California Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists License Defense
Protect your Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists license
Unlock Legal represents California Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists who have issues with the Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists (BPELSG).
- Was your application to the BPELSG rejected (or you’re worried it will be)?
- Are you under investigation?
- Do you have a pending criminal matter or a criminal conviction?
Whatever your concern, Unlock Legal can help you. We are the experts in defending professionals and protecting their licenses.
If your license is in jeopardy for any reason, contact us immediately for a free consultation.
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Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists License Defense
The Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors & Geologists regulates the number of professions in California. The board both licenses professionals and investigates allegations of misconduct. They have the legal right to draft regulations that govern these professions.
To work in these professions, you need to file an application with the board for a license. Not only must you make certain disclosures, but you must also pass a professional exam. Once you have a license, you are not assured of keeping it. There are a number of ongoing compliance obligations that you must follow to maintain your license.
License Applications, Denials and Statement of Issues
Applying for your license is exciting because it is one of the last hurdles before you can begin your career. For many the application process with the BPELSG is straightforward and simple. However, for some, past criminal convictions or other issues can lock them up. The attorneys at Unlock Legal will complete and file your application on your behalf to make sure that you have the best chance of having it granted.
If you have submitted your application and it has been denied, you are not locked out of your career. A denial of your application is called a Statement of Issues. We will defend you to the BPELSG with the intention that you are granted your license free and clear. If you must be on probation, we will negotiate the best possible terms and conditions. A part of your defense may be cleaning up any past criminal issues to show your rehabilitation to the licensing body.
Investigation
If someone files a complaint against you with the BPELSG, the BPELSG may instigate an investigation against you. The attorneys at Unlock Legal will request a copy of the complaint, assist you in preparation of any statement, prepare you for the investigation interview, and represent you at the interview with the investigator. It is important to have experienced counsel with you at an investigation interview to assist you in answering any questions appropriately, and advising you when not to speak. With the right advice and counsel an investigation may end at the interview stage. If not, your licensing body may choose to file a formal complaint against you called an Accusation.
Accusations
An Accusation is a formal complaint drafted by the Attorney General’s office. It alleges various causes of action against you which may stem from conviction of a crime, and/or allegations of other bad acts like substance abuse, or deviation from the standard of care. You have only 15 days to send a Notice of Defense once you have been served with an Accusation. If you miss the deadline a default order may be rendered against you resulting in the revocation of your license.
It is imperative that you hire experienced counsel to represent you if an Accusation has been filed against you. Time is of the essence, and your career and livelihood is at stake.
Disciplinary Actions Against Those in the Engineering Professions
The board may take disciplinary action against professionals for a number of reasons. They may receive a complaint or may learn of alleged conduct through their own investigation. Here are some reasons for disciplinary action:
- Fraud, deceit, and misrepresentation
- Practicing one of the listed professions without a license
- Failure to supervise engineers working under you
- Negligence or incompetence
- Failing to use a written contract
- Failing to record survey maps
- Other personal conduct outside of your profession
As you can see, how the board uses your competence and business practices can determine whether you can keep working in California. All it takes is one complaint to launch an extensive investigation process that can threaten your reputation and your livelihood. Board disciplinary actions are publicly available. Even if you can keep working, prospective clients and employers can search a website and find disciplinary actions.
Penalties for Rule Violations
Common penalties include revocation or suspension of your license. Even public censure can have a devastating impact on your career. As a professional engineer, your reputation is a key part of your value. Without it, your career may be permanently damaged.
One key part of the disciplinary process that you face is that you are legally entitled to due process. The board cannot do anything permanent that can result in a black mark on your record without giving you the right to be heard. If you do not reach a resolution of your matter with the board, you may have a hearing in front of an administrative law judge, where the board needs to prove its case. Even if you do not prevail here, you can appeal any findings to a court.
Oftentimes, attorneys can engage early in an investigation to improve their clients’ prospects. Their involvement may even allow their clients to head off potential disciplinary actions. You may have a chance to tell your side of the story before the board tries to initiate an enforcement action.
Petition for Reinstatement of License or Reduction of Penalties
If you have lost your license you are not locked out of the career of your choice. After a certain amount of time you are eligible to ask the BPELSG to grant your license again. In addition, you can generally request that the terms and conditions of probation be modified or terminated early. The legal team at Unlock Legal has filed petitions for reinstatement for many clients who made one mistake, and who have paid the price. We love to demonstrate mitigating circumstances and rehabilitation to the BPELSG to get our Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists back at work as soon as possible!
Contact a Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists License Defense Attorney Today
If you have been notified that you are being investigated or you face misconduct charges, you must contact an attorney as soon as possible. The lawyers at Unlock Legal are experienced license defense attorneys with a track record of helping clients achieve positive results. To speak with an attorney, you can call us today at (949) 988-4444 or send us a message online.