When a licensed commercial electrician in Louisiana is notified of pending disciplinary action, the stakes are far higher than administrative fines or a simple regulatory slap on the wrist. A license is the foundation of an electrician's livelihood, professional reputation, and ability to legally contract and perform work. Whether the issue arises from a consumer complaint, an alleged code violation, or other regulatory oversights, grievance proceedings can quickly escalate into career-defining and career-ending events.
The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) holds broad authority to launch intrusive investigations into any complaint made. Even if issues begin as a misunderstanding, electricians may suddenly find themselves defending against formal charges that can lead to the following consequences:
- Public reprimands that damage professional—and even personal—credibility in the community
- Fines that can place a significant financial burden on individuals and families
- Probation and restrictions that can upset the balance of work schedules and career advancement
- License suspension or revocation that puts an end to working as an electrician in Louisiana
Many electricians underestimate the complexity of the procedures governing license discipline and attempt to defend themselves without assistance. Instead of risking irreversible outcomes, count on the Lento Law Firm to help mitigate disciplinary action. Our Professional License Defense Team is well-versed in how Louisiana state authorities manage complaints and allegations.
From the initial complaint through investigations, hearings, and potential appeals, our intervention can be the difference between a temporary setback and permanent career damage. Call the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686 now or fill out our confidential consultation form, and we will contact you.
Louisiana's State and Municipal License Structure
Louisiana is one of the few states that does not have a statewide electrician license. Credentials are issued by municipalities or parishes. Nevertheless, the process varies by locality.
For instance, the City of New Orleans issues the following types of licenses to electricians:
- Class "A" Master Electrician License: Grants individuals eligibility to work on both residential and commercial properties.
- Class "C" Maintenance Electrician License: For those who only work on existing electrical systems when employed by a business.
- Class "D" Journeyman Electrician License: Works under the supervision of an electrical contractor to install, maintain, or repair systems.
- Class "E" Electrician Trainee Licensee: Known as an "apprentice" in other states, and works under a supervisor.
Despite that fact that municipalities and parishes issues credentials to work, the state also requires—in order to complete jobs worth $7,500 or more—individuals to obtain an official contractor's license or registration from the LSLBC. The law isn't specific to electrical contractors; it applies to other mechanical trades in Louisiana as well.
The LSLBC provides three basic types of credentials for electrical contractors:
- Commercial License: for projects with a value of $50,000 or more (including labor and materials) when the property is to be used for commercial purposes.
- Residential License: for projects exceeding $50,000 (including labor and materials) of any residential structure.
- Home Improvement Registration: for contracting activities of $7,500 or more but less than $50,000.
Those with an active residential or commercial license are exempt from needing registration for home improvement projects. Home improvement contracting projects exceeding $50,000 require at least a residential license.
Electrician Prohibited Conduct
Continuing education and experience hours are vital to an individual's electrical trade. However, they are also subject to conduct standards governing all licensed professionals. As part of the state's Contractors Licensing Law, electricians are beholden to numerous provisions that ensure only qualified professionals interact with consumers and conduct electrical work.
Although it's not an exhaustive list, the following are grounds for disciplinary action:
- Falsely representing or advertising regarding the person's license status or classification
- Dishonest or fraudulent acts by a contractor that cause damage to another
- Bidding on, quoting, estimating, or performing a job for which the licensee is not qualified for the majority of the work performed
- Misrepresentations of fact to the board
- Deception by omission or providing false testimony to the board
- Entering into a contract with an unlicensed contractor involving work or activity requiring a license
- Permitting the contractor's license to be used by another contractor when the other contractor is unlicensed
- Failure to maintain a qualifying party to represent the licensee
- Problems relating to the ability of the contractor, its qualifying party, or any of its principal owners or principal shareholders to engage in the business of contracting
- Failure to notify the board of any change in corporate name, company name, address of the licensee, or any other contact information
- Abandoning or failing to perform any contract or project without justification or deviating from or disregarding plans or specifications in any material respect
- Efforts to deceive or defraud the public
- Convictions, guilty pleas, or pleas of no contest to criminal charges related to the construction business, involving dishonesty, or causing physical harm or damages to another
Nevertheless, some provisions apply only to contractors. For instance, electrical contractors must always maintain the minimum allowable amount of bonds and insurance. Moreover, they may not allow more than three apprentices per journeyman at a job site and may not be associated with or responsible for more than one firm.
Violations don't normally surface when the LSLBC launches an inquiry itself (outside of discrepancies during renewal). The grievance process typically begins with consumer complaints.
Complaint Process and Investigations
Complaints can come from anyone: neighbors taking issue with a licensee's work, contractual disputes with customers, or they can come anonymously from individuals claiming breaches of local ordinances or state laws. The Enforcement Section of the LSLBC is responsible for investigating consumer complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors, including electricians. It ensures compliance and protects consumers from substandard or unauthorized practices.
Consumers (complainants) can file a complaint online through the LSLBC's website, providing:
- The complainant's personal information, such as an address or work contracted
- Details about the contractor in question, such as alleged misconduct or code violations
- A description of the complaint, including supporting documentation, such as contracts, invoices, or photographs
Once a complaint is received, the Enforcement Section reviews the information to determine if it falls within the board's jurisdiction, such as a violation of the Louisiana Contractors Licensing Law. For electricians who are residential or home improvement contractors, matters are handled by the LSLBC's Residential Subcommittee, but all decisions are subject to the board's final approval.
