Imagine you’re a healthcare provider accused of mishandling patient records, or a contractor hit with a complaint about project delays. Suddenly, your professional license, the lifeline of your career, is at risk. In California, even a minor complaint or investigation can threaten the livelihood you’ve worked hard to build. When your license is on the line, you need swift, skilled legal support to protect your reputation and future.

At Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, Inc., we defend professionals across industries, from healthcare and education to law and construction. We’re here to help you fight to protect your career.

Why Professional License Defense Matters

Your professional license isn’t just a piece of paper, it’s proof of your qualifications and trustworthiness, essential for practicing your chosen career. When a complaint, investigation, or disciplinary action arises, it can impact your ability to work and your reputation. In California, regulatory boards such as the Medical Board of California, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), and the State Bar take complaints seriously, often initiating investigations that could lead to fines, probation, suspension, or even license revocation.

Challenge the Evidence

For example, if you’re a healthcare professional facing allegations of patient negligence, the burden is on the regulatory board to prove their case. We scrutinize the evidence for gaps, inconsistencies, or procedural errors like improper documentation or missing witness statements, and use these weaknesses to your advantage.

Demonstrate Procedural Violations by the Board

For instance, during a disciplinary action by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), investigators may have failed to follow the required procedures. We can ensure that your due process rights are respected, and if the board has not followed proper investigative steps, we push for dismissal or reduction of penalties.

Present Mitigating Factors to Minimize Penalties

For instance, if a pharmacist makes a minor clerical error that leads to a complaint, we would focus on demonstrating that it was an isolated incident in an otherwise clean professional record. We present mitigating factors such as ongoing training, corrective measures, and your history of compliance to argue for a lesser penalty.

Negotiate Alternative Resolutions

Example: For teachers accused of minor policy violations, going through a full administrative hearing may not be in their best interest. In these cases, we negotiate settlements such as a letter of reprimand or probation instead of suspension. This approach helps protect your license and reputation while resolving the issue efficiently.

Prepare a Strong Case for Administrative Hearings and Appeals

If your license is at risk of suspension and negotiations fail, our California license defense attorneys build a comprehensive defense for the administrative hearing. We gather expert testimony, develop clear legal arguments, and prepare you for every step of the hearing process. Should the hearing result in an unfavorable decision, we immediately file for appeals, and make sure that all procedural options are exhausted to protect your license. We also explore opportunities for judicial review if needed.

Take Action Now, Don’t Risk Your Career

If your license is under investigation or you’ve received notice of a complaint, you need to act quickly. Contact Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, Inc. today to schedule a consultation with our skilled legal team. We’ll help you understand your rights, develop a solid strategy, and fight to protect your career. Don’t wait, let us help safeguard your future and reputation.