Free Consultation:
610-436-1410
Free Consultation:
610-436-1410Pennsylvania
Having a professional license means a lot in Pennsylvania. It takes education, training, and testing to become a doctor, nurse, architect, teacher, therapist, or pilot. Given how hard you worked, you don’t want your livelihood threatened by criminal allegations.
Whether someone accuses you of unethical behavior or you are arrested, you need to contact a professional license defense attorney as soon as possible. Depending on the facts and your profession, you may have to fight the charges in criminal court and during an administrative process. At Skinner Law Firm, a Chester County defense attorney is here to help with both.
Attorney Michael Skinner knows how important it is to protect your professional license and reputation. Let us fight to spare you from a criminal conviction, a license suspension, or revocation. Call (610) 436-1410 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation.
Skinner Law Firm protects professionals in Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery County who are charged or being investigated by their professional governing body.
You may also have a Pennsylvania professional license as a:
If your professional license is at stake because of criminal conduct, call us right away. Many professional boards conduct disciplinary proceedings in Harrisburg. Regardless where you live or practice in the Commonwealth, we can represent you with a strong focus on retaining your license and livelihood.
The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs handles disciplinary issues for 29 professional and occupational licensing bodies in the Commonwealth and has offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton. The Bureau’s responsibilities include receiving and investigating complaints and sanctioning professionals who violate their profession’s rules and regulations.
If you are licensed by one of the 29 boards or commissions, and the Bureau receives a complaint, one of its investigators will reach out to you. Or you might receive a letter instead. When you become aware of a complaint and an investigation, call an attorney about license defense right away.
A professional non-profit dedicated to the improvement of the criminal defense bar, and to providing valuable information to the public about drunk driving laws. Members of the NCDD are considered the most experienced DUI defense attorneys in the United States and Canada.
The preeminent organization in the United States. NACDL serves as a leader in identifying and reforming flaws in the criminal justice system, and addressing systemic racism, and ensuring that the criminal defense bar is fully equipped to serve all accused persons at the highest level.
PACDL is the premier network of the best defense attorneys in PA with a mission to educate, advocate, and inspire by providing support for criminal defense lawyers, promoting effective competence, leveling the playing field, and protecting freedoms.
The Pennsylvania Bar Association promotes and protects the legal profession, the rights of Pennsylvania citizens and access to justice for all. Membership is open to any lawyer in good standing who is licensed by the Bar of Pennsylvania.
The American Bar Association is one of the world’s largest voluntary professional organizations, with over 400,000 members and more than 3,500 entities. Their mission is to serve its members, the legal profession, and the public by defending liberty and delivering justice as the national representative of the legal profession.
The CCBA promotes professionalism, inclusion, and collegiality within the Chester County legal profession, and enhances the quality of life of its members and the practice of law within the community.
The NORML Legal Committee (NLC) is composed of attorneys committed to the overall goals of NORML. NLC attorneys meet each year to discuss emerging legal issues related to defense of marijuana consumers and to support each other in the pursuit of justice.
The American Institute’s Criminal Law Division is an impartial third-party rating service recognizing the excellence of fellow practitioners. To help clients across the United States make educated decisions, we compile an exclusive list of the “10 Best” Attorneys for each State. Our “10 Best” is a prestigious honor extended only to those who have reached the top of their profession while doing so with the client’s satisfaction being of paramount importance.
The American Institute’s DUI/DWI Division recognizes the excellence of practitioners in the field of DUI/DWI defense. We compile an exclusive list of the “10 Best” Attorneys for each State for potential clients to utilize. We look for Attorneys that have achieved unparalleled success but most importantly have done so for the benefit of their client. Very few Attorneys can do so and our organization recognizes this significant achievement.
Attorney Michael Skinner has been consistently recognized as among the best lawyers in Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. Attorneys are nominated via peer balloting, then vetted through our editorial process in various fields of practice.
The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 is an invitation-only organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from each state. Membership is extended only to the most qualified attorneys who demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature and public profile. Each of our distinguished members possesses the knowledge, skill, experience, and success held by only the best and finest lawyers in America.
The Super Lawyers list recognizes no more than 5 percent of attorneys in each state. The Rising Stars further distinguishes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys, and to be eligible, a Rising Stars candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Some behaviors are considered unethical and unbecoming of a profession, even if they are not illegal. For example, many professions’ ethical standards prohibit sexual relationships between licensees and their clients or patients. Dating someone is not a crime, but it may be inappropriate because of an ongoing professional relationship.
Allegations of criminal conduct can have severe consequences for a licensed professional, even when the allegations are unrelated to your work. Call us right away if you are facing charges for:
Your behavior outside of work can impact your license and ability to do your job. If you are worried about whether allegations or an arrest could be a problem, consider what will show on a background check.
A criminal background check can show:
For many employment situations, background checks go back seven years. But there are no laws in Pennsylvania that stop an employer from looking back further.
Once you have a criminal record – through an arrest, charges, or a conviction – it can impact your current license and any future professional licensure. Most professional boards require you to inform them of a criminal conviction – like a DUI, Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition (ARD), or Probation Without Verdict (PWOV) – within 30 days.
You may wonder whether you need an attorney when dealing with allegations of a crime, especially a misdemeanor. We highly recommend you give us a call. A professional license attorney’s cost is nothing compared to losing your license because you did not effectively defend yourself.
At Skinner Law Firm, we can defend you on both fronts: In criminal court and during the administrative process. We understand how criminal charges and your professional license intersect. We will thoroughly investigate the claims against you, gather evidence, and use what we know to obtain the best possible outcome in both situations.
The administrative process begins with a complaint made against you. Anyone can file a complaint with the Bureau, such as a client, patient, or colleague.
