Investigations by a licensing board can potentially lead to the suspension or revocation of your certification. When your career and reputation are on the line, you need representation from a Greenville professional license defense lawyer who understands administrative defense and how to defend clients at administrative hearings. The right legal support can protect you from serious consequences that can jeopardize your career.
The administrative lawyers at North State Law represent professionals in Greenville who are under review by licensing boards or government agencies. Allegations of negligence or misconduct can put years of work at risk, and our firm is prepared to defend your license so you can continue practicing in your chosen field.
Since 2019, we have focused exclusively on defending professionals across North Carolina, including doctors, nurses, attorneys, general contractors, and engineers. Our team includes a retired United States Army Field Artillery Officer whose leadership and discipline strengthen the advocacy we provide. We are proud to serve the people of Greenville by protecting their hard-earned certifications and preserving the positive reputations they have built.
Life as we know it in Greenville would not be possible without the work of licensed healthcare providers, attorneys, general contractors, and engineers. One accusation is sufficient for a licensing board to file a complaint and initiate an investigation into alleged misconduct, negligence, or ethics violations. The results of these reviews may determine whether a professional can continue practicing.
Nurses often face scrutiny from review boards. The average salary for a registered nurse in Greenville is $39.36 per hour. Today, more than 188,000 nurses are licensed in the state.
Attorneys are another profession that frequently faces disciplinary investigations. North Carolina has over 32,500 licensed attorneys statewide, with many practicing in Greenville neighborhoods, including Brook Valley, Lynndale, and Westhaven.
A license investigation begins when a formal complaint is filed with a professional board. The board reviews the allegations to determine if an inquiry is warranted. If the case proceeds, the professional receives a Notice of Complaint outlining the accusations and providing deadlines.
The respondent may respond to the complaint, submit relevant documents, and retain an attorney. Boards often request additional statements, records, or informal interviews throughout the investigation. If the board finds sufficient evidence to suggest that a violation may have occurred, the matter proceeds to an administrative hearing. There, both sides present evidence, and the board decides whether to dismiss the complaint or issue disciplinary action.
The decision to hire a professional license defense lawyer can greatly improve the chances that you maintain your professional certification or license. A Greenville professional license defense attorney understands how to handle professional license defense cases. Various governing boards have their own rules and procedures for handling complaints, which makes the administrative professional license defense laws in North Carolina complex.
Legal representation ensures that your response to a complaint is backed by evidence and sound legal arguments. Your attorney can handle your response to the Notice of Complaint. In court, your lawyer can represent you and speak on your behalf on important matters. When responding to accusations that can jeopardize your career, having the right legal support can make all the difference.
A: A licensing board hearing is held to determine whether a professional violated ethical rules or state regulations. Hearings afford the respondent the opportunity to address the accusations directly, often with the assistance of an attorney who is familiar with administrative law. Both the board and the professional can present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments. The hearing often results in a final decision made by the licensing board.
A: Licensing boards often look at a professional’s history when evaluating new complaints. Even if earlier matters were dismissed or resolved, a pattern of misconduct may influence how the board views the seriousness of new allegations. A strong work history can support a respondent’s argument that they have acted responsibly and ethically throughout their career.
A: Yes, in North Carolina and most states, licensing boards publish disciplinary actions online or in official reports. This transparency protects the public but can also damage a professional’s reputation. Employers, clients, and colleagues may review these records, which can affect future opportunities.
A: Disciplinary boards often have wide discretion when it comes to imposing fines, issuing sanctions, or taking more consequential actions, like suspending the respondent’s license or credentials. A board may dismiss a complaint or issue a warning if it believes the actions do not warrant more serious penalties. Having legal representation during the review process can sway a board’s decision in the respondent’s favor.
A: Administrative complaints offer multiple opportunities for you to defend yourself. One early opportunity is through your response to the Notice of Complaint. An attorney can handle communications with the licensing board so your position is clear and based on the organization’s own rules and guidelines.
You may also be asked to give further statements throughout the investigation process. The formal hearing offers your attorney the opportunity to present evidence and make compelling arguments in your defense.
Receiving a Notice of Complaint can feel like your career is under attack. North State Law can step in immediately to defend you during hearings, challenge the allegations, and present the evidence needed to protect your license. Our administrative law attorneys have the experience and knowledge to address any type of allegation you are facing. Don’t delay securing the representation you need. Contact our office today.