Many professions require a professional license. If a complaint is filed against your license, it puts your ability to do your job at risk. Complaints and subsequent investigations can harm your reputation and may even lead to suspension or revocation of your license.
A single complaint puts your livelihood and career on the line. If you are a licensed professional facing an allegation of misconduct, you need to take the proper steps to defend your license.
When a Complaint Has Been Filed Against Your Professional License
Once your licensing board has notified you of a complaint filed against you, the investigation process is already underway. After receiving the notice, it is important that you take the following actions:
- Consult with a professional license defense attorney.
- Calendar all important dates, including the date by which you have to respond or any scheduled hearing dates.
- Review your professional insurance policy to determine what coverage, if any, you have in defending against a complaint.
- Gather documents and evidence that pertain to the complaint. If possible, have this ready for your consultation.
- Inform any person or entity of the complaint if you have a duty to do so.
Be mindful about how you respond to the complaint notice. Bear in mind that every action you choose can either help or harm your case. After receiving the notice, it is important that you avoid the following actions:
- Talking openly about the allegations. Do not discuss the complaint with colleagues or others as they can later be called as witnesses to testify against you. Only discuss case details with your attorney. The conversations you have with your license defense attorney are protected by attorney-client privilege.
- Dealing with the board on your own. Do not communicate with the board or attend any legal proceedings without your attorney present.
- Informally trying to explain yourself. Do not contact the board in an attempt to talk your way out of the complaint. Anything you say can be used against you, and you may unwittingly give the board information harmful to your case.
- Assuming the complaint lacks merit or that the board will help you. Assume nothing and understand that Texas licensing boards operate under detailed complaint enforcement protocols they must follow by state law.
A knowledgeable license defense attorney can protect your rights and help ensure the best possible outcome in your case.
Hiring an Attorney to Defend Your Professional License
Our law firm helps professionals, like you, keep their licenses when those licenses are under attack by a licensing board.
BERTOLINO, LLP provides aggressive advocacy for licensed professionals across the entire State of Texas who are facing disciplinary action in front of a licensing board or state regulatory agency. Our attorneys know how to navigate the complaint process against any professional, medical, or vocational license. Our results speak for themselves!
Contact us today or call (512) 476-5757 and schedule a case evaluation.
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