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Effect on Professional Licenses

People who are arrested for alleged criminal offenses understandably hope to quickly resolve their court cases and achieve outcomes that have minimal impact on their personal and professional lives. While possible incarceration and fines are generally the two largest concerns for most alleged offenders, individuals who have or are seeking professional licenses have additional fears about how a conviction could dramatically alter their entire careers.

In addition to criminal court appearances, professionally licensed individuals often have to undergo additional hearings held by licensing boards. It is extremely important for any person with a professional license who has been accused of a crime to make sure he or she understands all of the possible consequences of any proposed plea bargain, as certain concessions made in negotiating criminal penalties could potentially still carry negative consequences for professional licensing matters.

Lawyer in Brooksville, FL Effect of Convictions on Professional Licenses

Are you a licensed professional who was arrested in Central Florida for an alleged criminal offense? You should not say anything to authorities without legal counsel. Contact The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. as soon as possible.

Ashley Aulls is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Brooksville who represents first time offenders accused of criminal offenses in numerous communities throughout Hernando County, including Weeki Wachee, New Port Richey, Inverness, Spring Hill, Wildwood, Brooksville, and many others. Call (352) 593-4115 to have our lawyer provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free initial consultation.


Overview of Effects of Convictions on Professional Licenses Florida


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Effect on Licenses for Teachers in Hernando County

The Florida Department of Education requires teachers, principals, counselors, and all other certified public school positions to report criminal convictions, findings of guilt, withholdings of adjudication, or guilty or nolo contendere pleas within 48 hours. Teachers can be dismissed, suspended, or have their certificates revoked or suspended for any criminal conviction other than minor traffic violations.

Under Florida Statute § 1012.315, a person is ineligible for educator certification, and instructional personnel and school administrators are ineligible for employment in any position that requires direct contact with students in a district school system, charter school, or private school that accepts scholarship students, if the person, instructional personnel, or school administrator has been convicted of a misdemeanor offense relating to battery (if the alleged victim was a minor) or luring or enticing a child, or any of the more than 50 felony offenses listed under Florida Statute § 1012.315(1).


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Effect on Licenses for Medical Professionals in Brooksville

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) regulates over 50 types of health practitioners, including doctors, dentists, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), pharmacists, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, pharmacists, psychologists, and many others. Each medical profession has its own specific administrative procedures that have to be followed in order to determine licensing consequences of convictions.

Under Florida Statute § 458.331, health professionals may face denial of their licenses or disciplinary action by their respective boards if they are convicted of a crime that directly relates to the practice of medicine or to the ability to practice medicine; a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude, fraud, dishonesty, or deceit; a crime that relates to the practice of, or the ability to practice, a licensed health care profession; or a crime that relates to health care fraud. Florida Statute § 456.0635 establishes that the DOH or a respective health care board can refuse to issue or renew a license, certificate, or registration and refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant has been convicted of or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to certain felony offenses.


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Effect on Licenses for Accountants in Florida

Under Florida Statute § 455.227(1)(t), all certified public accountants (CPAs) are required to report convictions, findings of guilt, pleas, or adjudications to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation within 30 days. Florida Statute § 473.323(1)(d) states that individuals convicted or found guilty of, or entering a plea of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction which directly relates to the practice of public accounting or the ability to practice public accounting is grounds for disciplinary actions such as denial of an application for licensure, revocation or suspension of the CPA or firm’s license or practice privileges in Florida, a fine of up to $5,000 per offense, issuance of a reprimand, probation for a period of time with certain conditions for the CPA such as required attendance at continuing education courses or working under the supervision of another licensee, or restriction of the authorized scope of practice by the CPA.


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Effects on Licenses for State and Federal Employees in Hernando County

Police officers in Florida can be suspended or terminated or become ineligible for certification renewal if they are convicted of any criminal offense—including driving under the influence (DUI). Firefighters may have their Florida Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) certification revoked if they are convicted of or plead nolo contendere to any felony charges, or they are convicted of misdemeanors that relate to misleading or false statements.

Florida Statute § 110.227(1) establishes that convictions for any crimes may be grounds for suspension, reduction in pay, transfer, layoff, demotion, or dismissal of state employees. Convictions can also result in forfeiture of public retirement system benefits, and federal employees may also be dismissed and/or have pensions revoked.


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Effects of Convictions on Licenses for Other Professions in Brooksville

Numerous other types of professionals can be subject to consequences established by their licensing boards. Some of the other kinds of licensed professions in Florida that can be impacted by criminal convictions include, but are not limited to:

  • Pilots;
  • Contractors;
  • Engineers;
  • Psychologists;
  • Real Estate Agents;
  • Counselors;
  • Architects;
  • Inspectors;
  • Social Workers;
  • Psychiatrists;
  • Auctioneers;
  • Barbers;
  • Cosmetologists; and
  • Nursing Home Administrators.

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The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. | Brooksville Attorney for Licensed Professionals

If you are a licensed professional who was arrested for any kind of alleged criminal offense in Central Florida, it will be in your best interest to quickly seek legal representation. The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. defends individuals throughout Citrus County, Sumter County, Pasco County, and Hernando County.

Brooksville criminal defense lawyer Ashley Aulls will work tirelessly to help you achieve the most favorable resolution to your case, possibly having the criminal charges minimized or eliminated. He can review your case and answer all of your legal questions when you call (352) 593-4115 or submit an online contact form to set up a confidential consultation.


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