Being charged with a crime is a frightening experience for anyone. However, licensed professionals may be particularly impacted by these charges. As a working professional in California, your professional career and your livelihood are at risk when you’re convicted of or arrested for a crime. It’s crucial that you get help immediately from an attorney that focuses on criminal defense for licensed professionals.
What “Substantially Related” Means
California licensing boards don’t discipline every criminal conviction automatically. They focus on convictions that are “substantially related” to the qualifications, functions, or duties of your specific profession. While this determination is made case by case, the crimes that most commonly put a professional license at risk include dishonesty, fraud, breach of fiduciary responsibility, financial felonies, and sex offenses. A conviction in any of these categories can result in reprimand, probation, suspension, or revocation, depending on the board and the circumstances.
This standard applies whether the conviction is recent or years old. If it comes to your board’s attention, it will be evaluated.
If You Already Hold a License
If you are a current license holder and you receive a criminal conviction or arrest, your board may open a disciplinary investigation. Each board has specific rules about when and how to report, whether at the time of arrest, upon filing of charges, or upon conviction. Missing those deadlines is a violation in its own right, independent of the underlying charge. The longer you wait to get an attorney involved, the more you risk losing the ability to shape how and when that disclosure happens.
If You Are Applying for a License
If you have a criminal conviction and are in the process of applying for a professional license, you are not automatically disqualified. California has taken steps to limit the use of criminal history as an automatic barrier to licensure, but convictions that are substantially related to your intended profession can still result in a denial. A license defense attorney can review your record before you submit your application, advise you on what to disclose and how to frame it, and represent you if the board issues a Statement of Issues in response.
Criminal Defense for Licensed Professionals
This first step for licensed professionals that receive any criminal convictions is to get help immediately. The longer you wait, the more you risk losing your professional license. Ideally, you want to recruit an attorney with expertise in criminal law who understands how an arrest, complaint, or conviction will impact your professional career. The right attorney can alleviate the stress you may be experiencing and get you the best outcome possible for your case.
Related Article: Effects of DUI Convictions on California Licensed Professionals
Criminal and License Defense Experts
Working with a criminal and license defense expert is your best bet for protecting your life and livelihood. An experienced attorney like those at Unlock Legal will take care of all of the heavy lifting for your case. Not only will they fight for you in criminal court, but they’ll also protect your career from discipline by your licensing board.
To do this, the team will provide mitigating evidence to the prosecuting attorney in order to combat your criminal conviction. Then, these experts disclose the criminal matter to your licensing board in a timely manner. Each board has different rules, and it’s crucial that you adhere to their set deadlines. Failure to properly disclose your criminal case to your board can lead to license suspensions and even revocations. Our team has over two decades of experience properly disclosing this information to California licensing boards and can ensure your career is protected.
Related Article: Consequences of DUIs for California Nurses and First Responders
Contact Unlock Legal
Are you facing a criminal conviction? Contact us immediately.
Last year, over 30,000 criminal convictions and arrests were reported to the Department of Consumer Affairs by various professional licensing boards.
We are experienced attorneys in all aspects of criminal defense and professional license defense. We will work tirelessly to help you get the best outcome possible for your case and unlock your liberty and your livelihood.
Unlock Legal provides focused representation in criminal defense and license defense for California professionals. Contact Unlock Legal today or give us a call at 949-988-4444 to speak with a professional about your case and your unique needs. You’ll find we are compassionate, easy to talk to, and willing to help in any capacity we can.
