Defending the Careers of Licensed Professionals in Columbus, OH
Your professional license is the source of maintaining the career you have worked tirelessly for. If an unforeseen circumstance has come up, such as an accusation of fraud, negligence or criminal conduct, you professional license may be in jeopardy. If this is the case, you will need to take immediate action to protect license and the future of your career. A filed complaint from a former patient, client or coworker is the only thing needed to start an administrative complaint process. The agency will assign an investigator to the case, and they will attempt to schedule a meeting with you. Before you meet with anyone, it is advised that you speak with an attorney. It is essential that an attorney guide you through the investigation and advocate on your behalf to protect your professional license. Time is of the essence. You have little time to obtain an attorney who can evaluate the case before an administrative hearing is scheduled. There may be no validity to the complaint, but the risk of dealing with the issues on your own outweigh the cost of hiring an attorney. Whether you are a doctor, lawyer, nurse or other licensed professional, it is imperative that you retain legal counsel that will aggressively fight to mitigate the allegations and minimize the potential disciplinary action. To schedule a free case consultation at a firm with experience representing licensed professionals, contact Joslyn Law Firm.
Lost Professional Licenses We Defend Include:
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- Doctors and physicians
- Pharmacist
- Surgeons
- Lawyers
- Commercial Vehicle Driver
- Education Professionals
- Dentist
- Mental Health Professionals
Information Center
Disciplinary Process
Listed below are the steps in the disciplinary process for a licensed professional. You Receive a Notice: Once a complaint is filed against you at the proper licensing board, you will receive a notice that explains the allegations against you. Investigation: An investigation will be ordered. An investigator will interview all sources, witnesses and the individual who filed the complaint. They will also gather copies of documents and essential evidence. Complaint is Sent to State Board: The licensing board will review the case to determine if there is enough probable cause to take disciplinary action. If the case lacks evidence, it will be closed. Hearing: If the board believes that is enough evidence, the administrative process will continue with a hearing. At this hearing, the licensing board allows you to present evidence and testimony. File an Appeal: In the event you are not pleased with the hearing decision, you may appeal.
Consent Decree
If you are charged for unlawful activity, disciplinary actions will be discussed. A consent decree can help minimize the severity of the penalties. This is an agreement or settlement that can resolve the issue by admitting liability or guilt. In some cases, you may be able to avoid losing your professional license in exchange for a consent decree. This can be done publicly or privately. If the decree is public, third parties will likely have access to the decree through websites such as the National Practitioner Data Bank, American Bar Association and other licensing entities. It is important that you have a skilled attorney with experience defending professional licenses if you consent to a decree. The team at the Joslyn Law Firm will take all possible measures to fight so you can keep your professional license.
Offenses that can Result in a Lost Professional License
Aside from complaints from patients or coworkers, there are criminal offenses that can result in the loss of your professional license. Some of these offenses include but are not limited to:
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- Fraud (ex. healthcare fraud, Medicaid fraud, workers compensation fraud, insurance fraud, etc)
- OVI / DUI
- Improper Issuances of Prescriptions
- Substance Abuse Issues
- Sexual Misconduct
Do You Need to Expunge Your Record to Keep Your Professional License?
The short answer is yes, if you have a professional license and get convicted of criminal charges you should get your record expunged if eligible to do so. A criminal record doesn’t just affect a person’s life outside of work, it can also ruin their professional trajectory. That’s why expungement is such a valuable process. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, teacher, police officer, or in another field where trust and responsibility are key, clearing your record can have a profound impact. It can mean the difference between continuing in your chosen profession or not.
Real-World Example: The Police Officer Who Restored His Gun Rights
One of our clients, a police officer, was charged with improper handling of a firearm while under the influence. Not only did he face criminal penalties, but he also lost his gun rights, which are essential to do his job. A year after the case was closed, we filed for expungement. We were able to clear his criminal record, and also restore his gun rights, which allowed him to return to active duty as a police officer. Without expungement, his career would have been permanently compromised.
Professional License Reinstatement in Ohio
In many cases, professionals such as pharmacists, doctors, and lawyers face the real risk of losing their licenses due to criminal charges. We worked with a pharmacist accused of falsifying prescriptions. With a background of drug and alcohol addiction, he went through treatment, and after completing a diversion program, his charges were dismissed. We filed for expungement, and despite significant opposition, the court granted it. This not only cleared his criminal record but also allowed him to return to his profession as a licensed pharmacist.
Why Expungement Is Critical for Career Professionals
Expungement helps professionals avoid career-ending consequences. Losing a job, a license, or the ability to practice in your field can be devastating. Expunging a criminal record can allow individuals to continue their careers, pursue new job opportunities, or restore their ability to work in highly regulated fields like healthcare, law enforcement, and education.
Expungement is a crucial legal tool for anyone who works in a field where their criminal record could prevent them from continuing their career. With the right legal assistance, many professionals can have their records cleared and their licenses reinstated. It’s not just about legal rights, it’s about reclaiming the life and career they’ve worked hard to build.
Defending Licensed Professional in Columbus, OH
The Joslyn Law Firm understands how important it is that you keep your professional license. The sooner you contact a defense attorney, the better your chances of keeping your professional license. Find a legal partner for life at the Joslyn Law Firm. To schedule a free case consultation, call (614) 444-1900 or submit your information in the online contact form. The Joslyn Law Firm practices in counties in central Ohio that include Franklin County, Delaware County, Fairfield County, Licking County, Madison County, Pickaway County and Union County.
