Received a Professional License Complaint? Avoid These Three Mistakes

No professional wants to face disciplinary proceedings. Whether it’s the State Board of Dental Examiners, the Maryland Real Estate Commission, or some other licensing board, a disciplinary proceeding can jeopardize your entire career. If you have been notified of a complaint, it is critical that you take it seriously and proceed very carefully. Unfortunately, many professionals immediately make grave mistakes that can make the situation far worse. If you have received notice of a complaint filed against you, the best thing you can do is contact a Maryland employment attorney with experience in handling professional license defense. 

1. Do Not Assume the Complaint Will Be Dismissed

Licensing boards are responsible for guarding the reputation of your profession. As a result, they take complaints very seriously and investigate them thoroughly. Therefore, even if you think the complaint has no merit, you should be prepared for the process to be followed to completion. 

Along the way, you will be expected to comply with requests for documents and may have to meet with investigators. Do not turn over any documents or meet with investigators on the assumption that the complaint will be dismissed regardless. On the contrary, the evidence you provide or the statements you make could make the situation far more dangerous. You should at least consult with a Maryland employment attorney before responding to the complaint in any way.   

2. Do Not Contact the Person Who Filed the Complaint

As frustrating as a complaint may be, one of the worst things you could do is contact the person who filed the complaint directly or indirectly. This includes in-person contact or via phone, email, text message, or any other medium. Any such actions may be considered to be an attempt to intimidate or coerce them into withdrawing the complaint and prompt even closer scrutiny. You should also avoid taking any other actions such as filing a Better Business Bureau Complaint, leaving negative reviews or comments on their website or social media, or filing a lawsuit alleging libel, slander, or defamation. Instead, you should talk to a Maryland employment attorney if you believe that the person is just harassing you and the complaint has no merit. 

3. Do Not Alter or Destroy any Records or Documents

Unfortunately, many people panic once they receive a complaint and wind up making a bad situation worse. One of the most common mistakes people make is altering or destroying documents, even if the documents do not support the allegations in the complaint. This could be because they are embarrassed to have someone looking through their records or afraid it will reveal other potential issues. Whatever may be the case, you should speak to a Maryland employment attorney before you do anything. 

Call a Maryland Employment Attorney Who Knows How to Protect Your License

Maryland employment attorney J.W. Stafford knows how much anxiety a disciplinary proceeding can bring, which is why he works side-by-side with his clients to provide them with the guidance they need every step of the way. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case today by calling 410-514-6099 or simply complete our online contact form.