Blog

Will Having a Restraining Order Against Me Affect My Medical License?

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Nov 03, 2023 | 0 Comments

If someone in your life has applied for and been granted a restraining order, or order of protection, against you, you are no doubt feeling a complex mix of emotions – perhaps betrayal, shock, anger, or sadness. This is normal, and it's important to remember this. Relationships and family ties can be complicated – and when a breakup, for example, is involved, things can get even more complex.

A restraining order isn't something to be taken lightly, regardless of its nature (alleged domestic abuse, harassment, child abuse, etc.). There can be very serious legal consequences involved for not following one, if issued to you, to the letter of the law. Whether or not you feel the order is warranted, you should tread carefully. Serious professional consequences may also emerge if you are a board-certified practitioner of medicine. Physicians have a responsibility to maintain public trust and are, therefore, subject to high standards.

What Could Happen to Me Professionally?

Exactly what might transpire legally if an order of protection is issued against you is highly dependent on circumstances (Did a patient issue the order? A romantic partner? A spouse?), as well as the laws of the state you practice in.

Physicians, in this case, could face reprimand by their state board of medicine. You might be fined by the board or required to complete community service. A formal reprimand could take place. Your privileges of practicing medicine might even be suspended, warranted or not.

What Were the Circumstances of Your Protective Order?

A restraining order alone is often not sufficient grounds for a medical board to suspend or revoke your license. But the circumstances that led to it could be the deciding factor. Did you participate in behavior that the board might deem unprofessional or unethical? Needless to say, if your actions are proven to be illegal, this may be problematic for you.

You might be facing an investigation by the board into allegations of misconduct or inappropriate behavior. Your licensing board will be attempting to determine if your actions violate professional standards or regulations. Have any of your patients been in danger? Are there criminal charges or convictions related to the restraining order?

Don't Hesitate to Hire a Solid Defense Team

If you have been served a restraining order, you will likely seek ways to lessen the risk of losing your medical license. This requires acting proactively, preferably with the help of an experienced legal team. At the end of the day, most restraining orders are public records. You may be wondering if you can successfully contest it, file an appeal, or submit a petition to have it lifted or expunged. In any case, you want to minimize the damage to your career.

You don't need to take this on alone, addressing your state board of medicine unprepared or unprotected. A skilled legal team can help you successfully navigate any investigation and disciplinary processes and negotiate on your behalf. An experienced legal team can help provide evidence that a protective order was unfairly issued if it was. It's important that you acknowledge any order served to you and face it head-on.

The Lento Law Firm has successfully represented hundreds of physicians and medical professionals nationwide in defending their professional licenses. Call 888.535.3686 or go online now to contact the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento has unparalleled experience fighting for the futures of his professional clients nationwide. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Comments have been disabled.

CONTACT US TODAY

Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm are committed to answering your questions about Physician License Defense, Nursing License Defense, Pharmacist License Defense, Psychologist and Psychiatrist License Defense, Dental License Defense, Chiropractic License Defense, Real Estate License Defense, Professional Counseling License Defense, and Other Professional Licenses law issues nationwide.
The Lento Law Firm will gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

Menu