The laws regulating professions and occupations are complex and the penalties can be life-changing, so the worst thing you can do is ignore a complaint or investigation lodged against you.
If there is an investigation against you based on allegations of professional misconduct, you deserve a lawyer who is knowledgeable of the law and will fight to protect your livelihood and future.
- South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
- LLR Disciplinary Board and Administrative Actions
- South Carolina LLR Investigation Legal Representation
- Our Experienced Columbia Professional License Defense Lawyers Will Protect You
South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (LLR) oversees the licensing, training, regulation, education, and enforcement of over forty professions in the state, including those listed below:
- Accounting
- Auctioneering
- Chiropractic
- Commercial and residential contracting
- Dentistry
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Real estate
- Social work
The authority of these LLR regulatory boards is far-reaching and can negatively impact your career. All it takes is one complaint about an investigation to be launched, putting your personal and professional reputation and well-being in jeopardy.
Jeffcoat Criminal Defense Lawyers treats professional license defense as seriously as our criminal defense cases. We are dedicated to defending hard-working South Carolinians accused of professional misconduct. Contact our Columbia professional license defense lawyers today.
LLR Disciplinary Board and Administrative Actions
Professional license defense can be a lengthy and complex process. You should prepare for a battle that will begin with an investigation. Though the board does not assume automatic guilt whenever a report is filed, there is still some risk of losing a license and the right to practice. Thus, even if the alleged violation is a minor one, the situation needs to be taken seriously.
There are many ways to trigger an LLR disciplinary board investigation and/or administrative actions, but they are often initiated by a complaint.
Anyone can file a complaint, including those listed below:
- Clients
- Coworkers
- Employer/employees
- Family members of patients
- Patients
- Spouse/significant other
The type of complaint made depends on the nature of the situation and your profession. Examples of common allegations include malpractice, incompetence, substandard care, and neglect.
After a complaint is made, an LLR investigation will follow to attempt to determine whether or not the complaint is substantiated and whether or not disciplinary actions should occur.
LLR investigations can also result from the following criminal charges:
- Drug/alcohol misuse (including DUI)
- Fraud
- Misrepresentation
- Theft
- Violent crime
- Embezzlement
- Domestic violence
Keep in mind that any information shared with an investigator can be used against you, which is why it’s so important to contact a South Carolina license defense attorney before answering any questions. Your lawyer will advise you on whether or not you should speak to the investigator and what type of information you should provide.
Based on the information gathered during the investigative process, the board will decide whether to close the case or move on to a formal disciplinary process that includes a board hearing. If there is enough evidence of malpractice, abuse, or other violation(s), the process will move forward and disciplinary actions are likely to be taken.
Even though you may be found not guilty during the criminal prosecution of these charges, you can still wind up facing disciplinary actions or even losing your professional license.
Disciplinary actions for valid complaints and criminal charges (even when found not guilty) can include the following:
- Loss of license
- Probation
- Public reprimand
- Steep fines
- Suspension of license
South Carolina LLR Investigation Legal Representation
Whether you are a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or other professionals who requires licensing, there are certain actions — such as drug or alcohol misuse, documentation errors, disclosure of information, and conflicts of interest — that virtually guarantee you will be subject to some sort of disciplinary action.
When it comes to your South Carolina professional license, you need to be aware of the potential procedural or ethical violations. Far too many professionals wait until it is too late to protect their careers. Even if the claim has no merit, the results of an investigation or disciplinary review can be devastating and long-lasting to your personal and professional reputation. With so much at stake, it is essential to work with a professional license defense attorney when trying to protect your career.
Hiring a lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during this process. The moment you find yourself under investigation by an SC LLR, you need to contact our professional license defense attorneys at Jeffcoat Criminal Defense Lawyers for a free and confidential consultation to discuss how we can protect your rights. You can read what some of our happy clients had to say on our testimonials page.
Our Experienced Columbia Professional License Defense Lawyers Will Protect You
When people are facing an LLR investigation in South Carolina, they often assume the situation is hopeless; it’s not. You don’t have to deal with these kinds of charges on your own.
Our attorneys at Jeffcoat Criminal Defense Lawyers will do everything in their power to resolve your situation with the most beneficial outcome. You may think your charges are not serious, but the consequences of even a misdemeanor conviction can negatively affect the rest of your life. You need a criminal defense attorney that won’t quit fighting for your liberties and your long-term future.
Jeffcoat Criminal Defense Lawyers are always available, meaning you won’t waste any time waiting for a reply. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us.
DISCLAIMER: Every case is different. You should not believe your case will get the same result.
Visit Our Criminal Defense Law Firm Located in Columbia, SC
Jeffcoat Criminal Defense Lawyers
1333 Main St Suite 512, Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 200-2000
Open 24/7
