Professional Criminal Defense Attorney Austin & Houston, TX
How a Criminal Record May Affect Your Professional License
Working professionals may face a criminal investigation or prosecution of their practices or personal conduct. Either may profoundly impact a professional’s liberty and ability to continue in their chosen field. The Leichter Law Firm is highly qualified to handle any criminal allegation a licensed professional may face. Leichter Law Firm has formed a counsel association with E. G. Morris, a prominent criminal defense attorney Austin and Houston.
Mr. Morris has over 38 years of experience representing clients in state and federal criminal matters. His experience includes representation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, psychologists, and other health care professionals in matters related to their practices and those related to their personal conduct. He is Board Certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
If you have been charged with a crime and your professional license is at risk, the Texas criminal defense lawyers of the Leichter Law Firm may be able to help you. To discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys, please contact us today by calling 512-495-9995.
What Professionals Need Licenses to Practice in Texas?
According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the following professionals must be licensed to practice in the state.
- Accountants
- Attorneys
- Dentists
- Mental health professionals
- Nurses
- Optometrists
- Pharmacists
- Physical Therapists
- Doctors
- Podiatrists
- Real estate agents
- Teachers
- Veterinarians
- Psychologists
The above list is not exhaustive, but it does show the wide variety of professionals that the criminal defense team at Leichter Law represents. Our criminal defense attorneys focus on defending license holders against criminal charges and accusations against them.
A conviction could not only affect their personal lives but also their professional future. Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney is key to defending your life and livelihood. At Leichter Law, we represent the following professionals in criminal defense cases.
Accountant Criminal Defense
Because accountants depend on their professional licenses, facing criminal charges is a big deal that could threaten their futures. If you are an accountant accused of fraud or another crime, you need an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney. At Leichter Law, we are uniquely qualified to represent you with experience in both criminal and administrative law.
Contact a CPA license defense attorney with our firm to learn more about your options.
Attorney Criminal Defense
Legal professionals make up a significant part of our civil and criminal defense system, and many people associate them with fighting for justice. However, lawyers work in an often contentious field, meaning tensions run high. If someone accuses you of a crime worthy of disbarment, this can be a devastating blow.
The Houston and Austin criminal defense lawyers at Leichter Law have the knowledge and experience you need for your case. Our team has worked in both the criminal defense and administrative law fields, meaning we understand how the two can intersect and threaten your license.
Contact a professional license defense attorney with our firm to schedule a free consultation.
Dentist Criminal Defense
Facing the loss of your license means facing the loss of a way to provide for your family. For this reason, it is crucial to work with an Austin and Houston criminal defense attorney who is qualified to take your case. At Leichter Law, our attorneys have deep knowledge of both criminal and administrative law. We have what it takes to craft a strong defense for your case.
Contact a dental license defense attorney with Leichter Law to fight the allegations against you.
Mental Health & Psychology Criminal Defense
Licensed mental health professionals provide very important services for the health and well-being of Texas citizens. However, even they are targets of misplaced criminal charges. If you are a therapist, counselor, or social worker who has been charged with misconduct, our criminal defense attorneys are here for you. Contact our firm as soon as possible to defend your license.
Nurse Criminal Defense
Nurses are a crucial part of any healthcare system and dedicate their lives to helping patients. When they face unfounded criminal allegations, it can be painful to know their license is at risk along with their freedom. No matter the charges against you, a Houston and Austin criminal defense lawyer with our firm is here to help.
Contact a nursing license defense attorney with Leichter Law to defend your professional license and save your reputation.
Optometrist Criminal Defense
Optometrists play a crucial role in society – eye care. These professionals help many patients see their world a little more clearly, but even that doesn’t protect them from criminal cases. If you are an optometrist facing a criminal case, our Houston and Austin criminal defense lawyers are here for you.
Pharmacist Criminal Defense
Pharmacists are an important part of most people’s lives, as they administer medication to treat conditions and illnesses. If a pharmacist faces a case in criminal court, they may find their whole world turned upside down. Work with a skilled pharmacist license defense attorney to protect your legal rights.
Physical Therapist Criminal Defense
Physical therapists help treat injuries and increase patients’ strength and mobility, especially after surgery. To obtain these licenses, individuals must put forth significant time and effort. However, one accusation or allegation can jeopardize your hard work. Contact our Houston or Austin criminal defense firm for qualified legal representation.
Physician Criminal Defense
A significant portion of our practice is dedicated to representing physicians in license defense and disciplinary action cases. When a physician faces a criminal charge, this could threaten their professional license. A medical license defense attorney with our firm is here to provide sound legal guidance in your case and give you the best possible chance of a favorable outcome.
