As a licensed professional, there is more that is expected from you. You have a duty to the general public to perform your duties to your profession’s mandatory standard. When you do not, you risk having a complaint filed against you by members of the general public.
However, not all complaints are legitimate. Some people can file complaints against you based on an unpleasant experience. When you need someone to help you keep your license, speak with a Glendale professional license defense lawyer from the Simmrin Law Group.
Codes of Conduct
Several professions must abide by a certain code of conduct. These professions include nurses, physicians, teachers, lawyers, and dentists. These licensed professionals are required to follow mandatory regulations in their profession.
These regulations revolve around the professional’s behavior and procedures. They must answer to a state licensing board when they fail to follow these regulations.
Each state and profession has a licensing board that must investigate each complaint made by a professional. The licensing board is responsible for investigating each complaint and ensuring that the professional has not committed any egregious behavior.
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Facing Illegitimate Complaints
Even though every complaint is taken seriously, only some complaints lead to an investigation.
There are times when a member of the public has issued a complaint that has no sufficient evidence. Some complaints can be made as a form of retaliation.
Either way, being under investigation for a complaint is a bad predicament. The licensing board takes all complaints seriously until shown otherwise. They will search for evidence that proves there is some truth to the allegations.
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The Disciplinary Process
Every professional with a complaint against them will undergo a disciplinary process. A disciplinary process contains the following steps:
An Investigation Will Be Opened
The licensing board opens up an investigation based on the concerns in the complaint. Investigations can be difficult for many professionals. Additional issues can be discovered during this step. The licensing board can still punish professionals if they find questionable evidence outside the original complaint.
Presentation of the Findings
This is the step where the investigators present their findings to the board. It is up to the board to determine whether a hearing is necessary or to dismiss the complaint.
A Formal Hearing Will Be Held
This is the step after the presentation of the findings. During a formal hearing, the professional must defend themselves against the complaint with an independent judge. After the professional’s defense has been considered, the board will make a Final Decision and Order.
Appeal the Decision
This is an optional step if you disagree with the board’s decision. Professionals must file for an appeal within the designated timeline.
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Working with a Professional License Defense Lawyer in Glendale, CA
Facing allegations as a licensed professional is the worst position you can find yourself in.
Being found guilty of these allegations can change your entire life. You can suffer serious consequences like a revocation or suspension of your license.
At best, you may be able to have your license reinstated after five years. At worst, you can never practice your profession again. You may have to work in another profession. When your entire career is on the line, you need an experienced professional license defense attorney.
A professional license defense attorney in Glendale, CA, can navigate the complex disciplinary process. Even if you are an attorney, you may not be experienced in handling administrative law procedures. Professional license defense attorneys are skilled in finding the right balance between working with the board and protecting their client’s best interests.
Protecting Your License
Professional license defense lawyers create the best strategy to protect your license. Your lawyer can evaluate your complaint and determine the best way to advocate on your behalf. Some of the common issues that professional license defense lawyers can help resolve to include:
- Professional incompetence
- False complaints
- License renewal problems
- Fraud or misrepresentation
- Appeals of board decisions
- Drug allegations
- Violations of professional standards
- Privacy violations
A professional license defense lawyer in Glendale, CA, understands the laws and can use them to protect your license. You want to ensure that your license is not in jeopardy and that you can continue practicing. A Glendale professional license defense attorney can use the best evidence to present a compelling argument for you.
Dismissal of Complaints
Your attorney can also negotiate with the board and ensure that any illegitimate complaints against you are dismissed. Illegitimate complaints are not the end of your professional career. You still have the right to defend yourself against baseless complaints.
Your professional license defense lawyer can present the best defense and argue why a complaint against you should be dismissed. Even if the board finds additional evidence to use against you, your attorney can also use their negotiation skills to dismiss that evidence.
Lowering the Penalties You Face
Even if there is some evidence that can be used against you, your lawyer can argue for a reduction of penalties against you. Revocation and suspension are not the only penalties that you can face. Other penalties include fines, probation, and alternative penalties based on the complaint.
For example, the board may decide to order mandatory treatment for a substance abuse problem before a professional can practice again. Your attorney can request a reduction of penalties from the board, allowing you to continue to work in your profession. Even if your investigation progresses to a formal hearing, your lawyer can prepare you for your hearing and make the best argument.
If you want to pursue an appeal, your lawyer can also navigate you through the process. Sometimes, the appeal process can be more complex than the disciplinary process.
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Contact a Glendale Professional License Defense Lawyer Today
Your career should not be in jeopardy because of a false complaint filed against you. When you need to protect your career and license, reach out to a professional license defense attorney from the Simmrin Law Group. Call our office, or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form