As professionals, we understand how much planning and effort goes into achieving a professional license. Nobody should lose their license or suffer other reputational harm because of an allegation of misconduct. Even if you have made a mistake, an attorney from the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team may negotiate a resolution with your professional licensing board.
Many times, professionals in Michigan are accused wrongfully of misconduct. Nevertheless, you must approach the accusation as if it is career-threatening—it likely is. If the sanctioning body determines you're responsible for the alleged misconduct, you could face suspension or revocation of your license.
The Lento Law Firm Team provides nationwide license defense services. We understand the challenges that professionals face when their licenses become at risk, and we've successfully represented many professionals in Michigan. Let us fight for you.
Professional License Defense from a Qualified Attorney Serving Michigan
There are several reasons to hire a professional licensed defense attorney from our legal team as quickly as possible. We advise that you do not try to handle your own defense because:
- Your career could be in jeopardy: Don't take allegations of misconduct lightly. As frivolous or obviously baseless as the complaint(s) against you may seem, you should assume that the licensing board will take those accusations seriously. Your reputation, career, and livelihood could be at risk—embrace the help of our experienced legal team.
- Our attorneys are already familiar with various licensing boards in Michigan: One benefit of hiring the Lento Law Firm is our preexisting understanding of professional license defense issues. Whereas you may need to research these matters, we're intimately familiar with several licensing board disciplinary procedures, including those for doctors, financial advisors, and other professionals. This means we can dedicate more time to the specifics of your defense.
- Our firm offers a wealth of experience to draw from: Our experience defending professionals from damaging accusations offers several benefits. We understand how to respond to a wide range of unforeseen challenges. Our lawyers' ability to adapt on the fly and draw from prior experience could prove fruitful for your defense.
- We have the time and resources necessary for a proper defense of your license and reputation: Even as your license may be in jeopardy, you may still be working. The demands of your personal life do not stop simply because you're facing accusations of professional misconduct. Therefore, you may choose to retain our firm, which will dedicate an attorney to nothing but defending you from the potential loss of your license.
Consider what your career means to you, not just financially. Only then can you fully comprehend the weight of the pending adjudication process. Hiring an attorney from the Lento Law Firm is the responsible decision for any professional facing sanctions in Michigan.
How Professional Associations Adjudicate Allegations of Professional Misconduct in Michigan
As we have represented a wide range of professionals in the Wolverine State, we have seen how many licensing boards adjudicate allegations of misconduct or unfitness. While each profession manages the sanctioning process differently, the adjudication timeline typically involves the following:
Filing a Complaint
A complaint is a catalyst that turns professionals' lives upside down. Whether you work in a trade, in the medical field, or in another licensed profession, you could face a formal inquiry because of a complaint from:
- A superior, including an employer
- A client
- A patient
- A customer
- A coworker
- A regulatory agent
- An observer
No matter how little someone knows about your job, how inaccurate a complaint is, or how ill-motivated the complainant may be, a complaint can put your reputation at risk.
The recognized licensing board for your profession will review any complaint filed against you.
For example, someone may file a complaint with the Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS) if they have an issue with a medical professional in Michigan.
There is a respective body for complaints against electricians, accountants, welders, physical therapists, and all other types of licensed professionals in Michigan. Once the presiding body for your profession receives a complaint against you, it will begin a formal investigative process.
Completing an Investigation
Each professional oversight body determines how to investigate a complaint against a licensed professional in Michigan. The investigation process generally includes the following:
- Interviewing the professional accused of misconduct (in this case, you)
- Interviewing the complainant
- Possibly allowing the accused professional to confront the complainant
- Allowing the complainant and accused professional to present any evidence or witness testimony that supports their argument (though this step may be reserved for a hearing)
The assigned investigator generally makes a report and submits it to the ultimate decision-makers in your case. The two primary recommendations by an investigator are:
- Dismissing the allegations as baseless or without sufficient evidence
- Recommending a finding of responsibility and possibly recommending certain sanctions
The professional licensing body that oversees your case will likely put great stock in the investigator's report.
Completing Resolution Negotiations
If an investigator recommends dismissing your case and the adjudicating body agrees, that may be the end of your ordeal. However, if the investigator suggests that you are most likely responsible for the alleged misconduct, you may have the opportunity to accept fault and negotiate a resolution.
An agreement between a professional and their respective sanctioning board can be known as a consent order. While this consent order is typically a de facto admission of guilt, it can make sense if you are likely to be found responsible following a hearing.
Our attorneys will advise you throughout the process of your case, and we'll provide our recommendations based on your unique circumstances.
Conducting a Hearing
If a professional does not admit fault or accept the terms of a consent order, they generally undergo a hearing process. For financial industry professionals facing potential license-related sanctions, a hearing conducted by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) and the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules (MOAHR) may take place.
MOAHR notes that a hearing generally entails the following:
- An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) presiding over proceedings
- An attorney from the Attorney General's office or DIFS making the case against the accused financial professional
- DIFS first making its case against the professional
- The accused professional's attorney then makes its case, including by presenting evidence and witnesses
- Presentation of closing arguments
- The judge making a ruling on the case
This is only one example of the type of hearing that a licensed professional in Michigan may face. The variety of hearing types and procedures is one reason to hire an experienced professional from the Lento Law Firm.
