24/7 call for a free consultation 212-300-5196

AS SEEN ON

EXPERIENCEDTop Rated

YOU MAY HAVE SEEN TODD SPODEK ON THE NETFLIX SHOW
INVENTING ANNA

When you’re facing a federal issue, you need an attorney whose going to be available 24/7 to help you get the results and outcome you need. The value of working with the Spodek Law Group is that we treat each and every client like a member of our family.

Client Testimonials

5

THE BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR.

The BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR!!! Todd changed our lives! He’s not JUST a lawyer representing us for a case. Todd and his office have become Family. When we entered his office in August of 2022, we entered with such anxiety, uncertainty, and so much stress. Honestly we were very lost. My husband and I felt alone. How could a lawyer who didn’t know us, know our family, know our background represents us, When this could change our lives for the next 5-7years that my husband was facing in Federal jail. By the time our free consultation was over with Todd, we left his office at ease. All our questions were answered and we had a sense of relief.

schedule a consultation

Blog

The Impact of Criminal Charges on Professional Licenses in New York City

March 21, 2024 Uncategorized

 

The Impact of Criminal Charges on Professional Licenses in New York City

Getting arrested or facing criminal charges can totally turn your life upside down. One of the biggest impacts it can have is on your professional license. If you depend on a professional license for your livelihood, having it suspended or revoked because of criminal charges could be devastating.

In New York City, there are hundreds of jobs that require special licenses, including doctors, nurses, teachers, accountants, security guards, and more. If you hold one of these licenses, you need to understand how getting arrested or being convicted of a crime could put your career in jeopardy.

How Criminal Charges Can Affect Licenses in NYC

There are a few main ways that criminal charges can impact professional licenses in New York City:

  • Mandatory revocation – Some convictions, like felonies or serious offenses related to your profession, require automatic revocation of your license under state law.
  • Discretionary revocation – For other crimes, the licensing board has discretion on whether to suspend or revoke your license based on the facts of the case.
  • Reporting requirements – Most licenses require you to report any arrests or convictions to the licensing board, even if the charges were dismissed. Failure to report can also lead to discipline.
  • Moral character reviews – Any brush with the criminal justice system can trigger a moral character review and investigation by the licensing board.

So even an arrest or charges that never resulted in a conviction could still put your license at risk in New York City. You need to take any criminal charges seriously and understand the potential consequences.

Professions Most Impacted by Criminal Charges in NYC

Some licensed professions are more likely to be impacted by criminal charges than others. Here are some of the top jobs where licenses are commonly suspended or revoked:

  • Health care – Doctors, nurses, home health aides, EMTs, and other health professionals can lose their licenses for drug or fraud offenses, sex crimes, and other felonies or serious crimes.
  • Education – Teachers, school administrators, and childcare workers face strict moral character requirements. Sex crimes, drug offenses, violent felonies, or child abuse/endangerment charges often lead to license revocation.
  • Counselors & Therapists – Psychologists, social workers, and other counselors can lose their licenses for sex offenses, violent crimes, insurance fraud, or drug/alcohol charges.
  • Accountants – CPAs convicted of fraud or financial crimes will lose their license and livelihood.
  • Security Professionals – Security guards, private investigators, and alarm installers can have licenses revoked for violent crimes, sex offenses, and serious felonies.
  • Attorneys – Lawyers face disbarment after felony convictions, charges of moral turpitude, client theft, and other serious offenses.

As you can see, many licensed professionals in New York City could see their careers ended if they pick up a criminal conviction. Even arrests or dismissed charges could still raise red flags with licensing boards.

Fighting License Suspension or Revocation in New York City

If you’re facing potential license discipline because of criminal charges, there are steps you can take to protect your livelihood:

  • Get experienced legal help – Hire a lawyer who understands both criminal and professional licensing law. They can help minimize damage to your license.
  • Negotiate plea deals wisely – Plead guilty to lesser charges when possible, avoiding offenses that require automatic license revocation.
  • Submit mitigating evidence – Provide proof of rehabilitation, compliance with parole/probation, counseling records, and positive work history.
  • Request a hearing – You may be able to make your case in a hearing if the board is on the fence about revocation.
  • Appeal the decision – If your license is revoked, you may be able to appeal to the board or courts to get it reinstated.

With an experienced attorney, many professionals are able to keep their licenses even after arrests or convictions. But you have to be proactive and strategic in fighting back against revocation.

Getting Your License Reinstated After Revocation

If your license is revoked, there still may be hope of getting it back one day. Requirements vary by profession, but options can include:

  • Waiting out revocation period – Some boards will reinstate a license automatically after a set time period, like 5 years.
  • Re-applying for licensure – You’ll likely have to re-take exams and meet other current requirements for new applicants.
  • Filing for reinstatement – In some cases, you may be able to petition the board to reinstate your license early.
  • Expungement – Getting your record expunged can help clear the way for license reinstatement.
  • Certificate of Relief – This certificate can help relieve collateral consequences of convictions, improving your chances of getting relicensed.

While it depends on your specific situation, many people are eventually able to regain their professional licenses even after losing them due to criminal charges. But it’s always better to avoid revocation in the first place if possible.

What Should I Do If I’m Facing Criminal Charges in NYC?

Here are some key tips if you hold a professional license and are facing criminal charges in New York City:

  • Speak with a lawyer ASAP – Get advice specific to protecting your livelihood and license.
  • Be honest with your licensing board – Don’t try to hide charges from them, the truth will come out.
  • Get character references – Ask colleagues, employers, etc. to vouch for your honesty and skills.
  • Enroll in rehab/counseling – Seek appropriate treatment before the board requires it.
  • Watch your social media – Don’t post anything online that could raise red flags with the board.

With the right legal strategy, many licensed professionals in NYC can survive a criminal case without losing their careers. But you need expert guidance to help safeguard your license. Don’t leave your livelihood to chance.

The Bottom Line

Any kind of criminal conviction or charge in New York City can jeopardize your professional license and destroy your career. But experienced lawyers can often negotiate pleas, make compelling arguments in hearings, and find other strategies to help their clients keep their licenses. Don’t wait to seek out help if you find yourself facing criminal charges.

At the end of the day, your license is your livelihood if you work in a licensed profession. Protect it at all costs. Having the right legal expertise on your side can make all the difference.

Sources

Lawyers You Can Trust

Todd Spodek

Founding Partner

view profile

RALPH P. FRANCHO, JR

Associate

view profile

JEREMY FEIGENBAUM

Associate Attorney

view profile

ELIZABETH GARVEY

Associate

view profile

CLAIRE BANKS

Associate

view profile

RAJESH BARUA

Of-Counsel

view profile

CHAD LEWIN

Of-Counsel

view profile

Criminal Defense Lawyers Trusted By the Media

schedule a consultation
Schedule Your Consultation Now