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When to Hire California Professional License Defense Attorney
If you’re a licensed professional in California — or applying for a license — and receive notice of a review, investigation, or potential disciplinary action, don’t wait to get help. From early-stage board inquiries to formal accusations, we provide experienced legal defense to protect your license and your career.
California License Defense & Administrative Board Hearings
If you’re facing discipline or license denial in California, you have the right to an administrative hearing — but that’s just one part of the process. Pre-hearing and settlement conferences often play a critical role in resolving cases early and protecting your license. These legal steps require careful strategy and a clear understanding of administrative law.
At the Law Office of Jonathan Turner, we help California professionals — including nurses, doctors, teachers, and therapists — respond effectively to licensing board actions. We guide clients through investigations, hearings, and negotiations with experience, focus, and clarity.
Clean Up Criminal Record Before Applying for a California Professional License
If you’re applying for a professional license in California and have a criminal record, addressing it before you apply can significantly improve your chances of approval. At the Law Office of Jonathan Turner, we help applicants pursue legal remedies like expungement, record sealing, and felony reduction — all designed to present a cleaner record to licensing boards.
California boards such as the BRN, CTC, and DCA carefully review criminal histories, and a conviction can trigger license denial. But with early legal intervention, many convictions can be reduced or dismissed, changing how boards assess your application. We’ve helped clients transform felony records into expunged misdemeanors, directly influencing positive licensing outcomes.
During your free consultation, we’ll review your record, assess your options, and guide you through a strategy that supports both your application and your future career.
What Do I Do If I am a CA Licensed Professional and Am Arrested?
If you’re a licensed professional in California and have been arrested — even for a first-time misdemeanor — your license could be at risk. Boards like the BRN, Medical Board, and CTC may require you to report the incident, and failing to do so properly can result in disciplinary action.
Reporting rules vary by board, and some require disclosure of arrests, not just convictions. Once notified, a board may request statements, interviews, or launch an investigation. But you have legal rights — including the right to remain silent. Responding without counsel can do more harm than good.
At the Law Office of Jonathan Turner, we help professionals respond strategically, meet reporting obligations, and protect their licenses at every stage. Whether you’re a nurse, teacher, therapist, or broker, early legal guidance can make a crucial difference.
California Administrative Law
California Administrative Law pertains to the type of law that deals with professional licenses including the disciplining of those licenses. The California Government Code lays out some of the basic rules regarding the administrative law and professional licensing hearing process.
CA Professional License Reporting Requirements
Do I Need to Notify the CA Board, Bureau, Commission or Department of Consumer Affairs if I am Arrested, Convicted or Have Another License Disciplined? California’s numerous professional licensing boards, commissions, bureaus and departments are governed by numerous statutes, rules and regulations specific to the particular license at issue. For example, the key statutes pertaining […]
Appealing A Professional Licensing Suspension, Revocation or Denial
To appeal a professional license suspension, revocation, or denial by a California licensing agency, a licensee can file an administrative writ of mandamus (or writ of mandate) under California law. This legal process asks a superior court to review the agency’s decision for legal compliance, fairness, and evidence support. Accepting the discipline can result in permanent consequences, like having the suspension or revocation on record indefinitely, with slim chances of reinstatement or approval on reapplication.
Because writs of mandate are highly complex and must typically be filed in Sacramento Superior Court, it is crucial to seek experienced legal help. Jonathan Turner, an administrative law attorney based in Sacramento, has handled these writs since 1998. He can help licensees prepare a strong case to challenge agency decisions. There is a strict deadline of 30 days for filing the writ, so prompt action is important. Contact Jonathan Turner for a free consultation to discuss your options.
California Writ of Mandate
An Administrative Writ of Mandamus (or Writ of Mandate) under California Government Code Section 1094.5 is a legal procedure used to challenge the decision of a government agency regarding professional or other licenses (e.g., daycare or driver’s licenses). After an administrative hearing, typically overseen by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), the agency reviews and finalizes the decision. If the license holder disagrees with the final decision, they have two options: request reconsideration if new evidence is available or file a writ of mandate in superior court. The court’s review is limited to whether the agency acted within its authority, followed proper procedures, and made a decision supported by evidence. These writs are complex and time-sensitive, usually requiring filing within 30 days. Consulting an experienced attorney like Jonathan Turner is crucial for navigating this process.
Professional License Revocation, Suspension and Denial
California’s professional licensing boards are increasingly becoming more vigilant in scrutinizing those who hold or are applying for a professional license such as a teaching credential, nursing license, real estate license, health services license, etc…
Such disciplinary actions often begin with a complaint lodged by a former employer or because of a criminal conviction. The California Licensing Board, such as the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the Board of Real Estate, the Board of Psychology, the Nursing Board, or the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, usually begins with an informal investigation asking for a written explanation from the professional license holder or applicant.
CA Medical Board, CA Dental Board and CA Psychology Board Investigations and Interviews of Licensees and Doctors
When a California professional licensing board receives a complaint against a licensee or information of misconduct (such as a criminal or driving under the influence arrest or conviction), the board will conduct an investigation. The California Department of Consumer Affairs, which oversees the CA Pharmacy Board, the CA Board of Registered Nursing, the CA Chiropractic Board and a number of other licensing boards in the healthcare field has legions of investigators whose job it is to contact licensees and inquire into the alleged misconduct, gross negligence, and/or unprofessional conduct.
LEGAL TROUBLE WITH YOUR PROFESSIONAL LICENSING BOARD?
If you received a denial of a professional license or any threat to your ability to continue practicing your profession, please contact attorney Jonathan Turner using this contact form or call (916) 471-6506 for a personal conversation.