Professional Licensing Defense

Kalamazoo Professional Licensing Defense Attorneys

Defending The Rights of Licensed Professionals

Losing your professional license can be a terrifying thought. In addition to losing your job and your good name, if your license is revoked, you may never be able to work in your chosen field again. This will severely impact your ability to provide for yourself and your family. If you fear that your professional licensing is at risk, you should seek trusted legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced Kalamazoo professional license lawyer at Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law can represent you in administrative hearings and before Michigan licensing boards.

With over 100  years of combined experience, our attorneys are highly qualified and prepared to help with any licensing matter in Michigan. Over the decades, we have developed a reputation for strong advocacy and an intellectual approach to protecting professional license rights. We are well-regarded in the legal community, and our dedication to our clients is well-known. Since 1987, Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law has represented clients across Michigan. Our law firm is conveniently located in Kalamazoo, and we serve all of Southwest Michigan, including Calhoun, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties as well.

Read more about how we can help you protect your professional career, either through aggressive criminal defense or by helping you navigate regulatory affairs with your licensing board.

Schedule a free consultation with our Kalamazoo professional licensing defense lawyers. Reach out to us online or call our law firm at 269-626-2296.

What Is the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)?

The Michigan Occupational Code regulates several occupations in the state, including health professionals. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is the department that oversees general licensing matters, licensing complaints and investigations, and LARA Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. The goal of LARA is to both protect consumers and promote businesses through occupational licensing and regulation.

What Occupations Does LARA Oversee?

LARA oversees licensing for a wide range of occupations, including:

  • Accountants
  • Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs)
  • Architects and Landscape Architects
  • Barbers
  • Collection Agencies
  • Cosmetologists
  • Engineers
  • Health Professionals (Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists)
  • Hearing Aid Dealers
  • Personnel Agencies
  • Real Estate Appraisers
  • Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons
  • Surveyors

Is Your Professional License at Risk?

You must keep your professional licensing up to date. Additionally, if you have any licensing issues, you must not ignore them. Dealing with a complaint or occupational code violation can be complicated, and understanding the Michigan Occupational Code is necessary. If you are dealing with a licensing issue, you should seek counsel from our experienced Kalamazoo professional licensing defense attorneys to ensure your rights are protected and your professional license is secure.

Are You Required to Self-Report a Conviction in Michigan?

If you hold a professional license in Michigan, such as a health care provider, law, education, real estate, or finance, you may be legally required to report a criminal conviction to your licensing board or regulating agency. Failing to do so may lead to suspension, permanent license revocation, and other disciplinary actions. If you are unsure of what is required of you after a conviction, a criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the situation and ensure the most favorable outcome.

When Do You Have to Report?

Immediately or within a specific time frame, often 30 days from the date of the conviction. The reporting timeline depends on your licensing authority, such as LARA, the Michigan Bar, the Board of Nursing, etc. Some boards will require disclosure of any criminal conviction, while others may only require reporting of felonies or other crimes like white collar crimes, fraud, theft, or assault convictions.

If you are unsure whether or not you should report a conviction, a Michigan defense attorney can help you determine your requirements.

How Do You Report?

You will usually need to report a conviction through a written notice or an online disclosure form. You may be required to submit court documents, a written explanation, and other supporting materials. It is strongly advised to consult with experienced representation before filing this report to ensure you protect your professional career and legal rights.

How Do You Defend a Professional License in Michigan?

In Michigan, occupational code violations are charged as misdemeanors and are punishable by fines ranging from $500 to $25,000. Code violations may also result in a criminal conviction and a prison sentence. Furthermore, just being accused of a crime or receiving charges can threaten your professional license and your career.

If you fear your professional licensing is at risk, your first step should be to call Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law. Our practice is founded on an academically rigorous understanding of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Michigan State Law. We are well-versed in the Michigan Occupational Code, and we are known for our aggressive representation. We have decades of experience handling denied license appeals, discipline defense cases, and petitions for professional license reinstatement.

