A single complaint filed with a licensing board can threaten both reputation and career. Investigations by a licensing authority may result in penalties, censure, or even the suspension or revocation of a license. A Winston-Salem professional license defense lawyer can intervene during this process, represent you at hearings, and work to protect your ability to continue practicing in your profession.
The administrative lawyers at North State Law represent working professionals in and around Winston-Salem who are facing potential disciplinary action by a licensing board or government agency. We understand the stress you are under, as we have helped many individuals like yourself successfully protect their licenses or certifications.
Since 2019, our legal team has worked tirelessly to defend the rights and interests of doctors, nurses, general contractors, and other professionals in the area. The work we do has been recognized by the peer-reviewed group Super Lawyers, and our track record of success has enabled many valuable members of our community to retain critical licenses and certifications tied to their careers.
Licensed professionals form the backbone of Winston-Salem’s economy, from healthcare providers and attorneys to general contractors and engineers. When a complaint is filed, licensing boards can issue a Notice of Complaint and initiate an investigation into allegations of misconduct, negligence, or ethics violations.
Nurses are one such group that often faces scrutiny from review boards. The average salary for a registered nurse in Winston-Salem is $55.19 per hour. As of September 2025, there are 188,370 licensed nurses in North Carolina.
Attorneys are another profession that is frequently investigated. North Carolina has over 32,500 licensed attorneys. Many lawyers practice in Winston-Salem neighborhoods such as Ardmore, Buena Vista, and West End.
A license investigation begins when a formal complaint is submitted to a licensing board. The board reviews the allegations and decides whether they justify a full investigation. If the matter proceeds, the professional accused of misconduct or unethical behavior receives a Notice of Complaint, which explains the charges and outlines deadlines.
The respondent can submit a response and may hire an attorney for guidance. The investigating team might also be asked to provide additional statements or participate in an informal interview. If the board finds sufficient supporting evidence, the case proceeds to a hearing, where both sides present their arguments. The board then rules to dismiss the complaint or impose discipline.
Working with a Winston-Salem professional license defense attorney ensures that your responses to the complaint are clear and based on the rules that govern certifications or licenses for the governing board you work under. Professional license defense laws in North Carolina are complex, and different organizations have their own rules and requirements.
When you hire a professional license defense lawyer, you benefit from their years of experience handling professional license defense cases. An attorney can draft your response, gather evidence to support your account of events, and represent you at hearings. Your lawyer’s focus on protecting your rights and interests ensures that the review process is fair and accounts for the evidence, circumstances, and defenses that support your case.
A: A consent order is a formal agreement between the professional and the licensing board that resolves a case without a contested hearing. The order may include directives for the respondent to pay a fine, undergo training, or comply with other remedies that address the accusations. Once signed, a consent order carries the same weight as a board-issued decision.
A: Licensing boards are charged with ensuring that only qualified, ethical professionals continue practicing. They can investigate complaints, enforce standards, and discipline licensed professionals under their purview when necessary. This oversight is intended to maintain public trust in professions that directly impact the health, safety, and financial well-being of the public.
A: Yes, licensing boards may act on anonymous complaints if the information provided is credible. Even without a named complainant, the board can open an investigation, collect evidence, and pursue disciplinary measures if the board members find evidence of misconduct or negligence. While a complaint with a named complainant is usually considered a stronger complaint, whistleblower actions can also initiate administrative actions.
A: In complex cases, boards may rely on special witnesses to interpret technical or professional standards. These outside consultants help determine whether a licensee’s actions met the expected level of care, skill, or ethical practice in their field. Their statements can be weighed against other forms of evidence collected by the licensing board.
A: Yes, there are generally multiple ways of defending yourself throughout the administrative review process. One way is through your response to the Notice of Complaint. This reply can be drafted by your attorney to ensure it clearly reflects your position and that you refute the accusations.
During the investigation, you may be asked to provide further statements to clarify certain matters. At a hearing, your attorney can represent you by presenting evidence and making verbal arguments in your defense.
If you are being investigated by a licensing board, now is the time to act. Disciplinary action by a review board can lead to the suspension or revocation of your professional license. You do not have to go through that process alone, and having legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of the case. North State Law represents clients undergoing administrative reviews of their professional licenses or certifications. We can represent you at hearings and take steps to fight the accusations you are facing. Don’t risk your career by going through the review process alone. Contact our office today to discover how we can help.
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