Don’t Lose Your Professional License Over Off-Duty Behaviors

Off-duty behavior can lead to the suspension or cancellation of a professional license.  Regulatory bodies, such as licensing boards, commissions, and agencies, implement rules and regulations that affect both professional and non-professional aspects of licensed individuals’ lives. These regulatory bodies exercise almost complete control over members. They require licensed professionals to conduct themselves professionally both inside and outside of the workplace.

When Can Someone Lose a Professional License Due to Off-Duty Conducts?

Illustration of a police hanging a certificate

Felony Conviction

If a licensed professional engages in illegal activities outside of work, he or she may increase the odds of losing his or her license. Most regulatory bodies either suspend or revoke the license of individuals who are facing a felony conviction. A Felony conviction is proof of professional misconduct, which is a breach of the bylaws or codes of conduct.

Violation of Morality Clauses

Some state regulatory boards have morality clauses that licensed individuals must obey. If a professional violates the clauses, he or she can lose the license or face suspension. An individual may also face probation for a specific period. A professional licensed defense attorney can gather sufficient evidence and prepare a strong case to help a defendant contest and overturn a decision.  

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

A person can also lose his or her professional license when he or she is unable to perform his or her work-related responsibilities due to a drug or alcohol addiction. A variety of options to help professionals battling addiction retain their licenses are, however, available. The affected professional just needs to accept that he or she has a problem and seek help.

Fraud or Deceit

A professional is likely to lose his or her license if he or she engages in fraudulent or deceitful activities off duty. The professional may, for instance, illegally allow another person to use his or her license.

Getting Legal Support

An individual who finds out that a formal board complaint has been filed against him or her for off-duty misconduct should work closely with a professional license defense attorney. The attorney will help the professional prepare a well-written and evidence-supported response letter, a document that most license boards request in their first complaint notification to the affected professional. The attorney will also evaluate the professional’s circumstances and advise him or her on the options that would be helpful to his or her career.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Digital Evidence in Sex Crime Cases: How Your Online Activity Can Be Used Against You in Minnesota

Prosecutors in Minnesota use digital evidence in sex crime cases to connect suspects to crimes. They analyze the chronological order of online events and statements to show intent, motive, or premeditation. The common types of evidence used in sex crime investigations include direct, actual, and circumstantial evidence.

Can You Be Charged With a DUI If You’re Sleeping in Your Car in Minnesota?

One of the questions DUI lawyers in the state often answer is: Can you be charged with a DUI if you’re sleeping in your car? You can face DUI charges in Minnesota even if you are not actively operating your car. The “physical control” law states that anyone with the capacity to drive a vehicle while intoxicated can get arrested and charged with DUI.

How Prosecutors Use Text Messages in Minnesota Drug Cases

Prosecutors use text messages in Minnesota drug cases to prove circumstantial evidence. Text messages can prove intent or motive to distribute drugs. Knowing how your text messages may be used against you in a drug crime case can help you plan an effective defense strategy. That’s why you should involve a Minnesota drug crime attorney immediately after you get arrested, charged, or discover the police are investigating you for a drug crime. Your lawyer can carefully examine your text messages and determine the best way to counter the prosecution’s case.