For professionals like physicians, engineers, contractors, accountants, and CPAs, your license represents more than just a piece of paper—it’s the backbone of your career. A license investigation can create a whirlwind of stress, jeopardizing your livelihood, reputation, and future opportunities.
If this happens to you, it’s crucial to act quickly and strategically. At Capitelli & Wicker, a respected white-collar defense law firm in New Orleans, Louisiana, we understand the gravity of these situations. With years of experience defending licensed professionals across various industries, we’re here to guide you through licensing challenges.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key steps to take if an investigation involving your professional license is brought against you, helping you navigate the matter and protect your career.
Understand Why An Investigation is Being Brought Upon You
The first step is to identify the exact reason for the investigation. Common reasons for professional licensure matters include:
- Ethical Violations: Allegations of fraud, misrepresentation, or professional misconduct.
- Failure to Meet Continuing Education Requirements: Missing deadlines or not completing required courses.
- Criminal Convictions: DUI, theft, or other offenses unrelated to your profession but still impactful.
- Regulatory Violations: Breaches of specific industry laws or standards.
- Complaints Filed by Clients or Colleagues: Disputes that escalate to formal complaints.
Understanding the underlying reason will help you determine the best course of action, but seeking the advice of a knowledgeable New Orleans professional licensing and representation attorney as soon as possible is recommended.
The Capitelli & Wicker team has successfully handled cases involving licensing boards, regulatory authorities, and disciplinary actions, and we know how quickly the tide can turn if you aren’t proactive in seeking representation.
Review the Details of the Matter
Your licensing board will issue a formal notice explaining the situation and the specific allegations against you.
Do not ignore this notice. Missing deadlines or failing to respond appropriately can make the situation worse. Carefully review the notice, and if you’re unsure about its contents, consult an attorney who understands professional licensure matters. Capitelli & Wicker can help you interpret the notice and determine your next steps.
Evaluate Your Options
After gathering all the relevant information, you’ll need to decide how to proceed. The good news? You don’t have to make the decision alone. Some common options include requesting a hearing and/or complying with the actions that may be stipulated in the investigation notice, each coming with its own risks and benefits.
An attorney with experience handling professional license suspensions can help you determine the best strategy based on your unique circumstances and stand by your side throughout the investigative process, ensuring your rights and career are protected.
What Can a Professional Licensing Lawyer Do To Help?
License suspicion or revocation is a possibility any time an investigation is brought against you by a regulatory board. Losing your license, whether for a short or long period, can have long-term consequences, including:
- Damage to your professional reputation.
- Difficulty finding new clients or employment.
- Increased scrutiny from regulatory authorities.
A professional licensing lawyer will work with you and your situation to minimize the toll of a license investigation.
At Capitelli & Wicker, we understand that a professional license issue is more than just an administrative problem—it’s a personal and professional crisis. Our team has extensive experience representing professionals across many different types of industries in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana.
We approach every case with the seriousness and discretion it deserves, working tirelessly to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
If your professional license is under investigation, get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible. The future of your career could depend on it.
