Working as a licensed electrician in Michigan is a calling for many, and with a strong demand in a diverse economy, it's often a rewarding and long-lasting career. However, when you find an official notice of a complaint or violation in your mailbox, it can bring that bright business future crashing down.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) enforces strict standards to ensure qualified and competent electricians conduct work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Therefore, any alleged violation—code noncompliance, false advertising, or fraudulent permitting—can lead to disciplinary action. Even unfounded and unsanctioned allegations can cause harm to one's personal and professional reputation, meaning your situation commands attention from the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team.
We prepare individuals for how LARA manages regulatory breaches, consumer complaints, and violations of the National Electrical Code (NEC). When you desire representation in front of state authorities, we work to protect your credentials and keep your disciplinary record clean. 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.
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
In Michigan, LARA regulates all skilled trades, and while it issues electrician licenses, the Electrical Administrative Board (EAB) helps shape the policies and standards under which those licenses are granted, renewed, punished, or revoked. EAB guidelines dictate anyone "erecting, installing, altering, repairing, servicing, or maintaining electrical wiring" must have a license in one of three categories:
- Journeyman Electrician
- Master Electrician
- Electrical Contractor
The state requires licensed electricians to do all the wiring and install electrical fixtures, appliances, and equipment, regardless of whether or not the system is energized—even low-voltage systems. There are some instances, however, where professionals may only need to complete specific electrical work. Subsequently, LARA has provisions issuing specialty licenses for limited work, including the following:
- Fire Alarm Specialty Technician
- Fire Alarm Contractor
- Sign Specialist
- Sign Specialty Contractor
Those holding a valid electrical contractor's, master electrician's, or electrical journeyman's license, or even an apprentice electrician's registration, are not required to hold any specialty licenses in order to perform installations.
Despite LARA's broad reach, homeowners are exempt when working on electrical systems, but only in the buildings and outbuildings they inhabit. The same does not apply to landlords or those renting, leasing, or intending to sell their property. Critically, LARA can levy sanctions against unlicensed electricians or others who conduct electrical work under regulatory control.
City of Detroit Board of Electrical Examiners
Licenses issued by LARA provide individuals with the authority to do electrical work through the state; however, there are some slight exceptions. For those planning to perform electrical work in Detroit, there are additional local requirements.
In Detroit, the Board of Electrical Examiners reviews and approves applications for licensing electricians and conducts its own hearings to adjudicate violations. The board works closely with the Electrical Inspection Division and the Electrical Division of the city's Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department.
Electrical contractors running a business rather than working under someone else's license must also acquire a local contractor license or business license. Although Detroit requires its own electrician license, that doesn't mean state-issued credentials aren't required. Individuals must hold a license from LARA unless they seek apprenticeship registration through the city board.
Michigan Electrician Prohibited Conduct
Licensees must follow not only the NEC, the state's electrical code, and all local ordinances where they conduct work but also standards of professionalism and ethical behavior. It ensures that those providing services to the public are held accountable to consumers in all sectors. LARA adopted the Michigan Skilled Trades Regulations Act as its basis for oversight and discipline.
Any licensee that engages in the following is subject to disciplinary action:
- Misrepresenting experience or education in obtaining a license
- Practicing fraud, deceit, or dishonesty while carrying out electrical work
- Demonstrating a lack of good moral character
- Committing an act of gross negligence
- Engaging in false advertising
- Performing electrical work with incompetence
- Aiding or abetting another person in unlicensed practice
Certain criminal convictions—especially those involving fraud or moral turpitude—can also result in disciplinary measures against a license. Yet, one of the more common reasons for license discipline is failure to display or improper display of a license number.
Electrical contractors are required to display their state-issued license number on any advertisements or marketing materials. This can include business cards, flyers, brochures, online ads, radio commercials, and other forms of promotion, as well as company vehicles and those used to perform electrical work.
Complaint Investigations
When Michigan electricians abridge the state's code of conduct for trade professionals, the NEC, local ordinances, or consumer wishes, the grievance process typically begins with a complaint. LARA's Enforcement Section reviews and investigates complaints against electricians with assistance from the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC).
Critically, within the skilled trades, electricians are subject to three levels of enforcement jurisdiction (state, county, and local). Complaints received by the Bureau where a local code enforcing agency has jurisdiction over the allegations described in the complaint can be forwarded to that local jurisdiction. Therefore, localities are allowed to resolve issues before escalation to the state level.
When LARA, the BCC, or localities manage complaints, they will acknowledge the inquiry to the accuser or complainant within 15 days. Within 30 days, a department investigative unit reports the results to LARA's director. Without a substantiated violation, the department closes the complaints. If the report discloses evidence of a violation, LARA prepares appropriate action against the accused licensee (respondent), which may be any of the following:
- A formal complaint
- A cease and desist order
- A notice of summary suspension
- A citation
Once the department prepares the formal complaint, it's sent to the complainant and respondent, which includes the process for further adjudication. Additionally, it serves the respondent with a notice of a scheduled compliance conference.
