Cincinnati Professional License Defense Attorney

Most people are aware that a criminal conviction can lead to imprisonment or fines, but it can also result in a number of collateral consequences such as the loss of employment, the revocation or suspension of a professional license, or never being eligible for licensure. Losing a professional license for a criminal conviction is life-altering, humiliating, and can greatly impact your ability to earn a living.

If you are facing criminal charges or have concerns about how a criminal conviction may affect your professional license, contact the experienced Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer Brad Groene for help. When it comes to protecting your freedom, reputation, and future, attorney Groene will work tirelessly to obtain the best outcome possible in your case.

Call (513) 338-1890 today for a free, initial consultation.

Offenses that Can Lead to Revocation or Suspension of Professional Licenses

A criminal conviction does not automatically mean that your professional license will be negatively impacted. The consequences, if any, of a criminal conviction on a professional license, will generally vary depending on the nature and severity of the offense, the rules and regulations governing your profession, and the individual facts of your case.

Some professions have stricter rules than others when it comes to allegations of criminal conduct. For some professionals, merely being investigated for or charged with a crime can result in disciplinary action. While each profession has their own licensing standards, disciplinary procedures, and ethical guidelines, convictions for crimes of moral turpitude and felonies are the most likely to jeopardize a license.

Under Ohio Revised Code 4776.10, a crime of moral turpitude includes many different offenses. For example, any sexually oriented offenses (e.g. rape, sexual battery, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor) and any offenses involving violence (e.g. assault, domestic violence), just to name a few. The other types of offenses that are often seen as problematic by professional licensing boards are theft crimes, drug crimes, and DUIs.

Educators

The Ohio Department of Education’s Office of Professional conduct is responsible for investigating criminal conduct or convictions involving teachers and has the authority to take disciplinary actions against an educator’s license or certificate.

Ohio Revised Code 3319.31 distinguishes between criminal convictions that that may result in the revocation of a teacher’s license (e.g. theft crimes and drug offenses) and what are known as “absolute bar offenses,” which means that revocation is mandatory.

Attorneys

Lawyers in Ohio must abide by the state’s Rules of Professional Conduct and are subject to disciplinary action for any violation of the law or conduct involving moral turpitude. Disciplinary action can include anything from a reprimand to suspension of a license. Disciplinary proceedings are handled by the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct.

Physicians

The State Medical Board of Ohio has the authority to revoke or suspend a doctor’s medical license due to a criminal conviction for a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice, or a felony. Apart from criminal convictions, there are a wide range of reasons a physician can lose their license, all of which are listed in Section 4731.22.

Nurses

The Ohio Board of Nursing can revoke or suspend a nursing license if an individual has been convicted of any felony or of any crime involving gross immorality or moral turpitude. Even if charges are brought against a nurse and ultimately dismissed on grounds other than the merits, the board must conduct an adjudication on their own to determine if the accused committed the offense.

Other Licensed Professionals

The regulations that apply to licensed professionals can be found in Ohio Revised Code Title 47. Some other types of professionals that may lose their license because of a criminal conviction include:

• Pharmacists – Chapter 4729
• Dentists – Chapter 4715
• Accountants – Chapter 4701
• Real Estate Brokers – Chapter 4735
• Social Workers – Chapter 4757
• Veterinarians – Chapter 4741
• Chiropractors – Chapter 4734

How a Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

When your professional license and career are on the line, you need a criminal defense attorney that will handle your case with the personalized attention and dedication it deserves. At Luftman, Heck & Associates, our legal team has the skills, resources, and experience to help you secure the most favorable outcome in your case.

Contact Luftman, Heck & Associates today at (513) 338-1890 to schedule a free case evaluation.