Receiving notice of a complaint against your license is something about which most professionals have nightmares from time to time. So when it happens in waking life, it is understandable that you may be upset and likely to fear the worst. Unfortunately, this is not a state of mind in which people tend to make their best decisions. Often professionals will either ignore the complaint (either believing it to be without merit, or simply avoiding their fear by avoiding the situation confronting them), or will respond to allegations in ways that make matters worse rather than better. But there are steps you can take that will improve the likelihood that any investigation against you by a licensing board will end without discipline against you or revocation of your license.
Just because no harm came to a client or patient does not mean a board is likely to end an inquiry automatically. They are looking for violations of state laws or professional rules, whether or not harm was caused. So it is imperative that you neither take the board’s investigation lightly or ignore it. You’ve worked hard to get your license, and the board, whose job is to protect the public, can fine you, put you on probation, or even revoke your license. You should never assume that your innocence will out of its own accord. The complex protocols that licensing boards follow in pursuing their mandate to protect the public are not designed to exonerate licensees.
At the same time, you shouldn’t respond to any letter from the board on your own. Put simply, you are likely to lack the objectivity and the knowledge of administrative laws and procedures to craft an effective response letter. Often licensees respond in ways that put their license at further risk rather than helping their case. This also goes for handing over requested material or clinical records. The assistance of an experienced professional defense attorney is imperative in your communications with the board and its investigators.
Indeed, if you’re to have any chance of your investigation ending without discipline, it will be because you acted quickly to enlist the aid of an experienced professional license defense attorney.
Professional License Defense
BERTOLINO LLP provides aggressive advocacy for licensed professionals facing disciplinary action in Texas, at every stage of the process. We have consistently won significant cases for professionals dealing with issues that could jeopardize their ability to work. We know how to build a strong case to protect your license—and your livelihood.
With offices in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, we serve attorney clients all over the state. As experienced attorneys, well-versed in state and federal ethics rules, we know how to win. Our results speak for themselves!
If you are facing disciplinary action before a licensing agency, 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
