A Notice of Complaint from a licensing board or agency can mark the beginning of a stressful ordeal. Investigations by a licensing authority can result in consequences such as civil penalties, censure, or even the revocation of your license. You have the right to seek representation from a Durham professional license defense lawyer who can develop a defensive game plan that works to scrutinize the accusations and ensure your side of the story is heard.
North State Law was founded in 2019 with a focus on protecting the licenses and certifications of working professionals in Durham and throughout North Carolina. Our team of passionate and dedicated attorneys is well-versed in state administrative laws and understands how to effectively defend against accusations of unprofessional behavior or actions by local doctors, nurses, lawyers, general contractors, and other working professionals.
Our lawyers are frequently recognized by prominent peer-reviewed groups, such as Super Lawyers, through awards. We take pride in helping every working professional in Durham protect their reputation and licenses, which they have worked hard to obtain and maintain.
When you work with our team, you gain the support of a passionate advocate who cares about the outcome of your review and seeing that one accusation does not lead to long-term harm to your reputation.
Professional licenses are the backbone of countless careers in Durham, covering attorneys, general contractors, engineers, and healthcare providers. These credentials represent years of dedication, but a single complaint can put everything at risk.
Licensing boards investigate allegations of negligence, misconduct, or ethical violations, and the outcome of an investigation can determine whether a professional is permitted to continue practicing their chosen profession.
Doctors are required to maintain licenses and credentials. Over the past several years, the North Carolina Medical Board has reported a 33% increase in the total licensee population and a 50% increase in the total number of enforcement cases opened.
North Carolina has over 32,500 licensed attorneys, with many practicing in Durham neighborhoods like Hope Valley, Trinity Park, and Downtown Durham. Lawyers can be disbarred for a variety of reasons, including misappropriation of client funds.
Most professional license investigations start with a formal complaint from a client, patient, employer, or colleague. The licensing board reviews the allegations and, if a formal inquiry is warranted, issues a Notice of Complaint that outlines the accusations, cites relevant rules, and sets deadlines. The respondent may provide a defense and retain counsel.
Investigations can include document requests, witness interviews, and requests for additional statements. If the board believes misconduct occurred, the case may proceed to a hearing. At the hearing, both sides present evidence, and outcomes can range from dismissal to probation, suspension, or full license revocation.
If you have been notified that your license or certification could be suspended or revoked, your first step should be to hire a professional license defense lawyer who has years of experience handling professional license defense cases. North Carolina’s professional license defense laws are complex, and each licensing board has their own statutes, administrative codes as well as their own policies and procedures.
A Durham professional license defense attorney can respond to the Notice of Complaint so your reply clearly conveys your stance and the foundation of your legal arguments. Your lawyer can gather evidence and review the facts of the case so they are fully prepared for your hearing. Having legal representation ensures the review board considers the full scope of evidence and your account of events.
A: As the accused party in a licensing board investigation, you have the right to respond to the accusations and to seek legal representation. In most cases, you may also attend informal meetings and review and/or acquire documentation relevant to your case. Licensing boards have a responsibility to hear both sides of a dispute before reaching a decision on whether to affirm or reject the accusations.
A: Many boards keep complaints confidential during the investigative stage. However, once formal charges are filed or disciplinary action is taken, the outcome of a review or investigation can be public record. Some organizations may release a description of the disciplinary action without publicly naming the respondent in the case, depending on the details.
A: Ideally, you should hire a license defense lawyer as soon as you are aware that you are under investigation or have been accused of misconduct through a complaint. In some cases, you may not become aware of the complaint until you receive a formal letter from your licensing board notifying you of the complainant’s actions. By taking decisive action early on, you can influence the outcome of the case in your favor and protect your license.
A: Yes, licensing board decisions can be appealed through a North Carolina Superior Court. The appeals process focuses on whether the licensing board had substantial evidence to make an adverse decision against your license or followed proper procedures and applied the law correctly. If the process violated your rights or was fundamentally flawed, the initial ruling may be overturned or amended.
A: Licensing boards oversee a wide range of professions, including doctors, nurses, attorneys, engineers, general contractors, and pharmacists. Any licensed professional in North Carolina can face an investigation if a complaint is filed, regardless of their field. The respondent in any review or investigation has the right to secure legal representation throughout the process.
Contact a Trusted Administrative Law Attorney Today If you received a Notice of Complaint, your first step should be to contact an experienced administrative law attorney. The team of attorneys at North State Law has helped nurse practitioners, dentists, lawyers, therapists, and other professionals protect their license or certification following an investigation or review by a licensing board. Contact our office today to learn about your case and get the legal defense you need.
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