When most professionals think of license board discipline, they assume it only applies to things that happen at work—like misconduct in a hospital or unethical behavior in a law office. But in California, the truth is far more complicated. Even a criminal charge unrelated to your profession could put your license—and livelihood—at risk.
At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we often represent licensed professionals blindsided by disciplinary actions following a personal arrest. From doctors and dentists to teachers and contractors, no license holder is immune. If you’re facing criminal charges and hold a professional license, understanding the overlap between criminal law and board discipline is critical.
Not Just Work-Related Crimes
Regulatory boards—including the Medical Board of California, the California State Bar, the Board of Registered Nursing, and others—have broad authority to enforce discipline for “unprofessional conduct.” That term may sound like it only refers to on-the-job behavior, but it can include off-duty personal conduct if it reflects poorly on your integrity, judgment, or fitness to practice.
In other words, you don’t have to be arrested in your scrubs or business attire for it to matter. Common non-work-related charges that can trigger board discipline include:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Even a first-time misdemeanor DUI can raise red flags for boards concerned about substance use, decision-making, and public safety.
- Domestic Violence: A conviction or even an arrest may prompt disciplinary review, especially in healthcare, education, or childcare fields.
- Criminal Threats or Assault: Charges involving violence or intimidation—even if no injuries occurred—can reflect poorly on your professional character.
- Fraud or Perjury: Any offense involving dishonesty is considered a “crime of moral turpitude” and may result in serious disciplinary consequences.
- Felony Hit and Run or Drug Offenses: These cases often lead boards to question a licensee’s reliability and ethical standards.
Why “Moral Turpitude” Matters
In board hearings, the focus often isn’t just on the outcome of your criminal case—it’s on the nature of the charge itself. Crimes that suggest dishonesty, recklessness, or harm to others are often classified as involving “moral turpitude.” Boards take these particularly seriously because they call your overall character into question.
For example, a nurse convicted of perjury in a family court matter may never have brought that conduct into her workplace, but the dishonesty alone can be grounds for suspension or revocation.
Criminal Court Is Only Half the Battle
What many professionals don’t realize until it’s too late is that even if your criminal case ends in a favorable result—like a diversion program or dismissal—the licensing board can still take action. That’s because administrative proceedings operate under different rules and lower burdens of proof.
In short: you could walk out of criminal court with no conviction and still walk into a board hearing where your license is on the line.
What You Should Do If You’re Facing Both Criminal Charges and Board Review
If you’ve been charged with a crime and you’re licensed in California, your first step should be hiring a criminal defense attorney who understands the high stakes of professional discipline. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we don’t just fight your criminal case—we also work strategically to minimize the collateral impact on your license.
This might include:
- Proactively notifying your licensing board in the right way, at the right time
- Coordinating your criminal defense strategy to reduce licensing risks
- Gathering character references or mitigation evidence in anticipation of board review
- Representing you at administrative hearings if needed
Don’t Wait Until the Board Sends a Letter
By the time you’re notified of board discipline proceedings, your options may already be limited. That’s why it’s essential to act early—ideally as soon as you’re arrested or learn you may be under investigation.
Contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 today. We’ll help you navigate both the criminal justice system and your licensing board, with a defense strategy built to protect your record, your reputation, and your career.