This is the next post in my series on how Arizona professionals may protect their licenses when facing disciplinary proceedings before a licensing board. My last post provided an overview of topics I will be addressing over my next several posts and also stressed the need to contact an attorney if you are facing discipline. It is crucial that you hire an attorney due to the importance of your license. In this article I will discuss how retaining an attorney can help you protect your due process rights.
Professional licensing boards generally guarantee due process rights to licensees accused of misconduct. These rights include the ability to review evidence before the final administrative hearing, the right to cross-examine witnesses, the right to subpoena documents, etc. These rights help to guarantee that one can defend themselves against the possibility of losing their license. If, for example, one is accused of misconduct involving theft it may be that, in fact, nothing was stolen. Such a person would need access to evidence, witnesses, etc. in order to adequately prepare their defense. This is why it is important that you not just understand your due process rights, but that you also exercise them.
Retaining an attorney can assist Phoenix residents with ensuring that they fully utilize their due process rights in a professional disciplinary proceeding. Counsel will be able to analyze the allegations against you, identify possible issues which you hadn’t previously considered, and ensure that you build the best possible defense going forward. It is imperative that you meet with a lawyer immediately once you are informed of the disciplinary proceedings so that counsel can ensure that all deadlines are met, all possible procedures are utilized, and that all possible evidence is obtained.
I assist professionals throughout the greater Phoenix area with professional disciplinary proceedings. This is true whether one is an accountant, a school teacher, a nurse, a doctor, a psychologist, etc. Contact my office today to schedule an initial consultation. I handle cases in Phoenix, as well as other Maricopa County cities such as Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Gilbert. I also assist Pima County residents in Tucson and others throughout the state.
