You have been arrested for a crime. What happens to your professional license in Texas?
Many Texas residents have professional licenses. They include doctors, nurses, therapists, lawyers, teachers, contractors, cosmetologists, and sales agents. Those who have a license typically must renew them every few years.
However, if you have been arrested, convicted, or placed on deferred adjudication for a crime, this can impact your professional license. You will have to file a report with the licensing agency, and you may be barred from renewal.
So even if you are ethical and moral and follow your profession’s codes while at work, your professional license can be affected by what you do outside of the workplace. For example, if you get a DWI while out partying with friends or are arrested for shoplifting, you are putting your license at risk. The Travis County criminal defense lawyers at Granger and Mueller PC explain what can happen.
What to Consider
Not every crime affects a professional license. In fact, the licensing agency usually cannot revoke or deny your license without considering certain factors. The Texas Occupations Code outlines the factors that determine whether the conviction relates to the person’s occupation. They include:
- The nature and seriousness of the crime
- How the crime is related to the need to require a license for the occupation
- Whether or not a license might give the person an opportunity to engage in further criminal activity
- The relationship of the crime to the person’s ability to perform the duties of the occupation
- Any correlation between the crime and the duties of the licensed occupation
If it is determined that a criminal conviction directly relates to the duties of a licensed occupation, the licensing authority may consider the following:
- The nature of the person's past criminal activity
- The age of the person at the time the crime was committed
- The amount of time that has passed since the criminal activity
- Evidence of the person's rehabilitation efforts
- Compliance with any conditions of parole or supervision
- Evidence of the person's fitness, such as letters of recommendation.
Also, keep in mind that some licensing agencies have additional power to deny licenses. For example, the Texas Finance Code allows the Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending to deny licenses to mortgage loan originators who have poor moral character, including dishonesty and untrustworthiness.
Contact Our Travis County Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
If you have a professional license, be careful what you do outside of work. A crime can affect your license, which is why you need help preparing a report to the licensing agency to prevent a denial or revocation.
If you have been arrested for any type of crime, seek legal help right away. Your life, career, relationships, and reputation are at risk. The Travis County criminal defense lawyers at Granger and Mueller PC can help defend your case and help protect your professional license and livelihood. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Give us a call at (512) 474-9999 or fill out the online form.