Louisiana Professional License Defense Attorney
Practice Areas
When a complaint, criminal allegation, or investigation threatens your professional licensure, you need more than basic representation. You need a strategic defense built on legal experience and precision. At The Law Offices of Ossie Brown, our Louisiana professional license defense attorney team advocates for doctors, nurses, accountants, real-estate agents, engineers, and other licensed professionals facing complaints, allegations, and disciplinary proceedings. We understand professional licenses represent years of hard work, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. A license suspension in Louisiana can jeopardize an individual’s ability to earn a living, and license revocation can permanently end a person’s career. Our Louisiana professional license defense lawyers have handled many cases like yours and represent clients with the focus, discretion, and determination necessary to protect careers, reputations, and futures.
We help licensees on a contingency fee basis. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call the Law Offices of Ossie Brown Law Firm at 225-343-1111 or fill out the contact form.
Why Having a Law Firm With a Track Record of Results Defending Professionals in Louisiana Disciplinary Action Hearings Matters
Disciplinary action threatens not only your livelihood but also your professional reputation and future opportunities in your field. In disciplinary proceedings, administrative law judges operate under different rules. Because of public interest involvement, those investigating licensed professionals often have lower burdens of proof. This is often unfavorable to defendants who haven’t hired skilled defense counsel with extensive legal experience.
Our Louisiana professional license defense attorneys protect clients’ best interests by determining the best strategy for their case and providing experienced legal representation throughout the entire process. Our law firm has a proven track record of favorable outcomes for clients facing licensing issues, including having all charges dismissed, obtaining letters of concern or probation over license suspension or revocation, and achieving confidential discipline rather than formal regulatory board action or sanctions that harm your professional reputation.
If your professional license is at risk of being permanently revoked, you need a Louisiana professional license defense lawyer to ensure your ability to work is left unchanged.
Types of Licensed Professionals We Defend in Louisiana
Our Louisiana professional license defense attorney team provides experienced legal representation for licensed professionals across all industries and occupations. Our expertise helps defend professionals in financial institutions, medical professionals, legal professionals, and other licensed professionals in skilled professions and regulated businesses. Our license defense lawyers know what’s warranted and the specific standards that govern your job.
Healthcare Professional License Defense
Medical Professionals: Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME)
- Physicians (MDs, DOs): Includes all medical doctors and surgeons
- Full (Unrestricted) medical license
- Limited or Temporary (training/residency/fellowship)
- Telemedicine (working virtually)
- Locum Tenens
- Physician Assistants (PAs): May include temporary licensure in limited cases.
- Medical Residents and Fellows
- Occupational Therapists / Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Respiratory Therapists
- Acupuncturists
- Laboratory Technologists
Nurses: Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) or Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE)
- Registered Nurses (RNs): Single-State or Multistate License
- LPNs or LVNs
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs): NPs, CRNAs, CNMs, CNSs
Pharmacists: Louisiana Board of Pharmacy
- Pharmacists: Full, Temporary / Intern, and Controlled Substance Registration
- Pharmacy Technicians
Dental and Vision Professions: Louisiana State Board of Dentistry or Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners
- Dentists: Full, Restricted, or Probationary
- Dental Hygienists
- Orthodontists
- Optometrists
Allied Healthcare Professionals
- Physical Therapists (PTs) / Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs)
- Occupational Therapists (OTs) / Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs)
- Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) / Audiologists
- Radiologic Technologists
- Respiratory Therapists
- Dietitians / Nutritionists
Behavioral and Mental Health Professions
- Psychologists
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
- Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
- Addiction Counselors
- Behavioral Health Technicians
Emergency and Long-Term Care Professionals
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
- Paramedics
- Nursing Home Administrators
- Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care Providers
Veterinary and Alternative Healthcare Professionals
- Veterinarians / Veterinary Technicians
- Chiropractors
- Acupuncturists
- Massage Therapists
Financial and Legal Professional License Defense
- Attorneys
- Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
- Financial Advisors / Securities Brokers (FINRA-Registered, Working with Financial Institutions)
- Notaries
Public Service, Specialized, and Education Professional License Defense
- Teachers and School Administrators
- Law Enforcement Officers (Police, Deputies, Correctional Officers)
- Firefighters
- Certified Court Interpreters and Translators
Landscape Architect, Surveyor, Geologist, Engineer, and Other Technical Professional License Defense
- Professional Engineers (LAPELS)
- Land Surveyors and Landscape Architects
- Architects and Geologists
- Interior Designers
Occupational License Defense For Other Licensed Professionals in Business and Regulated Industries
- Real Estate Agents, Real Estate Brokers, and Mortgage Brokers
- Insurance Agents
- Bail Bondsmen, Private Investigators, Security Guards, and Process Servers
- General Contractors and Electricians
- Plumbers and HVAC Contractors
- Environmental Consultants, Home Inspectors, and Safety Inspectors
- Cosmetologists, Barbers, and Estheticians
- Massage Therapists
- Funeral Home Establishments (Funeral Directors and Embalmers)
- Pest Control Operators
- Alcoholic Beverage License (ABL) Holders and Managers
- Tobacco License Holders and Managers
- Cannabis Industry Professionals
- Commercial Drivers (CDL Holders)
- Public Officials and Civil Servants
- Healthcare Administrators (Hospitals, Clinics, Nursing Homes)
Common Reasons for Disciplinary Action and How We Defend Professionals
The state medical board and other state licensing boards pursue disciplinary action for a range of allegations. Understanding the nature of the administrative hearings is critical to building effective defense strategies. Our Louisiana professional license defense attorney team builds defense strategies around the unique circumstances of each case. We’re prepared to protect your rights and fight on your behalf for the most favorable outcome under state law.
