Being accused of unprofessional behavior can potentially put your career and reputation at risk. Licensing review boards take these allegations seriously, and an investigation can result in civil fines, censure, or even the revocation of your professional license. If you are being investigated by a review board, you have the right to seek legal counsel from an Asheville professional license defense lawyer who understands administrative law and how to fight back.
Accusations of unprofessional conduct or negligence can threaten the license you worked years to obtain. North State Law defends professionals in Asheville who are under review by licensing boards or government agencies by providing representation that protects both their reputation and livelihood during investigations and disciplinary hearings.
Since 2019, our firm has focused on representing doctors, nurses, general contractors, engineers, attorneys, and other licensed professionals across North Carolina. Our record of success has earned recognition from peer-reviewed groups such as Super Lawyers. We are proud to serve the Asheville community by safeguarding critical licenses and certifications of important and valued members of this city.
Licensed professionals shape Asheville’s economy through their work in hospitals, law practices, engineering firms, and the construction industry. Careers in healthcare, law, and science can be put in jeopardy by a single accusation. When a licensing board receives a complaint, it can trigger an investigation that may result in fines, censure, suspension, or even the loss of a professional license.
Nurses often find themselves subject to this type of scrutiny. The average salary for a registered nurse in Asheville is $50.98 per hour. The North Carolina Board of Nursing oversees 188,370 licensed nurses.
Attorneys are another profession frequently investigated by review boards. North Carolina has over 32,500 licensed attorneys, with many practicing in Asheville neighborhoods such as Montford, Biltmore Village, and Kenilworth.
License investigations differ across boards, but most follow the same basic steps found in every investigation policy. When a licensing board receives a complaint, it reviews the letter to see if it merits an investigation. Not all actions on the part of doctors, nurses, and other professionals violate an organization’s conduct rules, but many can.
If the letter is found to have merit, the board can launch an investigation. The respondent is notified of the investigation and given the opportunity to respond. During the fact-finding portion of the investigation, the board gathers additional evidence and often requests statements or testimony from both parties. When sufficient evidence is collected, the board decides whether to hold a hearing.
During an administrative hearing, both parties can present evidence and make arguments supporting their respective positions. After hearing the evidence and arguments, the board determines the actions that are warranted. They can dismiss the complaint or discipline the respondent. Adverse rulings after a hearing are appealable, especially if the respondent believes that the process violated certain administrative rules or was fundamentally flawed and unfair.
If your career and reputation are on the line, your top priority should be to hire a professional license defense lawyer who is familiar with professional license defense cases and the unique rules and procedures that your licensing board follows. North Carolina’s professional license defense laws are complex and require an understanding of how complaints are handled at specific organizations.
An Asheville professional license defense attorney can represent you throughout the process by responding to your Notice of Complaint, gathering evidence to support your case, and representing you at your hearing. With strong and experienced representation, you can position yourself for a favorable outcome in your license review, protecting your freedom and reputation.
A: A Notice of Complaint usually lists the allegations, the professional rules or statutes that may have been violated, and deadlines for a response. The formal document may also outline potential next steps, such as investigation or hearings. These notices are binding once they are issued and can prevent the need for further hearings.
A: If a licensing board discovers evidence of criminal activity, such as fraud, abuse, or diversion of controlled substances, it can refer the matter to law enforcement. This means a professional could face both disciplinary action and criminal charges. Cooperation between agencies ensures that serious misconduct is addressed in the appropriate legal venue.
A: Not all complaints lead to severe penalties. For minor violations, a board may issue a warning, require continuing education, or impose small fines. These corrective actions are meant to address concerns without ending a career. However, repeated minor violations may escalate the matter and potentially lead to more serious penalties that could jeopardize the respondent’s credentials.
A: A revoked license is the most serious disciplinary outcome for any administrative action, but reinstatement may be possible under certain circumstances. Most boards require respondents to wait a specific period before reapplying. By demonstrating rehabilitation, compliance, or additional training, the respondent may be eligible for reinstatement. However, this option is not always guaranteed.
Not all law firms focus on representing doctors, nurses, and other professionals who face administrative reviews in North Carolina. Our law firm was founded in 2019 with a focus on protecting the reputation and licenses of working professionals in and around Asheville.
Backed by a strong track record of success, we can represent you at disciplinary hearings, giving you a strong chance of successfully fighting damaging accusations. If your license and reputation are on the line, don’t delay securing the representation you need during this critical time. Contact our team to learn more about our services and how we can help you fight the accusations that you are facing.
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