When Can Criminal Charges Lead to the Loss of a Professional License?

 Posted on May 20, 2021 in Professional License Defense

Licensed professionals invest a great deal of time, money, and effort to obtain the necessary education and training to practice in their chosen profession. After meeting all the requirements to obtain a professional license, a person will want to make sure they can maintain their license and avoid any issues that could affect their ability to continue working. Professionals should be aware that certain types of criminal convictions could lead to disciplinary action, and they will want to work with an attorney to address these issues and avoid the loss of their license.

Criminal Convictions That May Lead to License Suspension or Revocation

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees licensed professionals, and it may choose to pursue disciplinary action against those who are convicted of certain types of crimes. Offenses that could lead to the suspension or revocation of a professional license include:

• Driving under the influence (DUI) - Offenses related to drunk driving may result in discipline by the Illinois Medical Board, the Illinois Board of Nursing, or other IDFPR divisions that oversee medical professionals. These convictions may indicate that a person struggles with substance abuse, and a professional may be able to avoid or minimize discipline to their license if they receive treatment and meet the requirements put in place by the IDFPR.
• Drug crimes - Medical professionals or others who prescribe or dispense controlled substances may face accusations of drug diversion or trafficking or other related offenses. In addition to facing discipline to their professional license, a person may face the loss of their DEA registration, as well as other consequences that affect their ability to practice.
• Fraud - Criminal offenses related to the theft or misuse of other people’s financial or personal information may result in disciplinary action if they are related to a person’s profession. For example, medical professionals may face discipline because of a conviction for healthcare fraud, or the Illinois Real Estate Board may discipline a professional for offenses related to obtaining money under false pretenses.
• Other felony offenses - Most of the time, professionals will face disciplinary action following a felony conviction. These offenses may include assault (including domestic assault or other domestic violence charges), robbery, burglary, or violent crimes

Contact Our Illinois Professional License Defense Lawyer

If you are facing discipline to your professional license because of a criminal conviction or for other reasons, The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. can provide you with representation before the IDFPR. Attorney Bogdan will advocate on your behalf and work to minimize the consequences to your license and your career. To get the legal help you need with your IDFPR case, contact our Illinois professional license defense attorney at 630-310-1267 and schedule a free consultation today.

Sources:

https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1309&ChapAct=225%C2%A0ILCS%C2%A060/&ChapterID=24&ChapterName=PROFESSIONS+AND+OCCUPATIONS&ActName=Medical+Practice+Act+of+1987.

https://www.idfpr.com/FAQ/RealEstate/DRE%20Criminal%20Convictions%20FAQs.pdf