Once the Bureau receives the complaint, it is their responsibility to review the complaint and determine whether an investigation should move forward. If they decide there may have been a violation or need more information, they send the Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation a complaint. Here, an investigator is assigned to gather information and determine whether disciplinary charges should be filed.
An investigator may contact you, even showing up at your office unannounced. You are not required to answer their questions. We recommend you politely decline an interview and contact a professional license defense attorney.
After finishing their investigation, the investigator forwards their report to the Professional Compliance Office, which works with a prosecuting attorney to decide charges.
If they determine charges are appropriate, you will receive an Order to Show Cause. This outlines the allegations against you and requires you to appear before your profession’s governing body. If you have not contacted a lawyer yet, now is the time to do so. You have 30 days to file an Answer to the Order to Show Cause.
The next step is a hearing, which is like a criminal trial in some ways. There will be witnesses, evidence, and a formal decision. But there is a much lower burden of proof than a trial. We highly recommend you have a lawyer gather and present evidence on your behalf during an administrative hearing.
Another option is negotiating a Consent Agreement and Order, which is like a settlement or plea bargain. With the help of an attorney, you and the prosecuting attorney agree to the facts and a penalty, which you believe will be acceptable to the board or commission. We then present the Consent Agreement and Order to be approved by the licensing board or commission.
Whether you negotiate a Consent Agreement or go through a hearing and receive a Final Adjudication, these disciplinary actions become a permanent part of the public record.
Though the administrative process follows the same general process, each licensing board or commission has its own rules and procedures. Each professional has its regulations, and each licensing body has its criteria for determining when and how you can be sanctioned. The process is often confusing, even for seasoned professionals, so it is helpful to hire a Chester County professional license attorney.
Working with Mr. Skinner has been a pleasure.
12-19-2018
Jessel
I would highly recommend him to anyone facing charges or violations in Chester County.
08-16-2019
Dylan
He was able to reduce my son’s sentence from a potentially harsh fine, loss of driving privileges or even jail time, down to a few community service hours.
10-11-2018
T.F.
Michael was able to give me clear guidance on my legal options and explained each step of the process.
11-15-2019
Moh Nica
He was very negotiable and understanding of my circumstances.
11-14-2018
Sahmere
From day one I felt comfortable with him and confident that he would help me get the best outcome available.
12-19-2018
Chesco
He is very professional and understanding of each person’s needs.
05-19-2019
Gary
Extensive experience with defending DUI’s and I saw this confidence in the courtroom.
12-17-2018
Anne
He is very informative and knowledgeable. I had no trouble contacting him to answer questions or give me advice.
11-29-2019
Miles
He was able to get me a lesser sentence and always treated me with respect throughout.
12-08-2019
Ricky
If you work with him, he will get you what you want/deserve.
06-13-2018
John K.
Mike Skinner resolved this case in the best way possible, and I am eternally grateful for his advice and counsel.
11-30-2019
Judy
A top-notch attorney in West Chester.
10-10-2019
Emily
His diligence and professionalism are unmatched making it a pleasure to have been a client.
12-19-2018
Dalton
Michael Skinner is an excellent lawyer that knows your rights, and he will indeed fight for you.
12-04-2018
Jamal
He took me through everything step by step and charged me a fair price for his service.
11-26-2019
Mckenzie
Michael Skinner EXPERTLY handled a very sensitive case.
12-10-2018
Matt
His calm presence is also very reassuring for his clients. Highly recommend choosing him.
05-21-2019
Kevin
Mike’s attention to detail and professionalism put my mind at ease.
09-10-2019
Mike
He was extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
06-14-2018
Kelly
Anyone faced with a DUI charge needs Mike Skinner.
12-17-2018
T McGov
He is very nice and will work with to help get you the best possible outcome.
07-08-2018
Katie
I went to Skinner after researching all the law firms in the area and without a doubt would go to him for everything.
05-15-2019
Jordan
Mr Skinner always kept us updated about the case and was prompt with his responses.
12-13-2018
Robert
Michael Skinner and his staff made me completely comfortable and confident
07-11-2019
Jason
I don’t think it is possible for a better outcome than what was achieved by Michael J Skinner.
12-14-2017
Keith
Going above and beyond for their clients is an understatement.
12-20-2018
James
Michael and Nichole made me feel comfortable as you truly feel that you are discussing your problem with friends.
11-15-2018
John
I was a little nervous about everything and just 5 minutes of talking with Mike, I felt at ease.
12-18-2018
Garry W.
I am thankful I found and chose Michael Skinner.
05-17-2019
B.H.
I was nervous regarding my situation, but after a brief conversation describing my charges and the delicacy of my situation, Michael assured me he could easily handle this case.
11-23-2019
Dan
Every professional governing body decides on appropriate sanctions for its licensees. Depending on what the board or commission finds to be accurate, you could face:
Given the potential ramifications of the disciplinary process, it is essential to work with an attorney who can clear up any misunderstandings, seek to prove your innocence, or fight to mitigate the consequences of your conduct.
At Skinner Law Firm, we understand mistakes happen. You can experience a lapse in judgment. When that happens, we are here to protect your license. We can work with the governing body to obtain an outcome that involves fair discipline yet lets you continue your career.
A lot is at stake when you are charged with a crime or accused of a professional violation. Whether or not you face criminal fines and imprisonment, you have to worry about losing your license to do your job. You must do what you can to protect your license and professional reputation as soon as possible. Call Michael J. Skinner of Skinner Law Firm to review your situation.
With offices in West Chester, Michael has decades of legal experience, assists professionals throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, and can help you fight the allegations.
Use our online form or call (610) 436-1410 to request a confidential consultation.