THE CHETSON FIRMCriminal Defense Attorneys
19 W. Hargett St., Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601 | info@chetson.com
Your professional license represents years of education, training, and hard work. When that license is threatened by disciplinary proceedings, criminal charges, or misconduct allegations, your entire career and livelihood are at stake. You need an attorney who understands both the regulatory process and the underlying legal issues—and who will fight aggressively to protect your ability to practice your profession.
State & Federal Criminal Law
Understands Regulatory Intersections
Experienced Litigator
Will Fight at Hearing
Discreet Representation
Protect Your Reputation
If you've received notice of a complaint, investigation, or charges from a licensing board, respond promptly but carefully. What you say in your response can be used against you. Contact an attorney before submitting any response.
We represent licensed professionals facing disciplinary action, investigations, and hearings before North Carolina licensing boards:
Attorney disciplinary proceedings, grievances, ethics violations, trust account issues, disability proceedings, and reinstatement matters.
Physician license defense, prescribing issues, standard of care allegations, impairment matters, and criminal charge impacts.
Nurse license defense, medication errors, diversion allegations, boundary violations, and practice standard issues.
Pharmacist disciplinary defense, dispensing violations, controlled substance issues, and DEA matters.
Dentist license defense, standard of care issues, prescribing matters, and professional conduct allegations.
Psychologists, counselors, social workers, accountants, engineers, real estate agents, contractors, and other licensed professionals.
Criminal charges—even without conviction—can trigger licensing board action. Most boards require disclosure of arrests, charges, and convictions. Some boards can take emergency action based on charges alone. Coordinating criminal defense with license defense is critical to protecting both your freedom and your career.
Medical, nursing, and other healthcare professionals may face allegations that their care fell below professional standards. These cases often involve expert testimony, medical records analysis, and complex technical issues.
Allegations of impairment, drug diversion, or substance abuse require careful handling. Many boards have confidential monitoring programs that may allow you to continue practicing while addressing these issues.
Allegations of inappropriate relationships with patients, clients, or students can result in severe sanctions. These cases often involve credibility determinations and require aggressive defense.
"License defense requires understanding both the regulatory process and the underlying legal issues. A criminal charge handled incorrectly can cost you your license even if you avoid conviction."
While each board has different procedures, most follow a similar general process:
Licensing boards can impose a range of sanctions depending on the nature and severity of the violation:
Most licensing actions become public record and must be reported to future employers, hospitals, insurance companies, and other licensing authorities.
Losing your professional license means you cannot legally practice your profession in North Carolina. This typically results in immediate job loss, career damage, and difficulty finding work in your field. Many licensing actions are public record and can follow you permanently, affecting future employment and other state licenses.
Yes. Most licensing boards require disclosure of criminal charges and convictions. Many boards can take action based on arrests or charges alone, even without conviction. DUI, drug charges, theft, and any crime involving dishonesty are particularly problematic. Coordinating criminal defense with license defense is critical.
Yes. While licensing proceedings may seem informal, they can result in career-ending consequences. Board investigators and prosecutors are experienced professionals; you need experienced representation to protect your license and livelihood. Early intervention often produces better outcomes.
You should respond, but carefully. Your response becomes part of the record and can be used against you. Never admit to allegations without understanding the consequences. Have an attorney review your response before submission.
Usually, yes—unless the board takes emergency action to suspend your license pending investigation. However, some employers have policies requiring disclosure of investigations, and malpractice insurers may need to be notified. An attorney can help you navigate these obligations.
If you're facing a licensing board complaint, investigation, or charges, contact us immediately for a confidential consultation.
Confidential Consultation | Discreet Representation
19 W. Hargett St., Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601
Information provided does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed. Case results depend on specific facts and do not guarantee similar outcomes.