Professional License Defense in New York

For doctors, nurses, lawyers, engineers, architects, accountants, social workers, pharmacists, and other licensed professionals, an arrest is the beginning of two cases. The criminal case in court is one. The administrative case before the licensing board is the other — and often the one with longer career consequences.

The Licensing Boards We Appear Before

• Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC) — physicians and physician assistants under Public Health Law § 230.
• Office of Professional Discipline (OPD) — nurses, dentists, pharmacists, engineers, architects, accountants, social workers, and other Education Law professionals under Article 130.
• Board of Pharmacy — pharmacists and pharmacies, with controlled-substance issues feeding DEA registration proceedings.
• Departmental Disciplinary Committee / Attorney Grievance Committee — lawyers under 22 NYCRR Part 1240.
• NYS Department of Education / Office of Teaching Initiatives — teachers under Part 83.

The Reporting Trap

Many licenses require self-reporting of arrests, indictments, or convictions within a short window — sometimes thirty days. Failure to self-report can be a separate disciplinary charge that carries more weight than the underlying matter. We integrate reporting decisions with criminal-case strategy from day one.

Common Triggers

• DWI arrest of a nurse or physician
• Failed drug test in a workplace setting
• Healthcare or Medicaid fraud charges
• Domestic-violence arrests
• Theft or shoplifting offenses
• Boundary-violation allegations by patients or clients

Coordinated Defense

We coordinate the criminal case and the administrative case so that statements, pleas, and stipulations in one do not torpedo the other. A favorable criminal disposition can preserve a license; a careless one can end a career.

If you are a licensed professional facing criminal charges or a board investigation, call us at 212-233-1233 or email [email protected].