Criminal Defense Lawyers

Professional License Defense Attorney Lawyers

Dealing With Professional License Issues? You Need a Good Lawyer

Getting in trouble with your professional licensing board can make you feel scared, stressed, and overwhelmed. I get it – your career is on the line. As someone who depends on that license to work and provide for your family, the thought of losing it is terrifying.Let me introduce myself. I’m a professional license defense attorney. Helping professionals like yourself who are facing investigations or charges from licensing boards is what I do every day. I’m here to guide you through this process and advocate for you every step of the way. My goal is to protect your reputation, privileges and livelihood.

What Can a License Defense Lawyer Do For You?

I offer complete legal representation related to your professional license. Here are some examples of how I can help:

• Respond to Complaints: I can draft responses to any licensing board complaints filed against you. This involves strategically rebutting allegations and presenting counter-evidence.
• Represent You in Hearings: If your case goes to a disciplinary hearing, I can represent you before the licensing board and make the best argument to avoid suspension or revocation.
• Negotiate Settlements: Many cases can be resolved through settlements negotiated with the board. This may result in lighter sanctions like fines or probation. I can handle these negotiations for you.
• File Appeals: If your license is revoked, I can appeal the decision and fight to get it reinstated. I know how to navigate the appeals processes.
• Advise on Ethics Issues: I can offer guidance on ethics rules and professional conduct standards so you avoid missteps.

Essentially, I serve as your advisor and advocate throughout the licensing disciplinary process. My expertise is vital for achieving the best possible outcome.

Why You Need a Strong Defense

The licensing boards hold a lot of power over your career. They can impose harsh sanctions if you don’t have the right legal defense:

• Heavy fines that impact your finances
• Restrictions on your practice
• Probationary periods
• Temporary suspension of your license
• Permanent revocation of your license

The worst penalties can totally derail your livelihood. Even lesser sanctions can tarnish your professional reputation. That’s why building a strong defense case against the allegations is so important.Here are some key reasons why my legal expertise makes a big difference:

• I know how to navigate the complex administrative laws and procedures governing licensing discipline.
• I can scrutinize the allegations against you and identify any weaknesses, credibility issues or legal defenses to fight back.
• My negotiation skills can help broker settlements that may save your license.
• I understand how to present mitigating circumstances to cast your actions in a sympathetic light.
• My litigation experience allows me to coordinate expert testimony and build evidentiary support for your defense.
• I won’t leave any stone unturned in defending your livelihood and privileges.

Having an aggressive legal defense greatly improves your chances of protecting your career.

When to Call a Lawyer

Don’t wait until your back is against the wall to call me. It’s wise to contact me as soon as:

• You receive a subpoena from a licensing board
• A patient or client files a complaint against you
• You’re under criminal investigation and charges could impact your license
• Your licensing board begins an audit or investigation of your activities
• You’re facing an upcoming disciplinary hearing
• Your license was temporarily suspended
• Your license was revoked and you want to appeal or seek reinstatement

The earlier I can get involved, the better I can protect your rights and interests during the investigative process.

Finding the Right License Defense Lawyer

It’s important to research attorneys’ qualifications when selecting legal counsel for a professional license case. Here are key credentials to look for:

• Extensive experience specifically with license defense cases
• In-depth knowledge of the ethical rules for your profession
• Familiarity with the licensing laws in your state
• A proven track record of favorable outcomes
• Strong negotiation, litigation and appellate skills
• Affordable fee structures

I meet all of these criteria and come highly recommended by professional associations and colleagues. Don’t settle for less than the best representation.

How I Build a Strong Defense

As your lawyer, I use proven strategies to defend your professional reputation and privileges. For example:

• Disputing the Evidence: I aggressively challenge the sufficiency and accuracy of the evidence against you. This may expose credibility issues, procedural errors, or outright flaws in the case.
• Advancing Reasonable Interpretations: For any disputed policies or ethical rules, I argue for reasonable interpretations that benefit your position.
• Presenting Mitigating Factors: I put your actions in context by highlighting any mitigating circumstances or rehabilitative efforts on your part.
• Coordinating Expert Testimony: Technical expert opinions can bolster your defense, so I work with experts to explain aspects of your case.
• Filing Appeals: If an unreasonable or disproportionate sanction is imposed, I fight it by filing appeals.
• Negotiating Settlements: I leverage my negotiation skills to broker fair settlements with boards that may involve reduced sanctions.

I pull out all the stops to protect your license and career. You have a dedicated advocate in your corner.

The Costs of Professional License Defense

The costs of license defense cases vary based on factors like case complexity, length of litigation, and geographic region. Some typical fee ranges include:

• Initial Consultations: $200 – $500 per hour
• Case Review and Preparation: $200 – $500 per hour
• Administrative Hearings: $2,000 – $10,000 fixed fee
• License Reinstatement: $2,000 – $10,000 fixed fee
• Appeals: $10,000 – $100,000 fixed fee

More serious or complex cases with extensive litigation can potentially cost over $100,000. However, the investment is worthwhile to protect your career. I offer competitive rates and payment plans.

Key Precedents in License Defense

There are some notable legal precedents that have strengthened due process protections for licensed professionals facing discipline:

• Dr. Amir Taghinia v. The Indiana State Board of Dentistry (2015) – Boards cannot take action based on unadopted rules.
• Dittman et al v. California (1991) – Boards must provide timely hearings that meet constitutional standards.
• Barry v. Barchi (1979) – License holders have a property interest entitled to prompt hearings.
• Board of Regents v. Roth (1972) – Professional licenses are protected property interests.

These cases limit licensing boards’ power and require fair procedures. As your lawyer, I leverage these precedents in your defense.

Common Defenses in Licensing Cases

When representing clients before boards, some defenses I frequently employ include:

• Lack of intent to commit misconduct
• Disputing alleged facts due to inaccuracy
• Advancing reasonable alternative interpretations of codes of conduct
• Presenting mitigating circumstances explaining the conduct
• Arguing sanctions are disproportionate to the offense
• Emphasizing rehabilitation efforts and compliance improvements

I build the strongest defense by combining multiple strategies. My goal is to protect your license and your livelihood.

I’m in Your Corner

Losing your professional license is scary. I understand this, and I’m here to support you not just as your lawyer but as your advocate. My legal expertise combined with empathy, reassurance, and respect will get you through this. I celebrate the small wins with you. I listen and understand your fears. Together, we’ll navigate the process. You have someone fighting for you. Give me a call.