According to the California Department of Consumer Affairs, professional licensing is required for those in occupations such as dentistry, psychology, teaching, accounting and more. At Okabe & Haushalter, we are equipped to handle cases in which professionals need criminal defense attorneys when faced with a professional licensing board hearing. Those employed in different occupations will have to face their respective boards if they encounter issues that put their professional licenses at risk. For example, a doctor may face a Medical Board hearing after a public complaint or an alleged violation. If you have encountered disciplinary action or allegations and will need to present yourself before a professional licensing board, don’t go without the help of a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney from our firm.
For doctors and physicians specifically, any type of complaint or alleged violation will be handled by the Medical Board of California. A complaint can come from a patient, the general public, a report from the California Business and Professions Code (B&P reports), a government group or even an anonymous source. The initial complaint will be handled by the Central Complaint Unit (CCU) which will review and determine what steps, if any, must be taken next. They may decide that an investigation is necessary to look further into the matter and even whether or not the complaint is within the Board’s jurisdiction to decide. If the complaint is minor or can be mediated, it will likely move on to the “Citation & Fine Program” which may result in the medical professional receiving a citation rather than disciplinary action. The more serious cases can be handled by the Attorney General or by way of a criminal prosecution, but even these decisions can be appealed.
Another example of professionals that may be facing complaints or other trouble with their licensing board is attorneys. In California, attorneys are licensed by The State Bar of California. An attorney is considered to be “in good standing” with the bar if they are not in violation of any section of The State Bar Act which is found in the California Business and Professions (B&P) Code Division 3 and Chapter 4. Specifically, § 6090-6095.1 detail disciplinary actions that can be taken against attorneys licensed by The State Bar of California. In these cases, the State Bar even has the authority to access all nonpublic court documents that are relevant to the case. It is likely that the evidence may be out of your favor, but you still have a strong fighting chance with the help of our firm. If you are facing allegations of professional misconduct and are an attorney, the Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers at our firm can fight for you at your professional licensing board hearing so that you are not stripped of your valuable certifications.
Okabe & Haushalter is prepared to go to bat for you no matter what particular type of professional conduct allegations you are facing. Whether you have received a complaint against you or a report is indicating misconduct on your part, our firm can evaluate your case and take a stand for you at your hearing. We are available to help professionals such as attorneys, physicians, psychologists, nurses, accountants, real estate agents and many others. Our knowledge of the California Business and Professions Code along with a variety of different professional occupations qualifies us to represent you in your case. Attorneys at our firm have also been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers® as well as have received a 10 out of 10 “Superb” Avvo rating. To learn more, please contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney from our firm today at 310-543-7708.
