No matter what kind of licensed professional you are, complaints against you can spell serious trouble for your license, especially when they result in an investigation. However, before you give up and accept the punishment for an error you made, it is important to know that there are many simple steps you can take to protect your license, even when facing an investigation, disciplinary proceeding, or other issues. I’ll tell you more below and give you information on when a licensing attorney could be useful to you
Don’t Wait to Get Legal Help
Immediately upon being notified of a complaint or disciplinary proceeding, the safest course of action you can take is to seek legal counsel. The sooner you get help, the more likely it is that your lawyer will be able to help you quickly take care of the situation before it escalates.
It is especially important to talk to a lawyer before you discuss any allegations or complaints with an investigator from your licensing agency or respond to a letter from the board. A good lawyer will know how best to respond to accusations or complaints against you early on to make the process less stressful. Even in the initial stages of any disciplinary proceeding, you should not represent yourself.
Instead, choose a licensing attorney that has substantial experience with license law. An attorney that specifically focuses on licensing law in your professional field will have a strong foundation of relationships and knowledge about the agency and process. Additionally, they will be familiar with how your particular licensing board handles investigations. This kind of knowledge can go a long way toward helping your case.
Navigating the Early Stages of the Process
While no one wants to have disciplinary action taken against their professional license, if it happens, your license is not automatically doomed. During the initial stages of the disciplinary process, there are often opportunities for you to acknowledge the mistakes you have made without completely losing your ability to work in your profession.
With a good lawyer by your side, you will have the guidance you need to navigate this process and emerge with the best possible outcome for your license. In some cases, a lawyer can find ways to let you continue to practice without any restrictions against your license; in others, they may be able to help you work with a restricted license.
Work Toward License Reinstatement or Modification of Probation
Even if your license has been suspended or revoked, or placed on probation, there is still a lot you can do to protect your license and reduce the consequences of revocation, suspension, or probation. In order to do this, you would start by petitioning the board for license reinstatement, or for a reduced period of probation.
Again, rather than attempting to do this on your own, it is in your best interest to work with a knowledgeable license lawyer who can help guide you through this complex process. A lawyer will help ensure that you meet important deadlines, properly complete paperwork, and create an effective written statement that will improve your odds of success. They can also sometimes help you prevent disciplinary action against you in one state from affecting your license in other states where you work.
If you are in a situation where your professional license is in jeopardy, licensing attorney Scott J Harris may be able to help. He has years of experience helping licensed California professionals receive the best possible outcomes in disciplinary action situations. Contact SJ Harris today to discuss the future of your professional license.
