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a DUI Arrest

Failing to report the incident (or waiting too long)
Responding to the Board without legal representation
Assuming that a criminal defense attorney can handle the licensing issue
Downplaying the seriousness of the charge
Failing to complete court-ordered treatment or probation

Nursing boards in Missouri view DUIs as potential indicators of impairment. Being proactive and honest—while also being legally strategic—is key.

Defense Strategies to Protect Your Missouri Nursing License

Each case is unique, but possible defense strategies include:

1. Early Intervention and Legal Representation

A nursing license defense attorney can help prepare your written response, gather evidence of rehabilitation, and negotiate alternatives to discipline—such as entering a monitoring program or agreeing to continuing education.

2. Proof of an Isolated Incident

If your DUI was a one-time occurrence, unrelated to work or patient care, and you have no prior disciplinary history, this can support a request for leniency.

3. Completion of Treatment or Counseling

Showing that you’ve completed alcohol education classes, substance abuse counseling, or AA/NA meetings can help demonstrate that you’ve addressed the issue responsibly.

4. Supporting Letters and References

Positive letters from employers, supervisors, or colleagues can help show that you’re a safe, responsible professional.

5. Contesting the Underlying Allegation (When Appropriate)

If the criminal case is still pending or charges were dropped, your attorney may argue that the Board should withhold action or dismiss the complaint entirely.

How Sanger Law Office, LLC Can Help

At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we represent nurses across Missouri who are facing disciplinary action related to DUI arrests, criminal charges, or alleged professional misconduct. We understand the unique intersection between criminal law and professional licensing, and we work aggressively to protect your rights and preserve your ability to practice.

Our services include:

Confidential case evaluations and risk assessments
Preparing official responses to the Missouri State Board of Nursing
Communicating with Board investigators on your behalf
Negotiating terms of probation or settlement
Defending you in formal hearings and appeals

We work with nurses at every stage—from the initial arrest to license reinstatement if needed.

Call Sanger Law Office, LLC today for a free consultation:

If you are a nurse in Missouri and have been arrested for or convicted of DUI, the time to act is now. The right steps today can protect your license tomorrow.

📞 Call Sanger Law Office, LLC today for a free consultation:
(816) 520-8040 for Missouri
(785) 979-4353 for Kansas

We’re here to help you protect your license, your career, and your future.

A DUI arrest can have far-reaching consequences for nurses in Missouri. Beyond the criminal penalties, a DUI charge can place your nursing license at risk. The Missouri State Board of Nursing may view such charges as a reflection of unprofessional conduct, even if the incident occurred outside of work hours. Understanding the potential impact of a DUI on your nursing license and how to defend yourself is essential to safeguarding your career.

How a DUI Charge Can Affect Your Missouri Nursing License

The Missouri State Board of Nursing has the authority to investigate and discipline nurses for any behavior that reflects poorly on their ability to practice safely and ethically. Under the Missouri Nurse Practice Act, nurses are held to high professional and ethical standards. A DUI charge may trigger an investigation by the Board to determine whether the arrest indicates a pattern of unsafe or unethical behavior.

The consequences of a DUI-related complaint can vary depending on the circumstances. For a first-time offense, the Board may impose penalties such as mandatory participation in substance abuse programs, probation, or fines. However, for repeat offenses or cases involving aggravating factors, such as high blood alcohol levels or accidents, the Board may take more severe actions, including suspension or revocation of the nursing license.

Even if you are not convicted of DUI, the mere fact of an arrest can prompt an investigation. The Board will review the details of the case, including police reports, court records, and any evidence of substance abuse issues. It’s critical to address the situation promptly and professionally to mitigate potential consequences.

Defense Strategies to Protect Your Nursing License

If you are facing a DUI charge, developing a strong defense is key to protecting your Missouri nursing license. Legal representation plays a vital role in both the criminal case and the Board’s disciplinary process. A Missouri nursing license defense attorney can guide you through each stage of the proceedings, ensuring that your rights are protected and your side of the story is effectively communicated.

One effective defense strategy is to demonstrate that the DUI incident does not reflect your overall professionalism or ability to provide safe patient care. This can involve providing evidence of your strong work history, professional achievements, and steps taken to address the issue, such as participating in alcohol education programs or counseling.

For nurses accused of having a substance abuse problem, voluntarily entering a treatment or monitoring program can be a proactive way to show the Board that you are committed to recovery and safe practice. Missouri offers programs for healthcare professionals dealing with substance use disorders, and participation in these programs may help reduce the severity of disciplinary actions.

Additionally, challenging the evidence in your DUI case may lead to a favorable outcome in both the criminal case and the Board investigation. If the DUI charge is dismissed or reduced, this can significantly improve your standing before the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

The Role of a Missouri Nursing License Defense Attorney

When your nursing license is on the line, having an experienced Missouri nursing license defense attorney can make all the difference. Your attorney will work to protect your license by:

Advising you on how to respond to the Board’s inquiries
Ensuring that your rights are upheld throughout the investigation
Gathering evidence to support your defense, such as character references and treatment records
Representing you in hearings and negotiating with the Board on your behalf

At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we understand the impact a DUI arrest can have on your nursing career. With decades of experience defending Missouri nurses, we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Call Sanger Law Office, LLC Today

If you are a Missouri nurse facing a DUI charge, don’t risk your license and career by handling the situation alone. Contact Sanger Law Office, LLC today at (816) 520-8040 for Missouri or (785) 979-4353 for Kansas to schedule a free consultation. Let us provide the skilled representation you need to protect your nursing license and your future.

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Protecting Your Missouri Nursing License After a DUI Arrest