Licensed professionals are held to high standards in most states—especially in the health professions. If you're charged with a crime, your licensing board will undoubtedly take notice and refer you for disciplinary action. To avoid the double discipline of a criminal conviction and losing your license, contact the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm for assistance. Call 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form with your information so you can schedule a consultation.

Animal Abuse Conviction Leads to Suspended Nurse's License

A Benton County, WA, registered nurse, Tyler Waite, agreed to have his license suspended by the Washington State Board of Nursing after he was convicted of animal abuse in Oregon. In February 2023, Waite was convicted of animal abuse in the first degree and sentenced to two years' probation. Waite was also charged with two other counts of animal abuse, but they were dismissed.

Waite came to an agreement with the Board of Nursing to have his license suspended temporarily as a result of the animal abuse conviction. Before he can have his license reinstated, he must undergo psychiatric or psychological evaluation.

Criminal Convictions Can Interfere with Your Professional License

Many state licensing boards require licensees to report criminal charges, convictions, and pleas. In most states, a conviction of a felony or misdemeanor crime can be enough for the board to take disciplinary action. For some professionals, only crimes with a clear link to their profession can launch a disciplinary investigation. For others, however, like registered nurses or physicians, conviction of any type of crime can lead to license suspension or even revocation.

In Tyler Waite's situation, the criminal charges were brought in another state—he was licensed in Washington but the conviction was in an Oregon county. Nevertheless, the Washington State Board of Nursing still sought disciplinary measures against him for an out-of-state crime. It's possible that the board offered him a voluntary surrender agreement in order to avoid harsher penalties, or that Waite himself negotiated for a voluntary surrender.

State licensing boards often provide this option to licensees accused of wrongdoing, and in some cases, it's the best option. In others, it's better to take the matter to a hearing. If you work with our Professional License Team at the Lento Law Firm, we can advise you on how best to handle your situation.

What to Do If Your License Is at Risk

If a criminal or other legal matter is putting your professional license in jeopardy, you shouldn't try to handle it alone. Your state licensing board likely has a great deal many more resources than you and will be able to make a strong case against you. For help defending your license, contact the Lento Law Firm. Our Professional License Defense Team is ready to help you build a defense for your license and go up against your state board.

Call our offices today at 888-535-3686 or send us your information, and a member of our team will get back to you.