What to Expect When Defending Your Professional License
When you're defending your professional license, you might feel overwhelmed, confused or even threatened. Hiring Stacie Patterson as your attorney will ease your discomfort, as will understanding more about the process you're likely to go through. Below you'll find a brief description of what to expect.
After an allegation has been made, a licensing agency may investigate the claim and determine whether to file an accusation. Stacie can assist you in the investigation phase by helping you develop evidence showing the allegation is false or less egregious than it seems. In addition, she can guide you in gathering evidence of mitigation. When your defense is developed, Stacie can present it to the investigator in the light most favorable to you.
If an accusation is filed, a Notice of Defense must be filed in order to maintain your license. After the Notice is filed, Stacie will review the evidence, attempt to negotiate a resolution if appropriate, and prepare for hearing. If the matter is not resolved at this point, the accusation will be heard by an Administrative Law Judge in the Office of Administrative Hearings.
In most cases, the conduct which is the subject of the accusation or which resulted in a conviction must be substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of your profession in order to impair your professional license. In addition, whether a case is determined to be a felony or misdemeanor is also substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of your profession. This is determined by the Courts on a case-by-case basis.
For information regarding your licensing agency's disciplinary policies, choose from the list below:
- 2005 Manual of Disciplinary Guidelines published by the California Board of Accountancy
- The Disciplinary Guidelines published by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners
- Disciplinary Guidelines published by the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board
- The discipline policy of the Board of Registered Nursing
- Disciplinary Guidelines published by the California Board of Pharmacy
- The Department of Consumer Affairs Physical Therapy Board of California Model Guidelines for Issuing Citations and Imposing Discipline
- The Disciplinary Guidelines published by the Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Psychology
- The Disciplinary Guidelines published by the Department of Consumer Affairs Respiratory Care Board of California
Regardless of your licensing agency’s policies, don’t go it alone when defending your professional license. Email or call (619) 269-8074 for an assessment of your case.