Upon receiving notice from the board or the subcommittee, the accused electrician (respondent) is subject to an investigation. The Enforcement Section undertakes a comprehensive examination of the allegations, which may include job site visits, interviews with relevant parties to collect statements, and analyzing contracts, permits, invoices, and other documents to verify compliance with licensing requirements.
Following the investigation, if violations are confirmed, the Enforcement Section may recommend various enforcement actions. Critically, any residential electrical contractor may request to appear at the next regularly scheduled board meeting, where their alleged violations are brought before the board for final action. They may also be given an opportunity to address the board regarding the subcommittee's recommendation.
Consent Agreements
The board will likely offer the respondent the opportunity to voluntarily accept disciplinary action through a consent agreement. The arrangement lays out the investigated facts, corresponding violations, and subsequent penalties. Some may believe that consent agreements can help them avoid severe disciplinary action and retain their ability to work. However, that's a common misconception.
When an electrician pursues an informal agreement, they waive their right to challenge the allegations, which may prevent them from presenting mitigating evidence or other measures of defense that could have led to a dismissal or reduction in charges.
Since the agreement is considered a public disciplinary action and will be reflected in the electrician's permanent record, it could potentially harm their professional reputation and limit future employment or contracting opportunities.
Formal Hearings
Licensees can seek a formal hearing if they are looking to challenge the board's consent agreement and the associated charges. Hearings may be conducted by the board's legal counsel or specially appointed hearing officers. During the hearing, the respondent has the right to:
- Be represented by legal counsel
- Present evidence, testimony, and call witnesses
- Cross-examine opposing witnesses
After the hearing, the hearing officer recommends to the board, which then meets to deliberate and issue a decision. The LSLBC can also take recommendations from the Residential Subcommittee, which may include penalties such as fines, license suspension or revocation, or other corrective actions. Respondents are notified of the decision through official correspondence.
As is the case with all disciplinary proceedings for licensees, there is the right to appeal through judicial review. Aggrieved electricians must file a petition in their district court within 30 days of receiving the final ruling. However, courts generally do not reexamine factual findings unless there is evidence of arbitrary decision-making that is not based on information and testimony provided during the investigation process.
Sanctions for Louisiana Electricians
While the Enforcement Section or the Residential Subcommittee recommends punishment for violations, the full board must vote on imposing them. When the LSLBC meets, it could modify the proposed disciplinary action and consider more than just the facts of the case. For instance, the board will likely look into previous disciplinary history, cooperation with the investigation, and efforts toward correcting violations.
The Residential Subcommittee has the authority to issue cease-and-desist orders, but they only pertain to those engaged in unlicensed activities. Otherwise, the board can vote to levy the following sanctions:
- Administrative fines: penalties not to exceed 10 percent of the total contract being performed for each violation.
- Public reprimand: a formal disciplinary notice that becomes part of their professional record and is accessible to potential clients and employers.
- Probation: mandatory compliance with certain terms, such as supervision, restriction on contract bidding, or mandatory continuing education, among others, aimed at mitigating further violations.
- License suspension: temporary exclusion from working on electrical systems in Louisiana, including filing for permits and supervising apprentices.
- License revocation: The permanent removal of an individual's authority to practice as a licensed electrician in Louisiana.
Although a city or parish does not have the authority to suspend or revoke an electrical contractor's license, it can bar them from the permitting process. Localities can also issue fines. For instance, hearing officers from the New Orleans city administrative adjudication process can also impose fines of up to $500 per day for certain violations of its Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance or the Municipal Code of Ordinances.
Disciplinary action is often a career-defining moment for electricians. Even when the LSLBC issues a reprimand for a minor violation, it can place a heavy burden on a public-facing professional. Consumers may think twice about hiring an electrician who has a disciplinary record, which can be viewed by anyone on the LSLBC's website. Moreover, it can become an obstacle to gaining employment or filing for permits in reciprocal jurisdictions across state lines.
Defend Your Louisiana Electrician License with the Lento Law Firm
Licensed electricians are integral to nearly every industry, and their credentials represent more than just the ability to work. They symbolize a dedication to strict safety, conduct, and competency standards to provide top-tier service to the public. However, all it takes is one complaint or allegation to put an entire career at risk.
The Lento Law Firm understands that every allegation deserves legal assistance to protect career goals. Our Professional License Defense Team uses its extensive experience to help electricians with:
- Responding quickly to allegations and board investigators
- Collecting mitigating evidence to challenge alleged violations
- Coaching licensees to give a compelling argument to the hearing officer during formal proceedings
- Pursuing appeals and judicial review after the board announces disciplinary action
Some may think hiring an attorney is too aggressive a move for license defense. Yet, for all the time, money, and effort put into maintaining credentials, any situation deserves professional assistance. Take full advantage of every opportunity to protect your ability to work in Shreveport, New Orleans, Slidell, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Monroe, and elsewhere throughout Louisiana. Call the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential consultation form, and we will contact you.