To learn more, call a Louisiana professional license defense lawyer for a complimentary, confidential consultation.
Unprofessional Conduct Examples and Defense Strategies
Instances of unprofessional conduct in Louisiana can include:
- Scope and Supervision: Practicing outside the license authority or failing to provide proper oversight.
- Records and Documentation: Incomplete or inaccurate documentation or reports.
- Confidentiality and Privacy: Disclosing client or patient information inappropriately.
- Compliance and Renewal: Failing to meet continuing education or renewal requirements.
- Cooperation With Regulatory Boards: Refusing or delaying responses to those investigating your case.
- Credentials: Misuse of titles or false qualifications.
- Advertising and Shared Statements: False, deceptive, or unprofessional promotions.
- Conduct: Disrespectful or disruptive behavior toward patients, clients, or staff.
- Administrative Compliance: Ignoring internal policies, procedures, or safety protocols.
Our Louisiana professional license defense attorneys can use the following defense strategies for unprofessional conduct allegations:
- Early Intervention: Engaging with legal expertise early to mitigate complaints can prevent escalation.
- Detailed Case Review: Analyze medical charts, records, communications, and filings to identify inconsistencies or mitigating findings.
- Challenging Findings: Dispute allegations based on lack of proof, unreliable witnesses, or procedural errors.
- Demonstrating Compliance: Show corrective measures.
- Conduct Negotiations: When appropriate, request terms to minimize penalties, protect license status, or avoid public sanctions.
- Legal Representation In Administrative Hearings: Present a strong legal and factual defense at administrative hearings.
- Rehabilitation and Monitoring Programs: Advocate for placement in approved recovery or monitoring programs when substance use or impairment is alleged.
Unethical Conduct Examples and Defense Strategies
Instances of unethical conduct in Louisiana include:
- Dishonesty and Misrepresentation: Falsifying records, experience, or applications; providing false or misleading information.
- Conflicts of Interest: Accepting gifts, favors, or financial benefits that compromise judgment.
- Exploitation or Manipulation: Taking advantage of clients, patients, or subordinates for personal, financial, or professional gain.
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Not acting in the client’s or patient’s best interest; violating the trust placed in a licensed professional.
- Discrimination or Bias: Allowing prejudice or favoritism to affect decisions or treatment.
- Violation of Professional Ethical Codes: Failing to follow the formal code of ethics.
Our Louisiana professional license defense lawyers can use the following defense strategies for such allegations:
- Dispute intent and demonstrate a lack of willful/unprofessional conduct
- Offer proof that the client followed professional/moral standards
- Provide documentation or statements contradicting allegations
- Show corrective action, ethics training, or policy improvements
- Challenge procedural errors or lack of proof
- Emphasize clean history and mitigating factors
- Conduct negotiations for consent orders or lower sanctions when appropriate
Professional Misconduct Examples and Defense Strategies
Examples of professional misconduct in Louisiana include:
- Violation of Orders or Disciplinary Terms: Ignoring or failing to comply with probation conditions, consent decrees, or monitoring agreements.
- Abuse of Authority or Position: Using one’s status to intimidate, manipulate, or coerce others.
- Breach of Trust: Any conduct that damages the reputation or integrity of the profession, even outside the workplace.
- Persistent or Repeated Violations: Demonstrating ongoing disregard for rules or prior discipline.
- Sexual Harassment or Inappropriate Relationships: Making sexual comments or advances; engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with clients, patients, or supervisees.