Podiatrist Criminal Defense
Podiatrists are physicians who specialize in treating conditions related to the foot and ankle. They are considered medical specialists due to their extensive knowledge of that particular field. If they face charges for misdemeanor or federal crimes, this could put their license at risk. Leichter Law is here to provide a strong legal defense for your case and do everything we can to help you protect your license.
Veterinarian Criminal Defense
Veterinarians can face severe consequences if they are accused of or charged with a crime. They may even face losing their license completely. To succeed in your case and to understand your legal options, we recommend speaking with skilled Austin and Houston criminal defense attorneys. Our veterinary license defense team is here to help protect your professional future.
Texas Laws on Licensing and Criminal Convictions
Criminal convictions of any kind can result in very serious consequences for any licensed professional. In fact, convictions may lead to a revocation or suspension of one’s license. If you are facing charges in the criminal justice system, working with skilled criminal lawyers is a must.
According to the Texas Occupations Code § 53.021, licensing authorities may suspend or revoke a professional license, deny a license application, or deny one’s ability to take a license exam for the following convictions.
- Offenses that relate directly to the responsibilities and duties of the occupation
- Offenses that do not relate to the occupation, but that were committed less than five years before the date someone applies for a license
- Sexually violent offenses
- Offenses involving the following:
- Aggravated robbery
- Burglary
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Compelling prostitution
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Criminal solicitation
- Indecency with a child
- Injury to children, elderly persons, or disabled persons
- Human trafficking
- Murder
Licensing authorities may not consider a person to have been convicted if they meet the following requirements.
- They entered a guilty or nolo contendere plea.
- The judge placed the individual under the supervision of the court after deferring proceedings and without entering a formal judgment or guilt. This is also known as deferred adjudication.
- The judge dismissed the proceedings and discharged the individual once the period of supervision ended.
NOTE: The exceptions listed above to not apply for those in public health, law enforcement, safety services, education, or financial services occupations.
Professional Licensing for Applicants with Criminal Convictions in Texas
If someone has a brush with the criminal justice system, this may make it more difficult for them to apply for professional licenses in the future. Many license applications specifically require applicants to submit relevant information about past criminal convictions. Those who do have a criminal record may have their applications denied.
For this reason, working with a skilled criminal defense attorney for your case is a must. If you are a professional facing criminal charges, our attorneys will investigate your case and craft a strong defense on your behalf.
If you already have a criminal conviction on your record when you apply for a license, one of two things can happen. First, an attorney assigned to your case by TDLR could outright approve your application. In this case, they will return your application with a memorandum that informs you of their decision.
Alternatively, the attorney may deny your application based on a past criminal conviction. They will then mail you a letter of denial that states the basis for the denial, the statutory authority for the denial, and explains the option to challenge the denial.
Once the hearing is scheduled and conducted, an administrative law judge submits a proposal for a decision to the Commission of Licensing and Regulation. It is extremely important to work with a skilled Austin and Houston criminal defense attorney, as these cases can be highly complex.
Criminal Accusations Related to Professional Practices
In the past few years, professionals have come under increased scrutiny by state and federal law enforcement agencies. This has resulted in many more prosecutions against licensed professionals. Defending the accusations requires not only experience in state and federal criminal defense, but also a thorough understanding of the administrative laws and regulations governing professional practices.
Often, the prosecutor’s case turns on whether the individual has observed the prevailing practice standards for their particular discipline. Leichter Law is uniquely qualified to represent professionals in criminal matters relating to their practices. This is because of the firm’s experience in both the administrative and criminal law fields. Our experience includes representation in the following matters:
- Insurance Fraud Including Medicare, Medicaid, and Private Insurers (billing fraud, including allegations of upcoding, and unnecessary or fraudulent services)
- Illegal kickback schemes involving medical providers, pharmacies, and suppliers
- Drug Diversion
- Non-therapeutic prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances including “pill mill” allegations
- Prescription Fraud
- Offenses involving misbranded drugs and other products
- Financial Offenses Including Theft, Embezzlement, Taxation Offenses, Money Laundering, and Currency Transaction Offenses
- Allegations of Sexual Misconduct Involving Patients
Accusations Resulting from Personal Conduct
Many professionals may, unfortunately, find themselves under investigation for or accused of criminal offenses not directly related to their practices. Because of the potential impact on licensure, as well as the prospect of loss of liberty, these matters are very serious and should be handled by a skilled Houston and Austin criminal defense lawyer. The Leichter Law Firm has extensive experience handling all types of criminal accusations. Our experience includes, but is not limited to, representation on the following matters:
- Driving While Intoxicated
- Intoxication Assault
- Intoxication Manslaughter
- Drug Possession, Manufacturing & Delivery
- Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud and Deceit
- Family Violence Assault
- Offenses Involving Death (Murder, Manslaughter, Criminally Negligent Homicide)
- Offenses Involving Sexual Misconduct
- Felony Convictions
Criminal Law and Licensure
Criminal law and the multitude of issues which surround an arrest, indictment, trial conviction, plea agreement, probation, jail time, or a final conviction weigh heavily upon an administrative agency’s decision to pursue misconduct charges. In many cases, the decision is directed by statute, and the misconduct, suspension, or revocation proceedings following a criminal conviction are required as a matter of law.