Our attorneys can also help represent you when dealing with:

  • Formal complaints
  • Order of Summary Suspension
  • Notice and Order to Cease and Desist
  • Compliance Conferences
  • Formal Hearings
  • Negligence Claims

Depending on the industry you are in, you may be required to report any criminal charges and convictions to the appropriate licensing board. Often, there is also a time limit within which you must make the report. For example, this is often the case for school employees, health care professionals, lawyers, and law enforcement officers. Failure to do so may result in a permanent loss of your professional licensing.

Understanding Common LARA Violations and Their Consequences

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) handles thousands of complaints each year involving allegations of professional misconduct, negligence, or ethical violations. Many of these accusations stem from administrative errors or misunderstandings rather than intentional wrongdoing. Still, even minor violations can have serious consequences for your career.

Common LARA offenses include inaccurate record-keeping, billing discrepancies, patient confidentiality breaches, or operating with an expired license. In more severe cases, professionals may face allegations of fraud, substance abuse, or criminal conduct. Once a complaint is filed, LARA has broad authority to investigate and pursue disciplinary action, which may include fines, mandatory supervision, suspension, or permanent license revocation.

If you’ve received a notice of investigation or a formal complaint from LARA, it’s critical to act quickly. A Kalamazoo professional licensing defense lawyer from Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law can intervene early, communicate with investigators on your behalf, and work to resolve the issue before it escalates to a hearing. Our team understands how administrative agencies operate and can help you build a proactive defense to protect your livelihood.

Resolving Licensing Disputes Through Negotiation and Administrative Hearings

When disputes arise between professionals and their licensing boards, the outcome often depends on how well the case is presented during the administrative process. At Levine & Levine, our attorneys have decades of experience representing clients before LARA, professional boards, and administrative law judges throughout Southwest Michigan.

Our approach emphasizes careful case preparation and strategic negotiation. In many cases, we can reach a resolution without proceeding to a full hearing, helping clients avoid the stress and public exposure that comes with formal discipline. However, if a hearing is necessary, we provide aggressive representation backed by a thorough understanding of Michigan’s occupational code and procedural law.

Our Kalamazoo professional license defense attorneys routinely assist clients with compliance conferences, settlement discussions, and reinstatement petitions. We also help professionals seek modification or reduction of penalties after an adverse decision. Whether your issue involves a disputed violation, misunderstanding of reporting obligations, or a pending administrative complaint, our firm can guide you through every step to achieve the best possible outcome for your career.

Is There a Professional License Defense Attorney Near Me in Michigan?

If you were charged with a criminal offense and fear that your occupational licensing is at risk, the professional license defense lawyers at Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law are just a phone call away. We know that you cannot risk losing your license, and we treat every case with the care and seriousness it deserves. It can be overwhelming to deal with professional licensing issues, and we are well-known for our compassionate advocacy and creative licensing defense strategies.

Protecting your license starts with the right legal representation. Don’t wait; early action can mean the difference between minor issues and a career-ending decision.

Our criminal defense attorneys have helped countless clients defend their professional licensing, including:

  • Doctors
  • Nurses
  • Pharmacists
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Teachers
  • Realtors
  • Builders

Consult Our Professional Licensing Defense Lawyers

At Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law, our Kalamazoo criminal defense attorneys have an exceptional success rate, and we are highly respected in the legal community. Over the decades, we have developed a reputation for our dedication to our clients. With meticulous attention to detail, we work hard to investigate every case, uncovering all legal options. Our personal approach to legal representation is what enables us to provide every client with services that match their specific needs. As a law firm, we put our clients’ best interests first, and we are tireless in our pursuit of justice. With our knowledge and perseverance, we will fight for your professional rights and ensure your ability to provide for yourself and your family.

Request Your Complimentary Consultation Today

Are you curious about how our law firm can help you? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your professional licensing matter with a trusted attorney.

Contact our Kalamazoo professional licensing defense attorneys at 269-626-2296 or connect with us online.