- Failure to Report: Knowingly allowing unlicensed work, fraud, or misconduct by others without reporting it.
- Failure to Maintain Competence: Continuing to work despite loss of necessary skill, knowledge, or certification.
- Improper Delegation of Responsibility: Assigning duties requiring licensure or specialized judgment to unqualified individuals.
Our Louisiana professional license defense attorneys can use the following defense strategies for professional misconduct allegations:
- Challenge factual inaccuracies or unreliable statements
- Demonstrate adherence to standards or regulations
- Prove lack of intent, negligence, or willful wrongdoing
- Present expert testimony proving the accepted standard of care
- Show good-faith efforts
- Expose procedural or investigative errors
- Emphasize good character, clean disciplinary record, and mitigating factors
- Negotiate consent agreements or lower disciplinary measures
Criminal Charges and Convictions
Examples of criminal charges and convictions that can lead to license revocation include:
- Convicted of Fraud, Theft, or Financial Crimes: Medicaid, Medicare, or insurance fraud, billing for services not rendered, embezzlement, forgery, shoplifting, burglary, or misuse of employer or client property.
- Criminal Charges for Drugs or Controlled Substances: Writing or filling fraudulent prescriptions, illegal possession or diversion of medications, trafficking, or diversion.
- DWI or DUI Arrest: Driving under the influence, even off duty.
- Criminal Charges for Domestic Violence or Assault: Serious allegations involving physical harm, threats, or altercations involving a partner, family member, or coworker.
- Convicted of Inappropriate Conduct or Sex Crime: Sexual assault, exploitation, indecent behavior, or other sex-related offenses.
- Document or Record Tampering (may not require criminal convictions): Altering prescriptions, falsifying records, or changing official documents.
- False Statements or Obstruction (may not require criminal conviction): Providing false information to investigators, lying under oath, or interfering with the investigative process.
- Convicted of Crimes Involving Dishonesty or Moral Character: Offenses involving dishonesty, corruption, or conduct showing unfitness to be a licensed professional.
Our Louisiana professional license defense attorneys can use the following defense strategies for criminal allegations or criminal charges:
- Challenge findings or probable cause
- Conduct negotiations to reduce or dismiss the criminal charges
- Argue the lack of intent or criminal responsibility
If you’ve already been convicted on criminal charges or submitted a plea, our Louisiana professional license defense lawyers:
- Seek deferred adjudication or expungement
- Show proof of rehabilitation or corrective action
- Mitigate disciplinary impact before administrative hearings
- Coordinate criminal and licensing defense strategies
Professional Negligence and Malpractice
Malpractice and negligence arise from allegations that your conduct fell below the standards of care for your profession. Negligence and malpractice cases typically involve patient injuries, clients’ financial losses, errors in judgment, and failure to follow established protocols.
The state medical board investigates allegations independently of malpractice lawsuits, regardless of whether cases are pending, dismissed, or settled. Its focus is on determining whether the doctor or other healthcare professional made a violation, not civil liability. Findings of negligence can result in license suspension, probation, or revocation.
Our Louisiana professional license defense attorney team works with expert witnesses to establish that your conduct met professional standards, challenge the complainant’s version of events, and present proof of your competence and ethics throughout your career.
How Our Louisiana Professional License Attorneys Help With Licensing Board Investigations
Complaints against your professional license from patients, clients, or the public can trigger a formal investigation by the Louisiana state licensing boards. Once notified, you may be required to provide records, respond to document requests, and cooperate with department investigators or agency interviewers.
Failing to respond or assist can escalate the matter and may lead to disciplinary proceedings. Promptly retaining experienced legal counsel is critical to protect your rights and guide you through each stage of the process.
Your Louisiana professional license defense lawyer will begin by ensuring our firm has a thorough understanding of the allegations, facts surrounding the complaints, and the specific regulatory board’s licensing processes.
It’s important to prepare detailed written responses, gather evidence, and collect supportive witness statements in the early steps. Skilled legal representation can also engage directly with board prosecutors to help achieve a favorable resolution through goodwill.
A well-developed approach, grounded in practical experience with administrative law and professional discipline, helps address legal obstacles efficiently, ultimately safeguarding your career and minimizing life-changing impacts.
Louisiana Professional License Lawyer Providing Experienced Administrative Hearing Representation
State licensing boards initiate formal charges after completing their investigations. Subsequently, either an administrative law judge or board members preside over administrative hearings once they are arranged. These hearings operate under a different burden of proof than criminal cases, and there is no jury; instead, the outcome is decided by the board or hearing officer.
