Professional License Defense
A criminal charge can trigger a licensing board investigation. A conviction can end a career. For doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, pharmacists, CPAs, and real estate agents, the professional consequences of a criminal case often matter more than the criminal penalties themselves.
How licensing boards respond to criminal charges
Most Texas licensing boards require self-reporting of arrests or charges. Some initiate their own investigation as soon as the charge is filed, before any conviction. The board proceeding runs on a separate track from the criminal case, with different rules, different burdens of proof, and different decision-makers.
The criminal defense and the licensing defense must be coordinated. A plea that resolves the criminal case favorably can still produce a licensing result that destroys the client’s livelihood. We work with licensing attorneys to ensure that the criminal resolution protects the client’s professional future.
Offenses that affect professional licenses
Drug offenses can affect any professional license. Sex offenses are particularly devastating for healthcare providers and educators. Fraud charges threaten financial professionals and anyone in a position of trust. Even a misdemeanor assault conviction can trigger board action.
Deferred adjudication
Deferred adjudication is often presented as a way to avoid a conviction, but it is reported to licensing boards and can trigger the same consequences as a conviction. For some professions, deferred adjudication on certain offenses is treated identically to a guilty verdict. We evaluate whether deferred adjudication actually protects the client’s license, or whether trial is the better option.
Talk to us
If you have been convicted and need an appeal, email us at [email protected].