Drug charges are very prevalent and unfortunately, many times the police charge the wrong person as the “kingpin”. A common scenario is when the police arrest someone who is a user and, instead of charging them with simple possession, they charge them with Possession with the Intent to Deliver (PWI) or another higher grade offense. Instead of investigating and going after the true ring leader, they put all the blame on you.

If you are a licensed professional in Pennsylvania, like a chiropractor, getting the right legal advice is essential to evaluating your legal options. Many inexperienced attorneys will convince a client to plead guilty to a drug charge if they can work out deal that converts most of the jail time to probation or another option. However, this is bad advice indeed.

According to the State Board of Chiropractics, a felony drug conviction can result in them not issuing a license for 10 years. The exact statute can be found at: 63 P.S. § 625.501(a)(7). It states that the requirements for licensure include:

7. Has not been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L. 233, No. 64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act,  1 or of an offense under the laws of another jurisdiction which if committed in this Commonwealth would be a felony under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, unless the applicant satisfies all of the following criteria:
   1. At least ten years have elapsed from the date of conviction.
   2. Satisfactorily demonstrates to the board that he has made significant progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction such that licensure of the applicant should not be expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the health and safety of his patients or the public or a substantial risk of further criminal violations.
   3. Satisfies the qualifications contained in this act.

   An applicant’s statement on the application declaring the absence of a conviction shall be deemed satisfactory evidence of the absence of a conviction, unless the board has some evidence to the contrary. As used in this section the term “convicted” shall include a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo contendere.

Therefore, a guilty plea can affect your ability to practice. All the hard work you put into your career as a chiropractor can be thrown away because you chose an inexperienced attorney who didn’t give you all the right information.

This is why it is encouraged for licensed professional to seek experienced legal counsel. At The McShane Firm, we offer a free, detailed case consultation with an attorney who knows the legal issues and consequences facing licensed professionals and is willing to go the extra mile to protect your future. When it is your career on the line, choose The McShane Firm. Call us now at (717) 690-8643.

Justin McShane

PA DUI attorney Justin J. McShane is the President/CEO of The McShane Firm, LLC - Pennsylvania's top criminal law and DUI law firm. He is the highest rated DUI attorney in PA as rated by Avvo.com. Justin McShane is a double Board certified attorney. He is the first and so far the only Pennsylvania attorney to achieve American Bar Association recognized board certification in DUI defense from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. He is also a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency.