Practicing in the most populous city of Texas is a challenge for many professionals. On one hand, it ensures a profitable business. On the other hand, it creates the circumstances for mistakes to occur, and these can be costly. When something does go wrong and your livelihood is at risk, hiring a Houston professional license defense attorney gives you the best chance to mount a successful defense.
Texas professionals need to abide by strict laws and regulations. Any deviations from these will be sanctioned by the board monitoring their activity. If you are charged with a crime of any kind, your license may be at risk and you will likely need the help of a Houston criminal defense lawyer.
Houston is the playground of many law firms. However, few can take pride in their reputation and results like ours. At Eddington & Worley, we have been supporting Texas professionals for years. Our clientele includes reputed doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, and accountants.
To defend their interests, we went from board negotiations to administrative trials and appeals. We stop at nothing when it comes to defending our clients’ rights. Should you need our services, we will do the same for you. Call Eddington & Worley at (281)809-9185 today to speak with one of our professional license defense lawyers and find out how we can guide you through the process of successfully defending your livelihood.
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Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
One of the first things we explain to our clients is the perspective from which boards see their licensees. For them, you are neither board members nor colleagues. You are service providers whose activity they oversee.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation‘s role is to protect the interests of patients, customers, or clients, not professionals. Therefore, do not be surprised if one day, they open an investigation against you. You should even expect sanctions, because, let’s face it, perfection is out of reach in Houston.
Of course, it is your duty to do everything in your power to avoid sanctions. This is very important, as the sanctions could go as far as permanent revocation of your license. Your best chance is to work with a professional license defense attorney in Houston.
You will find some of the most experienced and dedicated lawyers at Eddington & Worley. Our team has been defending Houston professionals for years. We are well versed in investigations initiated by all of the following boards and more:
- Texas Medical Board
- State Board of Pharmacy
- Texas Board of Nursing
- State Board of Dental Examiners
- Texas Board of Accountancy
If you are licensed and under investigation by any of these boards, do not hesitate to get in touch! We will help you prepare for the investigation and build a solid defense. To get a better idea of how we can help you, check out the types of cases we usually handle.
When Do I Need a Professional License Defense Attorney?
Accusations of professional malpractice or professional negligence can pose a serious threat to your license and your livelihood. After receiving a complaint or letter of investigation, you may be tempted to alert the Board immediately, however, this can be detrimental to your case. If you are at risk of a licensing suspension or revocation, your first action should be to contact a committed, professional Houston licensing defense attorney who has experience with these cases.
What Should I Do if I Received a Complaint Notice?
If you’ve received a complaint notice, then you know you’re in the first steps of a legal proceeding. This can be a stressful period of your life, and you may be tempted into ignoring the notice, however, this won’t make it go away. This can actually lead to the Board taking action against you and can be treated as an admission of guilt.
You may feel that the complaint notice is meritless, however, you can’t be sure until it goes before the board. The best course of action is to seek the advice of an experienced and dedicated license defense attorney.
Should I Respond to the Board Myself?
Before contacting your regulatory Board, your first priority should be in the safeguarding of yourself and your practice. Any and all discourse between you and the Board can be held against you during the investigation, further putting your license at risk. The most prudent action is to have the complaint or letter of investigation reviewed by an attorney prior to you taking any action.
A professional license attorney can help you conclude your issues efficiently and effectively, utilizing their expertise on knowing how the system works and how licensing Boards think. This will greatly increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
What Happens if I Don’t Respond to the Board’s Complaint Letter?
When a licensing agency has issued a complaint or letter of investigation, you may be tempted to postpone responding, since you can still practice during this period. However, citations are placed in your permanent record and can be used in actions taken against you at a later date.
What Should I Do if I Missed the Deadline to Respond to the Complaint Letter?
Normally, you have twenty calendar days from when you received the summons and complaint to address the matter with the court. However, you should always review any court documents in case you have less time to respond. This makes it even more prudent to contact a professional license attorney as soon as possible so that they can file your response on time.
If you’ve missed your deadline to respond, the court can issue a default judgment against you for everything asked for in the complaint.
Your best chance for a favorable outcome is to contact a Houston professional license defense lawyer immediately. The attorney can review your case and contact the board on your behalf. They can also attempt to negotiate an extension of time with the Board even if the deadline has lapsed.
How to Prepare for My First Meeting with A Professional License Attorney
The first step is to bring all documents related to the complaint and make copies for your personal file and your lawyer.
Make an honest outline of the event, recreating as many details as you can, so that your lawyer can make a sound decision and initiate the steps needed to move forward in your best interests.
Include as many details relevant to the case, including sensitive information. Keep in mind that any conversation with your lawyer regarding your case is private, and cannot be discussed with others without your permission.
Use your time with your lawyer effectively. Ask as many questions as you can to better understand your legal situation.
Am I Required to Contact the Board if I’m Arrested?
There are times when a licensing board should be made aware of an arrest, however, this should be made with the advice of an attorney.
If you have been accused of violating your profession’s code of conduct, It is important to realize that in some instances your “personal life” may actually be subject to the authority of the board.
To help secure your license to practice, you should take every measure you can to defend yourself against allegations.
Should I notify the Board of a Past DWI Arrest or Conviction?
Before pursuing a career that will require board approval, you should contact a professional license attorney to see if you can still qualify. If you do have a DWI/DUI arrest or conviction, you may be able to have your record sealed from public view. Keep in mind, governing boards can still see a sealed record.
If you are already licensed and are charged with a DWI or related offense, you should follow the Miranda warning and not say anything to anyone, including the police, as any information relayed can only be used against you; and colleagues, as they may later be brought before the board and questioned.
Your first action should be to retain a Houston DWI attorney in order to maintain a clean criminal record. If your case is either dismissed or you are found not guilty, then you never have to report the DWI arrest to the Board.
What Should I do if the Board has Denied My License Renewal?
If your license was denied for renewal, you won’t be able to practice, but you do have the right to know the reason. The board will generally make you aware of the reason when you were denied, but if they haven’t then you need to investigate as to why. In cases where you feel the citation was meritless, then the denial may be dependent on other factors.
Regardless of how your license was suspended or revoked, there may still be a chance for you to practice again. Speak with a professional license attorney to review your case, and you may be able to get a professional license reinstated.
Should I Negotiate With the Board Myself?
While every license-holder is eligible to attempt to negotiate on their own with the board, only with the representation of a professional license attorney can they hope for the best outcome. With the advice of an experienced attorney, they may be able to assist you in negotiating better terms or the reinstatement of your license.
Types of Cases Our Houston Professional License Defense Lawyers Handle
As mentioned above, we represent nurses, osteopathy and medical doctors, dental professionals, pharmacists, and accountants. We represent their interests throughout the following stages of their case:
- The formal investigation of the board
- The informal settlement conference
- The hearing for temporary suspension
- The SOAH mediation conference
- The contested case hearing
- The agreed order negotiations
- The appeal
- The final order implementation
All these stages involve specific formalities and pose risks. Any mistakes could bring about board sanctions and have dramatic repercussions. Let’s review the most common case types one by one for more details.
Nursing License Defense in Houston, Texas
Nurses in Texas have to comply with the rules and regulations set forth in the Nursing Practice Act. They also need to abide by the Administrative and Health and Safety Codes. The Texas Board of Nursing categorizes its licensees as:
- Licensed vocational nurses
- Registered nurses
- Nursing specialists
When they suspect inadequate conduct or procedural violations, the board staff open investigations. They will analyze if the investigated licensee:
- Follows standards of care
- Behaves appropriately with co-workers and especially patients
- Deceives or engages in fraudulent activities
- Is addicted to chemicals or abuses drugs or alcohol
- Lies or falsifies documents
- Violates CE requirements
- Pays their license fees in time
- Engages in criminal conduct
- Faces accusations of malpractice, etc.
If you receive a letter of investigation from the board, you should take it seriously. Any non-conformities could lead to disciplinary measures against you. They may even cost you your license.
At Eddington & Worley, our Houston nursing license defense lawyers are ready to help. Get in touch now and let’s start preparing your defense!
Physician License Defense in Houston, TX
In order to obtain their practice license, doctors have to study and practice for years. It is difficult to believe they would do anything to render all those years useless or lose their license. Unfortunately, the Texas Medical Board does not agree.
They seem on the lookout for violations of the Medical Practice Act and other regulations. When they receive a complaint against a licensee, they seem determined to prove the fault of the latter. Luckily, we often step in.
Our Houston physician license defense attorneys take over the case and prove the innocence of their clients. They gather evidence, follow formalities, and dismantle any accusations against their client. You should give us the chance to do the same for you.
Whether the accusations refer to malpractice, violations of drugs regimens, unprofessional conduct, or administrative issues, we can help. We will work hard to clear your name and prove your professionalism.
We will not allow anyone or anything to stain your reputation. We will represent you during investigation and negotiations. We will gather the necessary evidence and defend your interests in formal and informal hearings. With our help, you will prove the board wrong and continue your ascending career path.
