If you're a licensed pharmacist in Louisiana and you've been arrested — or worry that you might be — it's natural to feel overwhelmed. But one thing is certain: your pharmacy license could be at risk, even if the charges seem minor or completely unrelated to your practice.
At the Lento Law Firm, we help pharmacists across the state of Louisiana protect their licenses and livelihoods. Whether you're dealing with a DWI, shoplifting accusation, drug diversion claim, or something more serious, it's critical to understand your rights and responsibilities under state law.
Contact our Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686, or you can fill out a contact form today.
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Arrested as a Pharmacist in Louisiana?
If you are arrested, the very first step is to remain calm and limit what you say. Contact both a criminal defense lawyer and our professional license defense attorneys immediately. Even minor arrests can impact your license. Avoid discussing your case with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy (LBP) before you have legal advice, because anything you say can be used in both your criminal case and the investigation into your license.
Do Arrests Automatically Impact My Pharmacy License?
An arrest doesn't automatically mean you'll lose your license, but it can open the door to disciplinary action by the LBP. The Board can investigate, suspend, or revoke your license if it believes your actions — even if they're not criminal — show poor judgment or raise safety concerns.
Louisiana Revised Statutes and Board Rules
Under Louisiana Revised Statutes §37:1241, the LBP can take disciplinary action for the following:
- Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude
- Conduct that discredits the profession
- Violation of pharmacy laws or regulations
- Drug or alcohol abuse impacting practice
- Diversion of controlled substances
Even if you're only arrested or charged — without a conviction — it can still raise concerns with the Board, especially if you don't report it as required.
What If the Arrest Is Not Related to My Job?
Let's say you were arrested for shoplifting or got a DWI after hours — does the Board still care? Unfortunately, the answer is always yes. The LBP takes the view that any behavior that could reflect on your judgment, reliability, or fitness to practice is fair game.
Non-practice-related arrests, such as driving while intoxicated (DWI), domestic violence, theft, or weapons charges, can all trigger scrutiny from the Board. Even misdemeanors are taken seriously if they suggest you had impaired judgment or were dishonest.
Why the Type of Crime Matters
Louisiana law gives special weight to crimes involving moral turpitude — a legal term for dishonest, fraudulent, or unethical behavior. That includes theft, fraud, assault, and drug offenses.
You don't need to be convicted. Simply being charged with a crime involving dishonesty or unethical behavior can be enough for the Board to start an investigation into your license.
What If the Arrest Is Practice-Related?
If the charge is directly related to your role as a pharmacist, things get more serious — and fast.
The Board is especially aggressive with practice-related arrests, such as:
- Prescription drug fraud
- Controlled substance diversion
- Working under the influence
- Falsifying records
- Unlawful prescribing or dispensing
In these cases, the Board may take emergency action against your license, even before your criminal case is resolved.
Example: Drug Diversion
If you're accused of diverting medication from your employer, even a small amount, the Board may:
- Open a full investigation
- Request employment records
- Subpoena pharmacy surveillance
- Contact your employer
You could face criminal charges and administrative penalties at the same time. We've helped many Louisiana pharmacists in similar situations. The sooner you involve a license defense attorney from the Lento Law Firm, the better your chances of protecting your career.
Does the Board Treat Substance-Related Offenses Differently?
Yes. The Board is especially vigilant about offenses involving substance misuse, such as DUI, drug possession, or diversion of prescription medications. In these cases, pharmacists may be required to undergo substance abuse evaluations or participate in monitoring programs like the Pharmacist Recovery Network of Louisiana (PRN). You might actually need to join these programs to keep your license.
When Do Louisiana Pharmacists Have to Report Arrests?
Mandatory Self-Reporting
The Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC 46:LIII.521) requires pharmacists to report to the Board within 10 days any:
- Arrests
- Criminal charges
- Convictions
- Entry into pretrial diversion or plea agreements
- Disciplinary actions by another licensing board
The 10-day window starts from the date of the event, not when the court case ends. Failing to report can result in separate disciplinary action, even if charges are later dismissed.
If you've been arrested, don't wait. Contact us right away to find out if you need to report it and to get help preparing your disclosure.
What Happens After You Report an Arrest?
After you report your arrest or charge, the Board will decide whether to open a formal investigation.
They may:
- Request written explanations
- Ask for documents
- Interview witnesses
- Notify your employer
- Summon you for an informal or formal hearing
Depending on their findings, the Board may:
- Close the matter with no action
- Issue a private or public reprimand
- Impose fines or CE requirements
- Place your license on probation
- Suspend or revoke your license
Even if your criminal case is dismissed, the Board can discipline you based on its own independent review. That's why having legal representation through both the criminal and licensing processes is essential.
What If I Don't Report the Arrest?
Failing to report is a separate — and serious — violation of Board rules.
