DUI – Misdemeanor Reduced to Wet Reckless, Saving Medical License

Client, a licensed physical therapist, was charged with DUI involving a collision and high blood alcohol concentration. The case was filed as an aggravated DUI with major professional consequences. We fought the case in court and secured a reduction to a wet reckless. Then we fought the licensing board—and won again. Client kept his license and his job.

The case began with a DUI arrest following a collision. Client had a high BAC and was charged with an enhanced DUI, which carried not only criminal penalties but also mandatory reporting to the Physical Therapy Board of California. The Board took the position that the conduct warranted discipline. They sought to suspend his license or impose a six-month rehabilitation program—either of which would have caused the client to lose his job.

We fought the case aggressively in court. Despite the elevated BAC and the collision, we achieved a reduction to a wet reckless, avoiding the statutory DUI conviction. That result was crucial in setting up the next phase of the defense.

Afterward, we represented the client in proceedings before the Physical Therapy Board. At a full evidentiary hearing, we presented mitigation, expert evaluation, and supporting testimony to show that our client was not a risk to patient safety and did not require formal discipline. The administrative law judge agreed, rejecting the proposed suspension and rehab order.

This result preserved not just the client’s record, but his livelihood. It reflects what we do best: defending professionals when their career is on the line.

If you hold a license and are facing criminal charges, the consequences extend beyond the courtroom. We understand that—and we know how to fight on both fronts.