Contractors in California depend on their professional licenses to operate legally and maintain client trust. When someone files a complaint with the Contractors’ State License Board (CSLB), many contractors immediately worry that they must stop working and cancel any pending jobs. The good news is that you can typically continue working until the investigation is concluded.
Below, you’ll learn what you can and can’t do while under investigation and when to call a contractors’ license defense lawyer.
What Triggers a CSLB Investigation?
The CSLB will typically open an investigation after receiving a complaint from a consumer, competitor, employee, or supplier. Common complaints include one or more of the following:
- Poor workmanship
- Contract disputes
- Unlicensed activity
- Violations of CSLB regulations
Just because the board opens an investigation against you does not mean that you did something wrong. The board will investigate the matter to see if the claims have any substance. However, you must take any contracting license defense matter seriously from the moment you are notified.
Review the notice you received and look for any timelines or deadlines that you are subject to. You may be required to respond to the complaint within a set timeframe. Failing to do so could cause the board to escalate the investigation, or you could forfeit your right to appeal their decision.
Once you find out what the deadline is, don’t hastily make a call or send an email. Take a moment to contemplate what you just learned and consult with a licensed professional about the matter.
A contractor’s license defense lawyer can help you plan your next steps and protect your right to work while the board handles the investigation. Getting a lawyer involved early is the best move anytime you are facing a grievance.
When Work Must Stop During Suspension or Revocation as a Contractor
If the CSLB takes disciplinary action against your contractor license, then you may have to stop doing any work that requires that licensure. If the board decides that discipline is necessary, it can elect to suspend or revoke your license. A suspension is for a set time period, such as six months or one year. A revocation means you lose your license altogether, potentially forever.
A strong contracting license defense strategy aims to resolve complaints before they escalate to formal disciplinary action, such as suspension or revocation. If the board deems that punishment is necessary, your lawyer can lobby for lesser consequences. For example, they can push for a shorter suspension or ask the board to offer continuing education instead so that you can continue working.
Even a short-term suspension will be incredibly detrimental to your business and professional reputation. Your lawyer will emphasize those concerns to the board and fight for a better outcome on your behalf.
Responding to a CSLB Complaint
When you are notified of a complaint, you may be asked to provide documentation or submit a written response. You may also have to submit to an interview with the board and its investigators. The good news is that you don’t have to do any of these things alone.
While you may be eager to defend yourself, unplanned or haphazard responses can unintentionally hurt your case. Work with your lawyer to craft a better response that strengthens your case, not weakens it. A skilled attorney can help you work within established deadlines and respond strategically.
Possible Outcomes of a CSLB Investigation
After reviewing the evidence, the CSLB may do one of the following:
- Close the complaint with no action
- Issue a citation or fine
- Require you to take corrective action
- Seek suspension or revocation of the license
Not every investigation leads to discipline. However, the outcome will affect the future of your license and your business. If you’ve worked years to build your reputation, earn customers, and master your craft, the idea of losing your livelihood can be absolutely terrifying. That is why proactive contracting license defense matters, even when you are still allowed to work.
Why Early Legal Guidance Is Critical to Protect Your License
Many contractors delay seeking help because they are still working and assume the issue will resolve itself. However, involving a lawyer early is the best way to protect your reputation.
S J Harris Law offers contracting license defense services for professionals throughout California. Our team is here to serve you when your license and reputation are on the line by providing timely, professional, and focused legal guidance.
Contact us to schedule a free phone consultation. We look forward to standing up for you and your right to work.
