Professionals whose licenses are subject to discipline proceedings need experienced defense counsel. Oftentimes, discipline proceedings start following an arrest, criminal conviction, complaint to a licensing agency or alleged workplace misconduct. Seeking counsel who will maintain your privacy and confidentiality and appreciate the sensitive nature of these proceedings while fighting for the best resolution for you is of utmost importance.
After an allegation has been made, a licensing agency may investigate the claim and determine whether to file an accusation. If so, in order to maintain your license a Notice of Defense must be filed. It is imperative that evidence mitigating the conduct alleged in the Accusation or showing rehabilitation be gathered. If the matter is not resolved the Accusation will be heard by an Administrative Law Judge in the Office of Administrative Hearings.
In order to impair a professional's license, the conduct which is the subject of the Accusation or which resulted in a conviction usually must be substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the profession. Whether a felony or misdemeanor is substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of a profession is determined by the Courts on a case-by-case basis.
To review information regarding your licensing agency's disciplinary policies, see below:
- For the 2005 Manual of Disciplinary Guidelines published by the California Board of Accountancy, click here.
- For the Disciplinary Guidelines published by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners, click here.
- For the Disciplinary Guidelines published by the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board, click here.
- For information regarding the discipline policy of the Board of Registered Nursing, click here.
- For the Disciplinary Guidelines published by the California Board of Pharmacy, click here.
- For the Department of Consumer Affairs Physical Therapy Board of California Model Guidelines for Issuing Citations and Imposing Discipline, click here.
- For the Disciplinary Guidelines published by the Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Psychology, click here.
- For the Disciplinary Guidelines published by the Department of Consumer Affairs Respiratory Care Board of California, click here
If you are a professional, under investigation or charged with a felony or misdemeanor, email or call Stacie L. Patterson (619) 269-8074 for an assessment of your case.