Thread: Having a Misdemeanor and a Real Estate License?

Hi...new here.

I am looking into pursuing a real estate license but I have question before I do. There is a possibility that I could be convicted with a DUI in the near future(I hope not). I wonder if anyone knows if having a DUI conviction will affect my obtaining the license or keeping the license. In other words, if I get a DUI conviction(misdemeanor), would I be stripped of my real estate license? Or would it prevent me from obtaining it in the first place?

Contact the real estate commission in your state and ask them. They are the ones with the correct answer. most of the time a DUI would not affect licensing but it is better to go direct to the source.

Contact your DBPR or which ever agency issues the licenses. When filling out your application be SURE TO BE 100% HONEST with them.

If you have a potential for a misdemeanor than disclose it. Ultimately they will have the final decision.

Better to try and be honest to lie and let them find out later.

I agree with the two answers above. In Texas the concern is with crimes that involve deception, theft, and other moral character questions. You should be ok with a DUI, but it's best to check.

Joe

You can call a great attorney named Frank Buda. He will be able to answer any of your CA real estate questions. He was a Deputy Commissioner with the CA Department of Real Estate and knows all of the ins and outs of the Department. He will not charge you to ask questions, he is wonderful and will be able to answer your questions in regards to obtaining your license. Frank has helped many of my clients with being able to get their license with having convictions, misdemeanors, and felonies.
Also, having only one DUI should not prevent you from getting a license, nor will it be grounds to take your license away. Make sure you have as much information as possible to put with your application, the more information, the better.

Thank you!
A Step Ahead Real Estate Services
asarealtyschool

Nice Tips. Thanks for Sharing tips.

You can still get your real estate license. The California DRE prevents people who have committed felonies from gettting their real estate licenses. Plus if you have an A license or B license and get a ticket that is considered a felony, that will not count against you either. Because when you have an A or B license, driving 10 miles per hour over the speed limit is a felony. Strange, but true.

Dear SusanH,

Read your post. You are wrong. In CA a person with misdemeanors and felonies can get a real estate license and retain their license if they already have one. However, each case is different and there are many factors that apply. A single misdemeanor DUI is not a crime which is substantially related to a real estate license and should not result in a license denial, although the DRE will want you to be off of probation. I have been working for and representing people before the CA DRE for over 29 years now. Although the DRE has gotten tougher and added a bunch of new crimes that they will use to seek discipline or deny a license, a person with a criminal history can still get and retain a real estate license. It is a matter of time since the convictions, mitigation and showing rehabilitation.

Frank Buda

My girlfriend served alcohol to minor 2 years ago without checking their ID. Now she is pursuing the DRE license. Do you think her license will be denied or not ?

She really wants this license.

After 1 DUI you are probably OK, if you already have license.

If you don't have license before you get DUI the RE Board could give you the grand old run-a-round like they do in many states.

A second offense is like "felony serious". You can't be a convicted felon and hold a RE license in most states.