Professionals in North Carolina are subject to regulation by professional boards. Various mistakes can lead to an investigation and possible suspension of your license. However, criminal charges can also lead to an investigation, even if the crime does not involve a client or patient. Call Remington & Dixon, PLLC to speak with a Charlotte, North Carolina professional license defense lawyer about the allegations made against you. A prompt, zealous defense is necessary to help you continue with your profession.
Criminal Charges Related to Clients or Patients
Any professional accused of committing a crime against a client or patient will certainly face an investigation. Some common examples include:
- A medical professional assaulting a patient who is under anesthesia
- A lawyer who steals client funds
- A teacher who abuses a student
- A real estate agent embezzling funds
- A nurse stealing from or assaulting a resident in a nursing home
These are situations where a professional is accused of committing a crime, and the patient or client is the victim.
You can be sure that the client/patient will complain to the relevant licensing board. Consequently, the risk of an investigation is very high. Based on what they find, the Board can take certain disciplinary action:
- Require additional courses or education
- Issue a public reprimand
- Suspend a license
- Revoke a license
We encourage you to reach out to Remington & Dixon, PLLC, to speak with our professional license defense attorney about any alleged criminal conduct.
Criminal Charges Unrelated to Your Profession
Many professionals also get into trouble when accused of a crime, even if a client or patient isn’t victimized. Some common situations include:
- Drunk driving charges
- Drug possession charges
- Allegations of assault or molestation made as part of a divorce
- Shoplifting arrests
- Assaults or threats against a neighbor
- Domestic violence charges
In these situations, you can still face possible Board investigation, even if you were not providing professional services at the time.
Most professions in North Carolina require that members show good judgment and not commit crimes of moral turpitude. You can face an investigation and possible sanctions, regardless of who was the victim.
For example, a person who is accused of drunk driving or drug possession looks like a risk to the reputation of the profession. An alcoholic may be more likely to steal or commit some other offenses against a client, so the state Board will often step in and investigate.
Unless a client or patient is a victim, the Board might not receive notification. But they can find out about criminal charges in other ways, such as by following the news. Or a member of the public might report your arrest to the Board.
Some Boards require that licensed professionals self-report any criminal arrest. If you fail to follow through, then you have violated the rules and can face sanctions.
How a Professional License Defense Attorney Can Help
If you were accused or arrested of a crime, you need experienced legal assistance. A seasoned professional license defense attorney can help in the following ways:
- Review the charges or allegations against you
- Analyze whether you need to self-report the crime, and help you do so in the proper way
- Respond to any request from the Board for information about your practice or representation
- Represent you in mediation or meetings with investigators
- Present evidence on your behalf in a hearing
Some professionals make certain mistakes that make it harder to keep their licenses. We recommend avoiding the following:
- Don’t put your head in the sand and hope the Board won’t find out about criminal charges. Be proactive. Meet with a lawyer to find out your reporting requirements. You can be sanctioned for failing to self-report a crime.
- Avoid turning over client or patient files without a lawyer reviewing them. Some professionals assume being “open” is the best policy when the Board investigates. Trying to be helpful, they invite investigators to comb through files. Although you can’t hide information from investigators, you also don’t want to invite them to dig through your records to find other violations. Let a lawyer review what evidence you need to turn over.
- Don’t make excuses. Any allegation of criminal conduct is serious. The Board might be unimpressed by your claim that a DUI is a “one-time” mistake.
These are only a few of the mistakes that professionals should avoid. Our firm can discuss other specific steps to take in a consultation.
Your Livelihood is on the Line: Contact Us
Our North Carolina professional license defense attorney at Remington & Dixon, PLLC, has helped professionals in many professions maintain their licenses. We can help doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, pharmacists, and others when they are investigated for ethical breaches or for committing criminal offenses.
Contact our office to schedule a consultation. Our law firm can immediately move to protect your rights. We can communicate with investigators or the Board and determine what you need to share to be in compliance. We can also advocate that the Board not revoke or suspend your license. We have helped professionals across all of North Carolina and will be glad to assist you in your case.
