The Ramifications of Criminal Charges for a Person with a Professional License

The Ramifications of Criminal Charges for a Person with a Professional License

Criminal charges and convictions in Arizona can have serious consequences for offenders, but these ramifications may be even more detrimental to those who hold professional licenses. Criminal charges and/or convictions can result in professional licenses being suspended, revoked, or subject to other administrative actions that impact the defendant’s ability to work.

Any individuals with a professional license that was issued by the State of Arizona will face administrative hearings before an administrative law judge, which is separate from the actual criminal court case. This generally includes professional licenses such as:

• Nursing licenses.
• Real estate licenses.
• Psychologist/therapist licenses.
• Contractor licenses.
• Physician licenses.
• Pharmacy licenses.
• Teaching licenses.

Many criminal offenses are required to be reported by the license holder or license applicant.

Health Professionals with Criminal Charges

Health professionals often face the most severe consequences for criminal charges. There are many offenses that are required to be reported, such as:

• Assault.
• Kidnapping.
• Theft.
• Drug offenses.
• DUI.
• Disorderly conduct.
• Credit card fraud.
• Indecent exposure.

According to A.R.S. 32-3208:

• A health professional who has been charged with a misdemeanor involving conduct that may affect patient safety or a felony after receiving or renewing a license or certificate must notify the health professional’s regulatory board in writing within ten working days after the charge is filed.
• An applicant for licensure or certification as a health professional who has been charged with a misdemeanor involving conduct that may affect patient safety or a felony after submitting the application must notify the regulatory board in writing within ten working days after the charge is filed.
• A health professional who does not comply with the notification requirements of this section commits an act of unprofessional conduct. The health professional’s regulatory board may impose a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 in addition to other disciplinary action it takes.

In these cases, the regulatory board may conduct an investigation to determine the status of the offender’s license, including its potential revocation.

Real Estate Licenses

Criminal convictions may cause an individual’s real estate license to be denied or not renewed. According to the Arizona Department of Real Estate:

• The Department shall not issue a license to a person who has been convicted of a felony offense and who is currently incarcerated for the conviction, paroled, or under community supervision and under the supervision of a parole or community supervision officer or who is on probation as a result of the conviction.
• The Department shall not renew a license of a person who has been convicted of a felony offense and who is currently incarcerated for the conviction, paroled, or under community supervision and under the supervision of a parole or community supervision officer or who is on probation as a result of the conviction.
• A licensee is prohibited from conducting activities that require a license while the licensee is incarcerated.
• A person who sets out other substantiated misrepresentations, fraudulent conduct, and certain other transgressions, including the filing of a false application, which also may be cause for the Department to deny your application.

Teaching Licenses

Professional licenses for teachers in Arizona are subject to the Arizona State Board of Education Code of Ethics. According to this:

• The Board shall revoke the certification of a person who has been convicted of or admitted in open court or pursuant to a plea agreement any of the following criminal offenses in this state or similar offenses in another jurisdiction:
  • Sexual abuse of a minor.
  • Incest.
  • First-degree murder.
  • Second degree murder.
  • Manslaughter.
  • Sexual assault.
  • Sexual exploitation of a minor.
  • Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor.
  • A dangerous crime against children.
  • Armed robbery.
  • Aggravated assault.
  • Sexual conduct with a minor.
  • Molestation of a child.
  • Exploitation of minors involving drug offenses.

If you hold a professional license and have been charged with a crime, contact the aggressive defense attorneys at Rideout Law Group today for your best possible outcome.

RIDEOUT LAW GROUP

With offices in Lake Havasu City and Scottsdale, our firm serves the entire state of Arizona, with a particular focus on criminal defense, family law, and juvenile cases.

Our goal is for the best outcome for your criminal case, which can include:

• charges that are reduced or dropped.
• top experts reviewing your case.
• aggressive negotiations with the prosecution for plea bargains.
• fines or probation in lieu of jail time.

At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys are able to expertly examine the evidence in your case to provide a strong strategy for argument that leads to an outcome that is most favorable to you. We have experience in all types of criminal cases for both adults and juveniles, with positive outcomes both in plea negotiations as well as jury trial settings.

Call us today for a free consultation at 480-584-3328.