You don't have to be a Law and Order superfan to know the difference between a charge and a conviction. Most of us wouldn't want either on our record, but when it comes to your profession and your professional license, it pays to know how each could (and should not) impact your license to practice your chosen vocation.

In July, an Iowa nurse who hadn't yet seen her day in court was convinced to agree to stop practicing and have her license suspended. The Iowa Board of Nursing has been looking into her case, which has to do with drug conspiracy charges, but hasn't made any determinations or imposed any sanctions.

Is your state licensing board pressuring you to relinquish your license – even temporarily – because of an accusation or even before an accusation? Don't fall into this trap. Do not discuss anything without an attorney present. Stop and call the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm at 888.535.3686 or contact us through our automated online response form.

Don't Throw in the Towel and Throw Out Your License So Fast

The danger in this is that there are a variety of findings that could come from her state board of nursing and her criminal case. It isn't outside of the realm of possibility that the charges against her won't stand up in court. That certainly would be a positive outcome for her, but getting her nursing license reinstated could prove more challenging than she might have been led to believe. This is a battle that could be prevented, most likely with a capable attorney at her side.

Could Cutting Corners in Your Legal Defense Cut Your Career Short?

As this case shows, practicing professionals who are simply accused of wrongdoing without due process can have their careers cut short. Sadly, the nurse in this case is only in her early forties, with her future now up in the air after many years of advanced education, costly tuition, and hard work.

Avoid succumbing to pressure and allowing for your license to be put at risk. Do not be intimidated into sacrificing the career you've worked so hard to attain. Do not let the fear of punitive actions from your state licensing board dictate your future. 

If you find yourself in a position where you are facing allegations and your state licensing board is pressuring you into agreeing to anything, pause. Ask yourself how much your professional license, your livelihood, is worth to you. What would be the real cost of losing it, especially if you are in an earlier stage or at the height of your career?

The Lento Law Firm Can Help Protect Your Professional License

We're experienced in representing all kinds of hard-working and high-earning professionals nationwide before state medical boards and negotiating with them on our client's behalf. To learn how we can help you seek the best possible outcome if you are facing possible license suspension or revocation, contact the Lento Law Firm Team today at 888.535.3686 or use our automated response form.