How Do Criminal Charges Affect Your Pennsylvania Professional License Defense?
All health care and medical professionals can face a number of situations in which their licenses are at risk. The most common threats to your license are criminal charges, though nurses should also be wary of practicing outside the scope of their license. It may seem to be common sense that a criminal act would affect your license but there are a few facts you may not know.
The crime does not need to relate to your practice. For example, being charged with a DUI outside of work time could cause your license to be suspended.
In addition to criminal convictions, an accusation could also affect your license. Suspicion of a crime may be enough to suspend your license. You need a skilled lawyer on your side at the first sign of legal trouble. Your livelihood may depend on the strength of your defense.
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The Importance Of Working with Knowledgeable Professional License Defense Attorneys
You have a chance to fight criminal charges and defend your license when issues arise. To do this, however, you need an attorney who understands not only criminal defense but also the details behind medical licensing.
Our team at Hark and Hark specializes in Pennsylvania license defense. We know how the law may affect your license and how to defend it against the consequences you face during legal situations. We have represented and defended some of the best doctors, nurses, pharmacists and more.
Your Pennsylvania Professional License Defense Questions Answered
Since the status of your professional license impacts your future participation in your occupation, having accurate information is essential. Here are answers to some of the questions that our attorneys are commonly asked.
Which professions could face professional license issues in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania maintains 29 licensing boards and commissions through its Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA), which is part of the commonwealth’s Department of State. Just a few of the professions that have boards in the state include:
These licensing boards are empowered to conduct written licensure exams; verify the credentials of candidates for professional licenses; investigate public complaints and prosecute and sanction violators; revise license standards; and advise the Pennsylvania Legislature on proposed changes to state law.
Our attorneys at Hark and Hark provide medical license defense services, as well as licensure defense representation for all the other occupations governed by licensure boards in Pennsylvania.
How does a criminal charge affect my professional license in Pennsylvania?
Depending on the criminal charge and how it might relate to your profession, the answer can vary from “very little” to “your license will be revoked.” You are required to notify your professional licensing board if you are arrested. You will be asked during license renewal if you have been arrested, convicted, found guilty, put on probation or pled “no contest” to any charges during the previous year. If you do not disclose your arrest, you could face a disciplinary action for hiding that fact.
A professional license defense attorney can guide you through interactions with your licensing board if you are arrested.
In Pennsylvania, can I continue to practice while my professional license is under investigation?
In some cases, you may be allowed to continue to practice while you defend your license. Some licensing boards will require your practice to be supervised while you are being investigated. Others will require a temporary suspension of your license. Your Pennsylvania professional license lawyer can inform you of your options and lead negotiations with the board to retain your ability to practice if possible.
Can an accusation alone result in the suspension of my license?
A single accusation, if registered as a complaint against you that is filed with your licensing board, can spark an investigation by the Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation (BEI).
BEI agents will conduct interviews with you and other relevant parties. Although this is a process governed by administrative law, information you share with the BEI agents can be used against you in a hearing. This is why having a board defense attorney with you at all interactions with the BEI is critical to preserving your license. They can advise you on how to answer questions in a way that protects your defense of your license.
If the evidence in the complaint is substantial, your professional practice defense attorney may be able to explore a pretrial diversionary option. These options are similar to an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition in criminal court and may allow you to have your record expunged after meeting certain requirements to demonstrate the issue that was raised against you no longer presents a danger to the public.
Do Not Risk Your Career – Our Pennsylvania License Defense Attorneys Can Help
When your livelihood is on the line, you need professional license defense you can trust. Email us or call 215-665-0766 to learn how our Philadelphia professional license defense team can help you today. Our criminal defense law offices are located in Philadelphia, King of Prussia and Cherry Hill.