Therefore, when a licensed professional is facing criminal charges, it is imperative that he or she hire representation familiar with criminal practice and procedure as well as the repercussions that a given plea agreement or even trial could have on the professional’s license. In many instances, certain convictions, whether for deferred adjudication or straight community supervision, require a mandatory suspension or revocation of the licensee’s license.
How a Criminal Conviction Can Affect a License
Some agencies require, upon a conviction for specific offenses, that the license be revoked unless the licensee can show that it is in the best interest of society as well as the licensee that they maintain the license.
It’s important for a licensee charged with a criminal offense to seek Austin and Houston criminal defense lawyers with experience in Texas administrative law. During your free consultation with Leichter Law, we explain the implications of criminal charges and plea agreements on license renewals and applications.
Types of Criminal Cases That May Affect Your License
Not all charges or convictions will lead to a denial, revocation, or suspension of license. However, many crimes do lead to this result, some of which are misdemeanors. Licensed professionals have faced serious career consequences in the following types of criminal cases.
Felony Criminal Convictions
Felony convictions are often far more serious than misdemeanors, which is very likely to negatively impact your license. If you are charged with a felony, it is imperative that you contact a skilled criminal lawyer for your defense. Waiting too long to secure a strong defense could jeopardize your professional future.
Fraud and Financial Crimes
Crimes involving finances, false records, illegal billing practices, embezzlement, health insurance fraud, and even falsifying signatures carry heavy penalties. Even though some of these occur as honest mistakes, many professionals have faced career consequences from the aforementioned crimes. This is especially true when the actions are directly related to the occupation.
Violent Crime Convictions
Abuse and violent crimes that occur either during professional or personal time are very serious. Having multiple accusations, arrests, or convictions increase one’s risk of negative licensing consequences. Assault or abuse of patients or others are very serious allegations. To protect your career and your freedom, you should speak with our talented criminal attorneys.
Drug Crime Convictions
Drug offenses and violations of the Health and Safety Code bring some of the stiffest administrative and civil penalties upon a licensed professional. If professionals are charged and convicted of drug crimes, this could ruin their careers and reputations. It is crucial that they seek counsel from Austin and Houston criminal defense attorneys. At Leichter Law, our criminal attorneys have experience in both criminal and administrative law cases.
This makes our law office uniquely qualified to take on your case.
DWI and Professional Licenses
After being arrested for DWI, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Family Violence Assault, Allegations of Fraud, or Drug Diversion, professionals often hide and try to ignore the problem. This is often the worst approach that a licensed professional can take. This wastes valuable time that could have been spent preparing a defense or gathering evidence.
The Leichter Law Firm is especially devoted to representing both the criminal and the administrative needs of licensed professionals. Having vast experience in both of these areas, we provide criminal representation with an understanding of the licensee’s professional needs.
Because we represent clients with the entirety of their professional practice in mind, we can provide sound advice, advocacy, and a strong criminal defense. We also won’t lose sight of the client’s desire to continue working in their chosen profession. Our Houston and Austin criminal defense attorneys will maintain open communication throughout your case, giving you the support you need.
What If You Fail to Report a Past Criminal Conviction?
So, what happens if you have a prior arrest or conviction and you avoid reporting it? This sometimes happens in cases where the conviction is old, the crime happened as a juvenile, the record has been expunged, or no formal charges were filed.
No matter the reason for failing to disclose this information, licensing boards often require disclosure. Failing to provide accurate information could lead to a denial or revocation of your professional license. Even if the crime in question would not warrant disciplinary action, false statements or misrepresentation are.
Criminal Defense Attorney Austin and Houston, TX
At Leichter Law, we provide aggressive representation for licensed professionals facing the loss or revocation of their license due to criminal proceedings. As soon as you realize you have been charged with a crime or may be facing a charge, contact an experienced attorney. Our criminal attorneys have extensive experience advocating on behalf of professionals and fighting to protect their legal rights. To schedule a free consultation with us about your situation, please call our office at 512-495-9995 today.
Our criminal lawyers serve many locations in the State of Texas, including but not limited to the following:
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1602 E 7th St
Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 495-9995
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3700 N Main St
Houston, TX 77009
Phone: (713) 714-2446
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214 N 16th St #128
McAllen, TX 78501
Phone: (956) 205-0884
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