Even if the underlying charge is dropped, the failure to notify the Board can lead to:
- Reprimands
- Probation
- Fines
- Suspension or revocation
Some pharmacists assume they don't need to report until after conviction. But the reporting obligation is triggered by the arrest or charge, not the outcome.
Not sure if you need to report? Schedule a confidential consultation with our firm so we can evaluate your next step.
Does the Board Review Arrests That Happened Years Ago?
Yes. The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy can review arrests or convictions that occurred even before you were licensed if they were not properly disclosed during your application. Failing to disclose past arrests can lead to disciplinary action for fraud or misrepresentation. Also, not reporting arrests during licensure on time can result in penalties.
Can I Keep Working While My Case Is Pending?
In many cases, yes — but it depends on the charge and the Board's response.
If the Board believes you pose a public safety threat, they can pursue an interim suspension under La. R.S. §37:1245. This allows them to suspend your license before a formal hearing.
Interim suspensions are more likely in cases involving:
- Drug or alcohol impairment
- Theft from patients or pharmacies
- Violence or firearm possession
- Repeat offenses
If you're still working, be careful to avoid new violations, stay compliant with all court orders, and consult our license defense attorneys before communicating with the Board.
Can I Expunge a Conviction to Protect My License?
While expungement may clear your public criminal record, it does not remove your obligation to report arrests or convictions to the Board. The Board has access to sealed or expunged records for licensing purposes. Expungement alone won't prevent the Board from investigating or disciplining you, but it may help mitigate the severity of penalties if you demonstrate rehabilitation.
What If I'm Convicted?
A conviction, especially for a felony or a drug-related offense, can lead to automatic disciplinary proceedings. But there's still room to negotiate.
The Board will consider:
- Whether the offense was work-related
- Whether it was a felony or a misdemeanor
- How long ago it occurred
- Completion of sentencing or rehabilitation
- Your cooperation and disclosure
- Past complaints or disciplinary history
We've helped pharmacists negotiate Consent Orders that avoid license loss by accepting terms like:
- Probation
- Supervision
- Continuing education
- Substance use monitoring
How Can I Show the Board That I'm Taking Responsibility?
The Board looks more favorably on pharmacists who self-report arrests promptly, seek legal help, comply with treatment or court orders, and provide honest written explanations acknowledging the impact of their actions. Demonstrating insight and maintaining clean conduct during the investigation can lead to more lenient outcomes, such as probation instead of suspension.
Do I Need a License Defense Lawyer Even If the Charge Seems Minor?
Absolutely. Even seemingly minor arrests like shoplifting or simple possession can jeopardize your license. A license defense attorney at the Lento Law Firm can advise you on reporting obligations, prepare disclosures, coordinate with your criminal counsel, and represent you before the Board to help protect your professional future.
How We Help Louisiana Pharmacists
At the Lento Law Firm, we represent pharmacists across Louisiana facing criminal charges, Board investigations, or urgent disciplinary action. Here's how we help:
1. Strategic Risk Assessment
We'll determine whether your incident requires reporting, and if so, help you do it clearly, honestly, and without unnecessary self-incrimination.
2. Full Representation
We'll represent you in all communications with the Board, help you respond to subpoenas, and guide you through any hearings or interviews.
3. Criminal & Administrative Coordination
We coordinate with your criminal defense lawyer to protect your license and reputation while your criminal case plays out.
4. Strong Board Negotiation
We understand how the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy operates. We've negotiated dozens of favorable outcomes for pharmacists, ranging from dropped complaints to reduced sanctions.
Don't Wait Until You're in Front of the Board
If you're a pharmacist in Louisiana and you've been arrested, time matters. The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy expects fast, accurate, and professional communication, but it also expects 100% compliance.
Our firm helps pharmacists across Louisiana, from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and beyond. You've worked too hard for your license to risk it now.
Taking early action can prevent costly mistakes and reduce the chances of severe disciplinary measures. With the right guidance, you can protect your career and move forward with confidence.
Arrested or Facing Charges? Let's Talk.
If you're a pharmacist in Louisiana and you've been arrested or charged with a crime — whether it's related to your professional practice or a personal matter — don't wait to get help. Your pharmacy license is your most valuable asset, and dealing with the legal and licensing systems without experienced guidance can put your career at serious risk.
At the Lento Law Firm, we understand the stress, uncertainty, and high stakes you're facing right now. Our team defends licensed professionals, including pharmacists, who are dealing with criminal charges and licensing board investigations.
We understand the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy's rules thoroughly and can create the best pharmacist license defense tailored to your specific situation.
Don't Wait — Get the Help You Need to Defend Your License
Scheduling a confidential consultation is the first step toward protecting your license, your livelihood, and your future. We'll listen carefully, explain your options clearly, and help you develop a strategy designed to minimize the impact on your career.
Your privacy is our priority — everything you share with us stays confidential. Don't let an arrest or charge derail your career. Contact the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686, or you can fill out a contact form today.