An attorney from our team can prepare you for every process that lies ahead, including any necessary hearing.
Why Professionals in Michigan Hire the Lento Law Firm to Protect Their Licenses and Reputations (and How We Can Help You)
As you can see, the adjudication of professional license issues can be daunting. An attorney from the Lento Law Firm's Michigan Professional License Defense Team will advise, support, and serve you at every turn of this process.
More specifically, our legal team can assist you by:
- Gathering all evidence that suggests your innocence of allegations you face: Disciplinary bodies do not always find exculpatory evidence on their own. Often, our attorneys have to find and present the evidence that leads to the dismissal of our client's cases.
- Interviewing witnesses and arranging their testimony: Our team will speak with witnesses who refute the allegations against you. We may also retain experts whose opinion supports your license defense. We'll arrange for these parties to participate in interviews and hearings as necessary.
- Negotiating with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) for the sanctioning body: Your attorney from the Lento Law Firm will negotiate with the sanctioning body's Office of General Counsel (OGC). These attorneys may be able to negotiate a resolution independent of standard disciplinary channels. Our firm often communicates with other attorneys to achieve an efficient, mutually acceptable resolution to professional licensing issues.
- Representing you during all necessary interviews and hearings: Our team will be by your side throughout interviews and hearings. We will lead the process, ensuring that nobody violates your rights.
- Handling any necessary appeal: If your case calls for an appeal, you have retained a firm that is familiar with the appeals process. We'll file your appeal promptly and fight relentlessly for a just outcome.
If you have made a mistake and admit to it, this may affect our approach. Even so, the need for an attorney is clear. Someone who admits wrongdoing should still receive fair sanctions, and we'll seek to ensure that you retain your license or face the mildest sanctions possible.
What Communities Does the Lento Law Firm Serve in Michigan?
Michigan is a large state, and our legal team serves every corner of it. Among other areas of Michigan, we represent professionals who live or work in:
Detroit
The Motor City employs professionals in every conceivable profession. Doctors, skilled tradesmen, and accountants are vital features of Detroit's enduring spirit. These and other professionals deserve a capable defense when their licenses are in jeopardy, and we proudly provide that defense.
Ann Arbor
Don't let the professional ecosystem that surrounds the University of Michigan lose you in the shuffle. Licensing boards may see you as a small fish in a big pond, so it is critical you retain a lawyer who makes it clear that you should not face unjust sanctions.
Grand Rapids
The second-most populous city in Michigan, Grand Rapids' proximity to Lake Michigan makes for a diverse professional environment. We're familiar with the industries that make up Grand Rapids, and we're primed to present a capable defense of your reputation and license.
Warren
Warren is home to General Motors Technical Center and a variety of other sizable businesses. Whether you work in the auto industry or another sector in Warren, the Lento Law Firm can provide valuable legal services.
Lansing
Another university town, Lansing (including East Lansing), is one of the largest population centers in the state. This means many professionals face baseless allegations that threaten their livelihoods.
If you live anywhere in Michigan and find your license at risk, contact the Lento Law Firm Team for assistance.
Professionals Face Sanctions for a Wide Variety of Allegations
Professional industries are fraught with peril. Especially today, when there are myriad channels and motivations for lodging complaints against hardworking professionals, we find clients facing an endless spectrum of complaints.
We have represented clients accused of:
- Financial indiscretions
- Endangering others
- Conflicts of interest
- Fraudulent practices
- Misrepresenting services or qualifications
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual misconduct
- Inaccurate or insufficient recordkeeping
- Criminal behavior
- Violating industry regulations
- Conduct not consistent with professional standards
Specific instances of misconduct vary by industry. Often, these allegations lack merit. In many cases, potentially credible complaints are exaggerated to the point where a client faces serious sanctions. Whatever the nature of the complaint levied against you, the Lento Law Firm team will defend you with all of our resources.
Types of Professionals the Lento Law Firm Team Represents in Michigan
The average Michigander may be surprised by how many industries require professional licensing. Our team represents all licensed professionals in Michigan, including:
- Doctors
- Nurse
- Physician assistants
- Surveyors
- Mental health professionals
- Podiatrists
- Anesthesiologist
- Dentists
- Chiropractor
- Physical therapists
- Engineers
- Real estate agents
- Teachers
- Cosmetologists
- Tradesmen
- Architect
- Pharmacists
- Audiologists
- Truck drivers
- Insurance salesmen
- Accountants
It is difficult enough to graduate from educational programs, earn a license, and make a living in a professional field. We want to do everything possible to help you retain your license and professional viability. You deserve that.
Contact the Lento Law Firm Team Today for Your Consultation
It is difficult to measure the value that a capable attorney can deliver. Considering the financial and non-financial value of your professional license, hiring a professional from the Lento Law Firm Team shouldn't even be a question.
Let our team of dedicated licensed defense professionals fight for you. Call the Lento Law Firm Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
