San Francisco License Suspension Defense Attorney Serving Merchant Mariners
Whether you work on the deck, in engineering or in the steward's department, if you work on a United States Coast Guard documented merchant vessel weighing more than 100 Gross Register Tons, you must have a valid Consolidated Merchant Mariner Credential ("MMC"). Otherwise, you must have a valid license, a Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD) a Certificate of Registry (COR), as well as an International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). Certain criminal convictions or misconduct can put your MMC or other certificate or license at risk. For instance, if you fail a drug test, or are convicted of offenses such as drunk driving or drug possession, you will face prosecution for the suspension or even revocation of your MMD or license, even if you were not under Shipping Articles for any vessel at the time of this alleged violation of law.
The U. S. Coast Guard receives records of driving under the influence (DUI or DWI) convictions constantly from state authorities. The shipping companies report all loggings for alleged misconduct to the Coast Guard as well. At Berschler Associates, PC, attorney Arnold I. Berschler and our staff can defend you in administrative hearings brought by the Coast Guard. In every case, our goal will be to prevent professional damage to your reputation and loss or suspension of your license or document when possible. If not possible, we will fight to minimize this loss of income caused by a license or MMD suspension or revocation due to alleged misconduct, including criminal conviction or failed drug test. The earlier our law firm intervenes in your case, the more chances you will have to obtain a successful result. Based in San Francisco, our law firm represents Merchant Mariners, in Coast Guard hearings, across California, Oregon and Washington State.
When the Coast Guard learns of certain criminal convictions, it is obligated to investigate the circumstances of the crime. The Coast Guard may make one of three determinations: it can take no action, it can send a Letter of Warning to the offender, or it can file a complaint. If the Coast Guard files a complaint against you, your case can be heard before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). If you face an administrative hearing, or if you have reason to believe the Coast Guard is investigating you, a knowledgeable lawyer can be of great assistance. Attorney Arnold I. Berschler has represented numerous mariners in these administrative hearings. We have helped many merchant mariners avoid license, MMD or MCC revocation or suspension and/or worst consequences associated with U.S. Coast Guard hearings, Decisions and Orders or referral to the criminal division of the U. S. Department of Justice.
Contact Berschler Associates, PC •
If you face the suspension or revocation of your MMC, marine license or Merchant Mariner's Document, you have rights. Begin defending yourself and call or e-mail our California Coast Guard license defense lawyer today. Arnold I. Berschler will either answer your call immediately or return your call within 24 hours. The consultation is free. Continuing representation would be on a fee-paid basis.
