Professionals may face a suspended or revoked license as a result of a conviction in California, in addition to the criminal implications. A licensed professional may be compelled to disclose arrests, convictions, or other undesirable actions to their licensing board if the state reports criminal convictions to them.
A criminal arrest or conviction, depending on the offense, might result in the permanent loss of their professional license. Consult an expert criminal defense attorney to learn more about how an arrest might damage your California professional license by contacting Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088.
California professional licenses and boards
A variety of industries and professions are regulated in California. Local and federal boards or rules may also regulate professional licenses. The following are examples of licensed professions:
- Teachers
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Veterinarians
- Pharmacists
- Chiropractors
- Dentists
- Lawyers
- Accountants
- Cosmetologists
- Architects
- Pest Control Service Providers
- Real estate professionals
- Employees of the state
- Drivers of commercial vehicles
A single arrest or conviction, depending on the profession, may be grounds for disciplinary action.
Discipline by the licensing board after an arrest
Following an arrest or conviction in California, a licensing board may conduct a variety of disciplinary procedures. Depending on the occupation and the sort of infringement, disciplinary actions may be taken. Disciplinary actions taken by the licensing board may include suspension of a license, revocation of a license, or a letter of caution.
Licensing and criminal convictions in California employment and labor laws
A board may refuse a license controlled by the state under California Business and Professions Code (BPC) 480 if the applicant has been convicted of a felony. A criminal conviction, on the other hand, can only be used to refuse a license if the crime or conduct is “substantially linked” to the qualifications, functions, or obligations of the business or profession for which the application is being filed. Similarly, under BPC 490, a board may suspend or revoke a license if the licensee has been convicted of a felony that is directly linked to the profession’s qualifications, responsibilities, or obligations.
For example, because stealing property or money while in a position of trust is relevant to the activities and duties of an accountant, an accountant convicted of embezzlement might lose his or her California Board of Accountancy license.
A licensed cosmetologist, on the other hand, would not necessarily lose his or her license as a result of a DUI because drinking and driving has nothing to do with the qualifications, functions, or obligations of working as a cosmetologist.
If you have been accused of a crime and are worried about how it will affect your ability to continue to be licensed, or to receive a professional license, contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for help from an attorney.
