A Guide to Responding to a Licensing Board Complaint in PA
For any licensed professional, receiving a notice from a Pennsylvania licensing board is no short of a nightmare. That’s because your years of hard work pursuing a career you wanted have been put at risk due to a single complaint. So, whether you are a doctor, a nurse, an accountant, or a lawyer, for that matter, you should take this seriously.
Many professionals feel tempted to handle such situations alone to save a few bucks. However, what they don’t understand is that a single error can jeopardize their entire career! Hence, it is always crucial to consult a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer to make sure that you don’t risk your career.
In this blog, we’ve jotted down a few steps that can help you understand how to respond to a licensing board complaint. So, let’s explore till the end to learn more.
What to Do if You’ve Received a Complaint?
Remain calm, and don’t make any impulsive decisions
We understand that receiving a complaint, that too from a licensing board, is indeed stressful. You might go blank at the moment, and might also feel the urge to send a befitting reply. But remember, your career is at stake!
So, the best way to deal with the situation is to remain absolutely calm. If you’ve received a complaint, read it carefully, as the notice will contain details of the complaint and the deadlines for the response. Please note that failure to act properly or delay in taking prompt action may result in disciplinary action.
Seek expert legal counsel immediately
You have the right to seek legal aid, and this is the perfect time to do so. An experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help in the following manner-
- They can help make you understand the allegations.
- They can help you craft an appropriate response.
- They can help prevent you from committing any procedural errors that might escalate the situation.
- They can help prepare you for hearings and safeguard your license.
- Make sure that your response is thorough and professional
Your response to the complaint is not a mere formality but an integral part of the investigation process. Furthermore, your response will also be assessed by the board, the investigators, and the prosecution.
Therefore, don’t take this lightly, and seek counsel from an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer. They can help you craft a response that rightfully addresses the concerns of the board, without an admission of guilt. Added to that, a dedicated lawyer can also help you retain your credibility.
Cooperate
Supposedly, the board decides to proceed with an investigation. In that case, they might request interviews or might even send investigators to your home or office. If this happens, don’t resist and cooperate with them.
However, you also need to remember that anything you say can be used against you! So, make sure to have your lawyer present so that you don’t incriminate yourself!
Remain prepared for a hearing
Finally, if the board decides to issue an Order to Show Cause, you would have to be present at an administrative hearing. Herein, you will get a chance to present your defense and challenge the evidence against you. And that’s where the expertise of a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer comes into play! They can craft a robust defense and effectively challenge the board’s evidence with supporting documents to make sure that the outcome is in your favor.
No matter how bad a situation you are in, we at Logue Law Group are always there to back you. Therefore, if you’ve received a complaint from your licensing board, seek help from our expert Pittsburgh criminal lawyers right away! Dial 412-387-6901 to book a free consultation ASAP.