It’s incredibly stressful to receive a message from a California licensing board saying that you are under investigation. This could potentially lead to you getting your license suspended or even revoked, which would be detrimental to your career.
As scary as it is to be under investigation, The Law Office of Lucy S. McAllister is here to help. Here are six things you can do to prepare for your license board investigation.
1. Take the Investigation Seriously
The first step to an investigation is a formal notification of the investigation. This is typically a letter informing you that you are under investigation and what you are being investigated for.
Even if you know that you’ve done nothing wrong and you’re sure there’s no possible threat to your license, take the investigation seriously. A thorough, in-depth investigation can uncover skeletons in your closet that you didn’t even know about.
Assume your investigation was triggered because there is something that could cause you to have your license revoked. Step up and bring your best work forward because your career could depend on it.
2. Contact Your Attorney Immediately
As soon as you receive notice about the investigation, contact an attorney like the Law Offices of Lucy S. McAllister.
An attorney will help you at each step in the investigation. They can help advise you on how to respond to the investigation notice, how to best present any material or records to the board, and how to defend yourself. An attorney can help you navigate the entire investigation process to help you move through and past the investigation so you can get back to your normal life.
3. Gather Your Evidence
Once the investigation has begun, the licensing board will start to gather information about the complaint or subject of your investigation. They may request records, materials, interviews, and any other relevant content to help them get a full picture of what happened.
During this phase, you should gather and organize all relevant records for the investigation. These records could help change the narrative of your defense. In most investigations, it is not your word against the complaint; it is your records against the complaint.
When you are organizing your records, do not throw away or modify any important documents. Even if the documentation doesn’t paint the best picture of you, it is better to have documentation that shows you made a mistake, than to try to hide or destroy that documentation. Hiding or destroying key information is covering up a small error with an even bigger mistake.
4. Don’t Discuss the Case With Anyone but Your Attorney
Discussing the investigation with your family, friends, neighbors, employees, co-workers will do more harm than good. You might be tempted to vent, but you have to know that what you say can be held against you. A quick, uncensored comment could make all the difference in your investigation.
If you have to talk to someone about the case, choose your attorney. What you say to your attorney is protected and cannot be used against you.
For additional information or to schedule a consultation on a licensing issue, please contact our law offices today at (310) 461-8140.
5. Cooperate with Your Attorney
Your attorney is a professional with years of experience and expertise, but to get the best results, you have to work as a team.
In some cases, your attorney may want extra resources to help your defense. Assist them wherever possible. By helping your attorney locate articles, books, experts, or witnesses for your case, you are helping them create a better defense for your investigation.
6. Prepare for the Long Run
Not only are licensing investigations stressful, but they can also take a long time to resolve. Think of your investigation like a marathon, not a sprint. Prepare yourself for a long journey.
Even after all of the evidence is found, there can be long deliberations about what the outcome of the investigation should be. Sometimes, the board might choose to go back to gathering more resources to make a better decision. After you have helped gather and provide information, the only thing left to do is wait for a response.
Get Help Today!
Contact the team at the Law Office of Lucy S. McAllister today if you are under investigation from a California licensing board. We have the knowledge and experience you need to defend your case
