If a complaint has been filed against you with a professional licensing board, your livelihood, career, and reputation are on the line. This is likely an emotional and stressful time for you. Understandably, you may want to contact the licensing board to explain your side of the events in question, or you may want information about the complaint process. However, as a general rule you should not discuss the matter with anyone other than your attorney.
Contacting the Licensing Board May Be Harmful to Your Defense
We strongly urge you not to contact the licensing board to discuss the complaint with them. Further, we urge you not to contact the licensing board to seek information about the complaint process. It is too easy for inquiries about procedures to turn into discussions about the substantive matter of the case. You want to defend yourself and tell you side of the story – we understand. However, it is important that you defend yourself properly from the start and share your side of the events in the way that best serves you and your ability to defend you license.
Do not lose sight of the fact that anything you say, send, or share with the licensing board can be used as evidence against you. Never assume that you can explain the complaint away by talking with the investigator assigned to your case. If you are contacted by the licensing board or its investigatory staff, we encourage you to politely decline discussing the matter with them without your attorney present.
After receiving notice of a board complaint, contact an experienced license defense attorney immediately. Once you retain counsel the licensing board is not allowed to contact you directly and must go through your attorney. Further, your attorney will be able to help you navigate the complaint process, protect your rights, and work with you to craft initial responses to the board complaint in a way that is most favorable to your case. In our experience, it is not uncommon that our attorneys get a complaint against a client dropped with strategic, well-crafted initial responses to the complaint allegations.
The Licensing Board’s Will Not Protect Your Interests
Do not mistakenly believe that the licensing board will in any way look out for your best interests. When a complaint is filed, the board is your adversary – not your friend. The mission of Texas licensing boards is to protect the public, not your interests.
Statements you make in the initial stages of the investigation matter and will have an impact on the ultimate outcome of your case. Your license, career, and livelihood are on the line. Do not say or do anything that will harm your defense.
It is in your best interest to have an experienced license defense attorney represent you throughout the complaint process, and during any communication you have with the licensing board.
Hire the Experienced License Defense Attorneys of BERTOLINO LLP
If you have been notified of a complaint filed against you with a licensing board, agency, or commission in Texas, BERTOLINO LLP can help. Our Firm believes that immediately consulting an experienced license defense attorney to review allegations of misconduct helps ensure the most favorable outcome in your case.
We know how to navigate the complaint process against any professional, medical, or vocational license. We know how to build a persuasive case to protect your license – and your livelihood. Our results speak for themselves.
If your professional license is at risk of suspension or revocation, BERTOLINO LLP can help. We represent licensed professionals across the entire State of Texas. Our honest, experienced attorneys will fight aggressively on behalf of your license and reputation. Contact us today or call (512) 476-5757 and schedule a case evaluation.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
