As a plumber or a plumbing inspector, you have put in a lot of hard work to build a successful career. Your years of training and the thousands of dollars you've spent just to earn your professional license did not come easily. In many states, you must not only meet local requirements but also pass an exam and obtain your license. Your career depends on your ability to remain certified, whether you have your Journeyman's or Master Plumber license.
This system is designed to assure the public that when they hire a plumber, that person will know what they are doing and live up to a certain code of conduct. The system, however, also means that any violation on your part, whether it's through misunderstanding or mishap, can lead your state regulatory agency to revoke your license. Your career can be harmed by even a temporary loss of your license.
That's why at the first sign of trouble, you should consult with a professional license defense attorney. The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team can help you wherever you live in the United States. They know the ins and outs of this kind of defense specifically and will work hard to protect your interests and your livelihood.
What Kinds of Offenses Can Endanger My license?
Each state has different rules regarding plumber certification, but the regulations they are expected to adhere to are similar from state to state. Licensing agencies will investigate and implement disciplinary measures against plumbers who violate their standards.
Any kind of fraud can lead you to be investigated by your licensing agency. Fraud can include deceit, misrepresentation of the work your license allows you to do, false statements, and bribery in obtaining your plumber's license. Performing services that go beyond the scope of your certification will almost certainly get you into trouble.
Failure to comply with local codes, orders, regulations, and other requirements in your area can also put your license at risk. Failure to disclose changes in your business to state agencies, such as mergers or name changes, is another offense that can lead to being investigated. And you must respond to an investigation or complaint from a local agency, or it could lead to additional violations that could cost you your license.
Of course, any kind of incompetence, misconduct, or negligence that causes harm in any way to a client can put your professional license in jeopardy.
These are only a few examples, but you will want to be familiar with all the standards of the license agencies under which you practice your profession.
What Are All the Penalties That Can Be Handed Out?
The penalties that can be imposed might vary from a local agency to the state licensing agency, but of course, the most drastic disciplinary action would be to have your license revoked and lose your ability to work as a plumber.
Short of having your license revoked, but still a pretty severe penalty, is having your license suspended. You will not be able to work as a plumber during the suspension, but there will be specific terms that you can meet to have your license reinstated.
It is also possible that you will be able to keep your license but be required to pay expensive fines that can range up to thousands of dollars to remain in good standing.
The board could require you to submit to a thorough audit where you would provide records of your employment and services rendered.
Another possible disciplinary measure is that you could be required to complete continuing education classes, counseling, or ethics-related classes to maintain your license.
You may also be issued a formal reprimand that can appear on public records.
Even a mild disciplinary action can have negative repercussions for your career, so you want to take any complaint lodged against you very seriously and consult a professional license defense attorney as soon as possible.
What Will the Process Look Like?
You may feel blindsided and overwhelmed if you discover you are going to be investigated. Though the specifics can vary a little from state to state, the process is relatively straightforward and similar in most states. You'll want to reach out to an attorney to review the specific procedures in your area.
Most investigations are initiated by a complaint against you. The licensing board will immediately decide whether to proceed with an investigation.
If the investigation proceeds, the board will review evidence to make sure the offense actually occurred. They will follow up with the person who initially filed the complaint and interview witnesses if there are any. You will also be given the opportunity to respond to the allegation and provide evidence that can support your position. They could decide at this point that the case doesn't merit moving forward.
If they plan to move forward, they will send you a written notice of infraction that includes a list of violations and sanctions. The board's decision here is final unless you choose to request a hearing.
It is not wise to attempt to defend yourself in a hearing. Instead, contact experienced license defense attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Team for guidance through the process. At the conclusion of the hearing, the board will decide your responsibility and sanctions, so expert representation is essential.
You still have the opportunity to appeal if you still disagree with the board's decisions.
It's important to hire a lawyer as early in the process as possible to give them the most time to build a solid defense. The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team can negotiate during many stages of the process to get your case dismissed entirely or reduce the sanctions that you face. A disciplinary proceeding can cause serious jeopardy to your career, but by using an experienced attorney now, you can avoid even bigger problems later on.
Contact us online or at (888) 535-3686 right away to start building your defense immediately.