During the proceedings, parties can present witnesses, expert testimony, and relevant evidence to support their case, and may cross-examine both complainants and witnesses from the board. The defense counsel plays a crucial role by delivering opening statements and closing arguments. Navigating the intricate procedures of administrative law requires significant legal expertise.
Dual Criminal Charge and Professional License Defense Strategies
Criminal charges and license defense necessitate a unified approach to legal representation, as a criminal conviction can trigger automatic disciplinary measures against a professional license. It is essential that plea negotiations account for potential consequences, specifically for licensed professionals. For instance, deferred prosecution can serve to safeguard both a professional’s license and their livelihood.
In Louisiana, felony offenses involving moral turpitude often lead to immediate board intervention, making it critical to address the criminal case and licensing issues simultaneously. Our Louisiana professional license defense attorneys can manage both processes, working to minimize the consequences on behalf of clients.
Louisiana Professional Health Program for Substance Abuse and Impairment
The Louisiana Professional Health Program (LPHP) provides an alternative to disciplinary action for healthcare professionals facing substance abuse issues. Participants undergo evaluation, treatment, and random testing, typically over five years. Compliance allows licensed professionals to continue working under monitored conditions, while noncompliance leads to immediate license suspension. A skilled Louisiana professional license defense lawyer helps maintain your career while receiving health treatment.
Negotiating Private Consent Agreements and Settlements
Our Louisiana professional license defense lawyer team negotiates proactively with state licensing boards to resolve matters before formal hearings, often securing private agreements that prevent disciplinary proceedings from proceeding to administrative hearings. When appropriate, structured probation, continuing education, or monitored settings can serve as effective alternatives to suspending your professional license.
A committed professional license attorney in Louisiana can help you decide when to settle or fight these matters, based on your specific situation. During confidential consultations, we assess which approach is in your case’s best interest. Our law firm leverages extensive knowledge to secure favorable terms and protect your career through strategic negotiations.
Protecting Your Rights Through License Investigations
Do not speak with state investigators without an experienced attorney present. Preserve all records, follow board directives, meet deadlines, and avoid discussing case details with colleagues. Continue working ethically, maintaining compliance with regulations and rules, and notify your insurance provider if applicable. Early legal representation is critical to prevent errors. It’s wise to contact and hire a Louisiana professional license defense attorney immediately upon notice of an investigation.
Defending Professional Reputations Against False Accusations
Baseless complaints from patients, clients, or former employees are common. Accusations often stem from retaliation after disputes. Our Louisiana professional license defense lawyers are proficient at using documentation, witness statements, and character evidence to disprove false complaints and challenge the complainant’s credibility. We build a thorough, strategic defense to protect your professional reputation and livelihood.
Legal Representation for Louisiana License Revocation or License Suspension Appeal Processes
Defendants have the right to appeal adverse decisions but must file typically within 30 days. Administrative law judges apply specific standards at the state and federal levels. Your Louisiana professional license defense attorney will file a motion to stay, allowing you to continue practicing temporarily.
Our legal professionals are knowledgeable in administrative appeals. We navigate every step of the complex appellate process to overturn or modify unfavorable decisions. This increases clients’ chances of favorable outcomes.
Legal Assistance For License Reinstatement After Being Suspended or Revoked
After a suspension, you may petition for license reinstatement by proving rehabilitation, compliance, and fitness to practice. This process often includes coursework, treatment completion, references, and a board hearing. Experienced defense counsel is essential for reinstatement success. With the right assistance, you may be able to regain your ability to work and rebuild your professional reputation.
Louisiana License Defense For Multiple Industries and Professions
Nearly all licensed professionals face disciplinary action at some point. Licensing issues arise in a variety of industries and professions throughout Louisiana. Each profession has specific regulations that govern practice, requiring a comprehensive understanding of different licensing boards and rules.
Our Louisiana professional license defense attorneys defend individuals in all types of occupations. Our expertise spans federal-level and state jurisdiction requirements. We’re proficient in defending licensed professionals in specialized fields and handle a range of allegations from minor violations to felony criminal charges.
Contact a Louisiana Professional License Defense Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you’re facing a licensing board investigation or disciplinary action in Louisiana, seek experienced legal representation immediately. Finding and hiring lawyers skilled at defending professionals can determine whether you keep your professional license or lose your career and years of hard work. Our Louisiana professional license defense lawyers are here to protect your professional license, livelihood, reputation, and future. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and develop a strategic defense plan tailored to your specific circumstances.
Contact a Louisiana professional license defense attorney for a free, confidential consultation by calling (225) 343-1111 or filling out the contact form to schedule.
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The attorneys at The Law Offices of Ossie Brown are skilled in several practice areas and ready to discuss your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.