Dental License Defense in Houston, Texas
In Texas, the Dental Practice Act governs the activity of dental professionals. The Texas Board of Dental Examiners is the one to enforce its stipulations. It also monitors the activity of dentists and penalizes any violations.
Before applying penalties, the board will conduct an investigation. Usually, the investigation aims to determine if the dentist:
- Neglected to provide quality services
- Engaged in inappropriate behavior
- Issued unjustified drug prescriptions
- Crossed sexual or aggressive behavioral boundaries
- Neglected to update patient charts and records
- Consumed drugs, alcohol, or other dangerous chemicals
- Was arrested or convicted for criminal conduct
Unlike in court juries, the board does not need exhaustive evidence to take measures. If any of their suspicions prove justified, they will impose drastic sanctions. It is their way of proving their commitment to protecting public health.
You cannot and should not leave your career at their mercy. On the contrary, you should take measures to defend it as soon as you find out about the investigation. Get in touch with an Eddington & Worley Houston dental license defense lawyer and ask for their help!
They will take over all the hassles and work hard to dismantle the accusations against you. The least you can do is put us to the test. Schedule a preliminary consultation and see how it goes! You will understand why so many professionals trust our professional license defense lawyers with their cases.
Pharmacy License Defense in Houston, TX
The Texas State Board of Pharmacy sometimes seems to take their duty of enforcing the Pharmacy Act very seriously. The same could be said about their commitment to protecting public safety. They open investigations for every complaint they receive, and they take harsh measures against their licensees.
Pharmacists under investigation by the board should prepare thoroughly. They will need to defend their license in any way they can. The board will not hesitate to suspend it or revoke it. The best way to avoid negative outcomes is to consult a pharmacy license defense lawyer.
At Eddington & Worley, we have been defending pharmacists’ interests for years. Among the accusations we have dismantled, the following were more common:
- DWI
- Alcohol or drugs abuse
- Chemical dependency
- Criminal charges
- License form omissions
- Inventory nonconformities
- Inadequate drug dispensing
- Violations of controlled substances regimen
- Negligent supervision of pharmacy personnel
- Improper storage conditions for schedule II narcotics
- Drug prescription issues
- Unprofessional behavior
We have experience handling investigations involving several state agencies, including the DEA or DPS. Your case will be safe with us. We will guide you through the formalities, handle the paperwork, and defend your license and your good name.
Don’t hesitate, reach out and share your case details with our Houston pharmacy license defense lawyers. We will schedule a preliminary consultation. During it, you will receive valuable answers and advice.
CPA License Defense in Houston, Texas
Working in the field of finances is not easy. The Public Accountancy Act may seem easy to comply with, however, things are different when it comes to the professional body enforcing it. The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy aims to protect public interests.
To prove their commitment, they will investigate any complaint and take sometimes exaggerated measures. As an accountant, you are bound to occasionally upset clients. If they file a complaint against you the board will investigate your activity.
They will look for evidence of fraud, unprofessional conduct, criminal activities, negligence in providing services, and more. It takes an experienced CPA license defense attorney to prove them wrong.
You will find reliable Houston accounting license defense lawyers at Eddington & Worley. Our team knows the Public Accountancy Act by heart and is familiar with board procedures. They will help you avoid disciplinary measures and avoid a negative impact on your reputation.
The sooner you get in touch, the more they can do for you. The procedures can be quite complex and long-lasting. Your case may even end up in court. Why try your luck on your own when you can benefit from the advice and experience of reputable Houston lawyers?
Schedule a Consultation with Our Professional License Defense Attorneys in Houston Today
Has the board initiated an investigation regarding your activity? Whether you are a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, or accountant, we can help. The board may use your case to prove its commitment to public welfare. While their dedication is laudable, it is your license at stake.
You worked and studied hard to obtain it, and you should do everything in your power to protect it. The most effective strategy is to work with a professional license defense attorney. They should have experience in cases like yours and excellent track records.
At Eddington & Worley, we meet all these criteria and more. The lawyers on our team are unbeatable when it comes to defending licensees’ interests. They have proven their skills time and time again. They will not hesitate to use their knowledge, experience, and skills to your benefit.
To assess what they can do for you, call our office at (281)809-9185 and schedule a consultation. You will have the chance to ask questions and receive invaluable advice. With us, no one will be able to revoke your license or compromise your reputation. Contact us today to aggressively defend your license and in turn, your livelihood.