To be a licensed insurance agent or broker in California, you must hold a valid insurance license issued by the California Department of Insurance (CDI). If you have applied for an insurance license and been denied by the CDI, you need a strong, experienced attorney to help you file a successful appeal.
There are many reasons why the CDI may deny an application. They include:
- Failure to answer the background screening questions on your application truthfully and completely.
- Failure to disclose disciplinary actions or crimes which occurred, can be considered an attempt to obtain a license by fraud or misrepresentation.
Carefully review your entire history and provide complete and accurate information. You must provide accurate, complete and detailed background information regarding:
- Any disciplinary action taken against a business or professional license;
- Any criminal convictions (except juvenile offenses) (This includes DUIs, reckless driving convictions, driving on a suspended license convictions, misdemeanors, felonies, military offenses, etc.); and
- Any criminal charges pending at the time you submit your application.
When in doubt, disclose. In the event you have one or more offenses to report, please make sure you disclose all convictions regardless of how long ago they occurred, or whether or not a conviction has been dismissed under California Penal Code Section 1203.4 or a similar statute. A clearance of this type does not eliminate all possible adverse consequences or release a person from all “penalties and disabilities” resulting from the charges in the case.
Keep in mind that due to the severity and nature of the criminal history in some instances, the license application can still be denied irregardless of how well the applicant follows instructions in the application process in completing the background questions.
If you receive a denial letter from the California Department of Insurance that accuses you of “lacking in integrity,” “showing unworthiness,” or “willfully making a misstatement” in your application, your letter will include a NOTICE OF DEFENSE. Do not respond to this serious legal document without first consulting a licensing and criminal attorney.
For additional information or to schedule a consultation on licensing issue, please contact our law offices today at 877-280-9944.
Only an expert licensing and criminal law has the experience and knowledge to guide you in effectively appealing the denial. You only have 15 days to respond to the Statement of Issues. Contact an attorney at once.
Our attorneys have successfully represented a wide range of California licensed professionals and we are experienced in handling all types of licensing accusations and licensing issues in addition to criminal charges. This is our expertise and specialty. Let us help you procure your California Insurance License.
The Law Offices of Lucy S. McAllister has over 30 years of experience defending California professionals against both criminal charges and with professional license defense. And our track record of over 250 Superior Court appearances is testament to our rigorous defense of professionals with their license in jeopardy.
