By Barbara Forshier on September 16th, 2025 in DUI
You’ve worked hard to earn your nursing license in Minnesota, but after one night out, everything can be at stake. You may be in shock and worried about not only the legal consequences but also damage to your reputation and your professional future. Driving under the influence can result in disciplinary action by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. However, this doesn’t automatically mean your license will be in jeopardy. Many nurses go on to continue their careers after a DUI, especially if they take swift and responsible action.
Understanding the possible consequences and knowing your rights is essential. With guidance and support, you can protect your license and your future. If you need help after a Minnesota nurse DUI, contact Forshier Law for compassionate and comprehensive legal assistance.
What Are the Consequences of a DUI in Minnesota?
The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in Minnesota is 0.08. However, if you were driving erratically, you can be arrested at lower levels as well. Minnesota law classifies DUIs into degrees based on the circumstances of the offense. Examples include having prior convictions for a DUI or DWI, a BAC over 0.16, and any aggravating factors that may have been involved. For instance, if you were driving under the influence with a minor child in the car, you might face more serious penalties than driving solo or with another adult.
You can lose your driver’s license for up to a year after a first DUI in Minnesota, and repeat offenders can lose their right to drive entirely. You may also be required to use ignition interlock devices, pay fines that range from $1,000 to $3,000, and enter into mandatory treatment programs and probation.
While these penalties are serious, they are only part of the picture for nurses. The professional implications around DUI and nursing in Minnesota can be significant also.
How Can a DUI Affect Your Nursing License?
A DUI won’t automatically cause you to lose your nursing license. However, the Minnesota Board of Nursing takes DUI charges and convictions very seriously. These offenses may be seen as impairing your ability to safely care for patients as well as remain responsible around controlled substances like pharmaceuticals.
When the Board becomes aware of your DUI, it can choose to initiate an investigation and potentially take disciplinary action. Disciplinary measures as a nurse can include:
- Formal reprimand
- Fines or civil penalties
- Required participation in a monitoring program
- A stay of suspension/ probation
- Mandatory substance use assessments or treatment if indicated
- In severe cases, where there is harm to another and a felony conviction, license suspension or revocation.
The Minnesota Board of Nursing’s decision often depends on a variety of factors. If you are called in for an investigation, remember that you have the right to an attorney.
Forshier Law focuses exclusively on nursing defense. As a former nurse, Barbara Forshier approaches nursing defense with patience, compassion, and insight. Forshier Law can advise you about any of the following factors that the Minnesota Board of Nursing commonly considers, as well as strategize with you about how to present your defense. The Board will take into account elements like:
- Whether it’s your first DUI or a repeat offense
- If your DUI was classified as a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or a felony
- Whether or not anyone was hurt or killed in the accident
- Whether the offense involved drug use as well as alcohol
- A history of addiction, life-altering events, or other personal context around your DUI
- Your history of professional conduct as a nurse.
Felony DUI vs. Misdemeanor DUI
A misdemeanor DUI, especially a first offense, is less likely to result in loss of license. However, it can still lead to investigation and monitoring. A felony DUI, on the other hand, is more serious and could lead to stricter disciplinary actions, including possible license suspension or revocation. In Minnesota, a DUI is categorized as a felony under MN Statutes 169A.24 subd.2 if:
- The driver has a prior felony DUI conviction on their record
- The driver has been stopped for criminal vehicular homicide involving alcohol or another form of controlled substance in the past, or
- They have three or more alcohol-related driving incidents on their record within the past 10 years.
Steps Nurses Should Take After a DUI To Protect Their License
If you’re a nurse who’s been charged with or convicted of a DUI, you do not have to face the consequences alone. You have options available to make the situation better, including:
- Hiring legal representation: Forshier Law can represent you in front of the Board, advise on your rights, and guide you through interactions with the Board to protect your license
- Staying honest and cooperative: During the investigation, honesty goes a long way. Trying to avoid the situation will only make it worse. Working with a nursing license defense attorney can ensure you share the relevant details while protecting your privacy during the investigation.
- Demonstrating rehabilitation: If alcohol abuse or substance dependency was a factor in your DUI, seek treatment or counseling immediately. Voluntarily enrolling in a recovery program or completing an assessment can show the Board that you’re committed to maintaining patient safety.
- Maintaining professional excellence: Continue to demonstrate good conduct in your workplace. Character references, performance reviews, and a clean work record can all support your case during Board review.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUIs
Do I have to report a DUI to the Board of Nursing?
If you currently hold a nursing license and are convicted of a DUI in Minnesota, the court is required to report your conviction to the Board. The board does not need to be notified if you have been arrested or charged.
What if I was arrested but not charged?
While you aren’t required to report an arrest to the Board of Nursing, they could become aware of it later, which may still impact your ability to practice. We encourage you to reach out to us for guidance on your specific circumstances.
Can I still get a nursing job with a DUI on my record?
Yes, you can still work as a nurse with a DUI on your record. However, you may need to prove to employers your trustworthiness and that you have taken steps to address an issue that was in your past.
Moving Forward After a DUI
A DUI doesn’t automatically lead to losing your nursing license in Minnesota, but it can be a serious strain on your professional career and reputation. Contact Forshier Law for help with nursing license defense and to protect the hard work you’ve undertaken to become a nurse in the first place. Forshier Law can help build your case to protect you and your career after a mistake.
