What are the consequences of a criminal conviction when you hold a professional or occupational license?
Any criminal conviction within California for a misdemeanor or felony will result in the notification of your licensing board or agency. There are even certain circumstances that will require you to notify your licensing authority if you are convicted of a crime. The conviction is likely to lead to an action against your license. It is extremely important for your criminal attorney to understand the consequences that almost any conviction will pose for your professional or occupational license. Even convictions for driving under the influence or domestic violence are now considered substantially related to most licensee’s qualifications, functions or duties as a licensee. This comes as a surprise to many licensees after they have agreed to plead guilty or no contest in a criminal case and then find that based on the plea and subsequent conviction they may have their license revoked or severely restricted. This can occur even when the licensee has been able to negotiate a plea agreement
