As a licensed professional welder, you've invested years of effort and significant financial resources into building your career. In many states and local jurisdictions, obtaining your license requires meeting specific requirements or passing rigorous exams. Once licensed, you must maintain your certification to continue working in the field.
Your license assures the public that you're qualified to perform professional welding work safely and according to codified standards. However, it also means you are held to strict rules and regulations, where even a single mistake could put your license—and your livelihood—at risk of suspension or revocation.
If you encounter any issues with your welder's license, contact the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team right away. We help licensed professionals, including welders, across the country. Our team will defend you against any allegations from your licensing board and guide you through the disciplinary process.
Call us at 888-535-3686 or submit your information through our online form to schedule a consultation. We're here to help protect your license and your career.
Offenses that Can Endanger Your Welder's License
Each jurisdiction has specific requirements for welding licensure, but the rules you have to follow are generally similar across states. Licensing agencies oversee the investigation and discipline of licensees who fail to meet these standards.
- Fraud is a frequent cause of investigations and can include actions like deceit, misrepresenting the scope of your license, providing false information, or using bribery to obtain a professional welding license.
- Performing services beyond the scope of your license or certification is a serious violation that often leads to disciplinary action.
- Failure to comply with local codes, regulations, or orders can also put your license at risk.
- Neglecting to report business changes, such as mergers or name updates, to the state agency may trigger an investigation and result in penalties.
- Ignoring a complaint or failing to respond to an investigation by a local agency can escalate the situation and jeopardize your license further.
- Incompetence, professional misconduct, or negligence that harms a client is another significant reason your license could be in jeopardy.
These are just a few examples of potential violations. Staying informed about the standards and regulations set by your licensing agency is essential for protecting your career.
If you're facing accusations of misconduct or rule violations, the Lento Law Firm can help. Even seemingly minor infractions, like failing to update your address with the licensing board, can lead to serious consequences. Contact us today so we can handle your case and guide you through the disciplinary process with the board.
What Penalties Could You Face?
Disciplinary actions for professional welders can vary based on whether they are issued by a local agency or a state licensing board. Common penalties include:
- License Revocation: The most severe consequence, revocation permanently removes your ability to work as a welder.
- Suspension: While less drastic than revocation, a suspended license prevents you from practicing until specific conditions are met to reinstate it.
- Probation: You may receive a warning from the licensing board stating that more severe action will be taken if there's another misconduct accusation shortly after the first.
- Fines: In some cases, you may retain your license but be required to pay significant fines, which can reach thousands of dollars, to remain in good standing.
- Audit: The board may require a detailed audit of your employment records and services provided as part of the disciplinary process.
Additional measures might include mandatory continuing education, counseling, or ethics training to address the board's concerns. You could also face a formal reprimand, which may become part of the public record.
Even minor disciplinary actions can have long-term repercussions for your career. To protect your license and livelihood, it's essential to take any complaints seriously and consult our Professional License Defense Team as soon as possible.
The Investigative Process
Finding out that you're under investigation can be both unexpected and overwhelming. While the specific steps may differ slightly depending on your state, the process generally follows a similar framework. Consulting an attorney experienced with local regulations is crucial to help you navigate the situation effectively.
- Complaint: Most investigations begin with a complaint filed against you. The licensing board will first review the complaint to decide if it warrants a formal investigation.
- Investigation: If the board initiates an investigation, they will collect evidence to determine whether a violation occurred. This process may involve contacting the complainant, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing relevant documents. You will also have the chance to respond to the allegations and provide evidence to support your case. In some cases, the board may decide no further action is required at this stage.
- Formal Charge and Hearing: If the board opts to move forward, they will issue a formal notice of infraction detailing the alleged violations and potential penalties. Unless you request a formal hearing to contest the charges, the board's decision will stand.
Having professional legal representation throughout this process can make a significant difference in protecting your license and career.
The Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm Can Help
You might think you can handle a licensing board issue on your own—so why hire an attorney? Licensing boards wield significant authority, including the power to issue and revoke licenses and enforce their own disciplinary procedures. Navigating these complex and unfamiliar policies can quickly become overwhelming.
At the Lento Law Firm, our Professional License Defense Team represents licensed professionals nationwide. When you choose to work with us, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses
- Negotiate directly with the board on your behalf
- Build a compelling defense strategy
- Represent you at disciplinary hearings
- Draft and file appeals, if necessary
- Initiate litigation to protect your license when appropriate
The sooner you contact us after learning about a potential license issue, the better we can prepare your case. We can still assist if you reach out after losing a hearing, but starting early allows us to maximize our ability to defend your career.
Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation. You can also submit your case details through our online form, and a member of our team will get in touch with you promptly.