Compliance Conference
The primary goal of a compliance conference is for parties to convene and discuss the alleged violations, review evidence, and determine whether the issue can be resolved without resorting to a contested case hearing. During the meeting, a LARA representative or an assistant attorney general presents the case and concerns they have regarding the violation. A member of the EAB may be present, but they typically become involved at later stages if a formal hearing is necessary.
Respondents—or their legal representatives—have a chance to present their side of the story and provide additional insight to the meeting attendees. If parties can reach an agreement—such as paying fines, mandatory continuing education, and license suspension—the settlement agreement is signed and submitted to the EAB for final approval. Respondents typically have 10 days to reply. If no resolution is reached or the electrician disputes the allegations entirely, the matter can move forward to a contested case hearing with the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules.
Contested Case Hearings
Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), licensees and their legal representation will enter proceedings with LARA or an assistant attorney general. Both sides may exchange documents, witness lists, and other evidence before the hearing. The ALJ will also schedule an informal pre-hearing conference. The meeting will narrow the issues and plan for the hearing but also act as another attempt to enter into a settlement offer before official proceedings.
Although less formal than a jury trial in a courtroom, contested case hearings follow structured procedures with provisions such as:
- Opening and closing statements for parties to outline or recapitulate their case to the ALJ
- Presentation of evidence, including calling witnesses to provide testimony
- The ability for either party to cross-examine the other, including witnesses
The burden of proof lies with LARA, but it only needs to prove its case by a preponderance of the evidence. After reviewing all testimony and evidence, the ALJ issues a Final Decision and Order (FDO) outlining the ALJ's conclusions and recommended disciplinary action, if warranted.
Within 60 days, the EAB reviews the FDO and renders its decision. They can adopt, modify, or reject the ALJ's recommendations and then issue a final order that will include license restrictions or sanctions.
Consequences of License Discipline
When the EAB adopts a final order regarding substantiated violations of its own or through proceedings involving an ALJ, it can impose numerous types of sanctions. When determining the appropriate punishments, the EAB will consider the licensee's previous disciplinary record, whether or not they made an attempt to rectify the violations, and whether a lack of experience or competency plays a part.
The board has the authority to levy one or more of the following corrective measures:
- Censure: An official documentation of rule violations
- Probation: Temporary relegation to a limited license to perform electrical work
- Fines: Payments to LARA of no more than $10,000 per violation
- Limitations: Placement of restrictions on the work that can be done with a license
- Restitution: Payments made to those affected by rule violations or consumer complaints
- Suspension: Prohibition from working as an electrician in the state for one year or longer.
- Revocation: Permanent ban on working as an electrician in Michigan
If licensees are subject to disciplinary action in Detroit—such as a suspension or revocation—it will likely cause similar sanctions from state authorities. Even if the city imposes minor fines or restrictions, LARA will investigate in an attempt to uncover further violations, further threatening the ability to work.
Importantly, LARA can bar an electrician from working until some payments are finalized, regardless of the amount. If restitution is required, the department may suspend a license until it's paid.
Individuals with suspended or revoked credentials may not have to worry about licensure implications in other states, considering Michigan does not have license reciprocity with other jurisdictions—apart from the City of Detroit. However, that doesn't mean electricians can pick up and work elsewhere. License discipline—such as suspension or revocation—is a disqualifier for issuance from licensing departments in other states, not just for electricians but all professional credentials.
Aside from licensure implications, discipline often throws a business out of balance. Cease and desist orders or the shuttering of an operation leads to contractual breaches with residential or commercial consumers. Moreover, individuals can be forced to transfer work to other businesses, putting a strain on subcontractors and taking away jobs from employees.
The effects of LARA's disciplinary measures are significant. Without professional legal assistance, Michigan electricians risk damaging a lifelong career as public records can forever tarnish their reputation in the business. Although legal representation may seem like an aggressive move in situations outside of a courtroom, it protects your investment and provides the best outcome in the effort toward remaining in good standing with state authorities.
Defend Your Michigan Electrician License with the Lento Law Firm
Maintaining a license to conduct electrical work in Michigan not only gives you access to projects in numerous industries but also represents an investment in your future career. Between completing continuing education requirements, filing for permits with localities, and keeping up to date with changes in the electrical code, licensees can be caught off guard by allegations. Even though LARA provides a platform for licensees to defend themselves, it's imperative they retain professional assistance.
The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team understands the plight of electricians balancing projects, permits, and employee progress while defending themselves against alleged violations or consumer complaints. Given the high stakes—potential fines, suspension, or even revocation of a license—underestimating the seriousness with which LARA seeks to levy sanctions can be detrimental to your livelihood.
We help you respond to the department's inquiries and navigate compliance conferences and contested case hearings, ensuring that you understand your rights and obligations. Our team conducts its own examination of the allegations, builds a response strategy, and presents the strongest defense possible. The road toward remedy begins with us; whether you are in Lansing, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Kalamazoo, or the Upper Peninsula, we are prepared to begin today. 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.
