Maintaining a professional license and remaining in good standing with a licensing board is essential for doctors, engineers, and other professionals. Allegations of misconduct or negligence can jeopardize years of hard work. If you received a Notice of Complaint from the board that oversees your license, you have the right to secure legal representation from a Chapel Hill professional license defense lawyer who understands how to protect your rights and reputation.
The administrative law attorneys at North State Law understand that a Notice of Complaint is more than a setback. An investigation by a licensing board or government agency has the potential to damage your reputation and harm your career. Our lawyers are tireless advocates for working professionals facing accusations.
We bring decades of combined legal experience to the benefit of our clients. Peer-reviewed legal groups, such as Super Lawyers, frequently recognize the work we do by listing our attorneys as Rising Stars, and we are proud to have a retired United States Army Field Artillery Officer on our team. Trust our lawyers to do what’s needed to protect your career and your reputation.
Professional licenses form the backbone of Chapel Hill’s workforce, covering attorneys, engineers, general contractors, healthcare providers, and more. These credentials require years of education and commitment, yet they can be jeopardized quickly when complaints or investigations arise.
Licensing boards across North Carolina have broad authority to investigate allegations of misconduct, negligence, or ethics violations, and the outcomes can determine whether a professional keeps the right to work. Licensing occasionally makes national news.
On May 20, 2024, a federal appeals court reinforced this power by upholding North Carolina’s requirement that only licensed surveyors may offer aerial mapping services.
Doctors often face scrutiny for the medical decisions they make. Over the past several years, the North Carolina Medical Board has reported a 33% increase in total licensee population and a 50% increase in enforcement cases opened, reflecting intensified oversight statewide.
A license investigation usually begins when a complaint is filed with a professional board or agency. After reviewing the details, the board decides if a formal inquiry is necessary. If so, they issue a Notice of Complaint explaining the allegations, applicable statutes, and deadlines.
The respondent may submit a response and obtain legal representation. The subsequent investigation often involves gathering documents, interviewing witnesses, and requesting statements.
If evidence of potential violations of organizational rules or ethical standards is found, the case proceeds to a hearing, where evidence is presented. A hearing can result in a range of outcomes, including dismissal, fines, probation, suspension, or revocation of the respondent’s license.
Attending a hearing before a licensing board without legal representation can be a costly mistake. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, lawyer, or another profession that requires an active license or certification, the decision to hire a professional license defense lawyer can greatly improve the chances that you avoid serious penalties during an administrative investigation.
A Chapel Hill professional license defense attorney brings years of experience handling professional license defense cases. North Carolina’s professional license defense laws are complex, and various licensing boards handle cases based on their own statutes and administrative codes as well as their own policies and procedures. With representation from an attorney who understands administrative laws, you can protect your career and your reputation.
A: When deciding whether a complaint has grounds for disciplinary action, members of a licensing board can review documents, client or patient records, witness statements, financial information, and reports. They may also consider your responses and testimony. The scope of evidence is broad, and even informal complaints can lead to a detailed review of your professional history and conduct.
A: You are not required to have an attorney, but hiring legal representation can help protect your rights and help you present a stronger defense. Licensing boards have attorneys advising them, and without your own counsel, you may be at a disadvantage in hearings and negotiations. Respondents should seek legal support from an attorney who understands administrative law.
A: Members of an administrative board follow guidelines set out through internal policies. Once they complete the required steps outlined by the organization, they come to an agreement on whether the respondent committed the alleged offense. Based on the severity of the offense, they decide which remedy is most appropriate, given the available evidence.
A: Yes, many cases are settled through consent agreements, mediation, or negotiated resolutions before reaching a full hearing. These alternatives can reduce the time and stress involved, while still resulting in conditions like fines, probation, or required training for the professional involved. The specific options available depend on the company or organization’s guiding documents for handling administrative reviews.
A: Yes, organizations have various ways to respond to accusations that threaten your credentials or license. One means of responding is through a letter written in reply to the Notice of Complaint. While this letter may not bring the investigation to a close, it can significantly impact how your actions are perceived by the board. An attorney can draft the letter so the review board gains an early and accurate understanding of what did or did not happen.
An investigation following the receipt of a Notice of Complaint can quickly escalate if you do not have strong legal representation. At North State Law, our focus is on protecting your license or certification. Our legal team can represent you at hearings and throughout the administrative review process, giving you a strong chance to protect your reputation and career. Contact our office today so we can review your case and take decisive action to protect your rights.
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