Arrested While Holding a Professional License in Corpus Christi: Protecting Your Career, License, and Reputation

For professionals in Corpus Christi and throughout the Coastal Bend—physicians, nurses, attorneys, teachers, real estate agents, accountants, engineers, and countless others—a professional license is not just a credential. It is the foundation of your career, your livelihood, and your reputation. An arrest or criminal charge can threaten all of that in an instant. Even before your case is resolved, your licensing board may launch an investigation. Your employer may suspend or terminate you. Your professional reputation may be damaged. When your license and your career are on the line, you need a defense strategy that addresses not just the criminal case, but the licensing consequences that follow.

At Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we represent licensed professionals throughout Corpus Christi and the Coastal Belt who are facing criminal charges. Whether you hold a medical license, nursing license, law license, teaching certificate, real estate license, or any other professional credential, we provide the knowledgeable, strategic representation you need to protect your career and your future. With extensive experience in both criminal defense and professional licensing matters, we guide our clients through every stage of the process.

The Unique Stakes for Licensed Professionals

A criminal charge is serious for anyone. But for licensed professionals, the stakes are exponentially higher. In addition to the criminal penalties you face—fines, probation, jail time—you face collateral consequences that can end your career:

• Licensing board investigation: Most professional licensing boards investigate any arrest or criminal charge involving a license holder

• License suspension or revocation: Boards have the authority to suspend or revoke licenses based on criminal conduct

• Loss of employment: Many employers, particularly hospitals, schools, and government agencies, have policies requiring suspension or termination upon arrest

• Reputational damage: An arrest can harm your professional reputation and your ability to attract clients or patients

• Loss of hospital privileges: Physicians may lose hospital admitting privileges

• Loss of insurance reimbursement: Medical professionals may lose insurance provider status

• Bar to advancement: Even if you keep your license, a criminal charge can derail promotions and career advancement

Professional Licensing Boards in Texas

Each profession in Texas is governed by a licensing board that has the authority to investigate and discipline license holders. These boards include:

• Texas Medical Board: Physicians, physician assistants, acupuncturists, and other medical professionals

• Texas Board of Nursing: Registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and advanced practice nurses

• State Bar of Texas: Attorneys

• Texas Education Agency: Teachers, administrators, and other education professionals

• Texas Real Estate Commission: Real estate agents, brokers, and inspectors

• Texas State Board of Public Accountancy: Certified public accountants (CPAs)

• Texas State Board of Pharmacy: Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians

• Texas Board of Professional Engineers: Professional engineers

• Texas State Board of Dental Examiners: Dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants

Each board has its own rules, procedures, and standards for discipline. Understanding your board’s specific requirements is essential for mounting an effective defense.

How Criminal Charges Trigger Licensing Board Action

When a licensed professional is arrested or charged with a crime, the licensing board will typically become aware of the situation through:

• Self-reporting: Many licenses require you to report any arrest or criminal charge within a specific timeframe (often 10 to 30 days)

• Employer reporting: Hospitals, schools, and other employers are often required to report arrests of licensed employees

• Media reports: Arrests are often reported in local media, and licensing boards monitor these reports

• Court records: Licensing boards regularly review court records for cases involving license holders

• Law enforcement notifications: Some boards receive notifications from law enforcement agencies

Failure to self-report an arrest can be a separate violation, often resulting in additional discipline.

The Licensing Board Investigation Process

Understanding the licensing board investigation process is essential for protecting your license.

Step 1: Notification and Initial Review

When the board learns of your arrest, it will open a file and conduct an initial review. The board may:

• Request additional information from you

• Request records from the court

• Request records from your employer

• Place your license on temporary suspension pending investigation

Step 2: Formal Investigation

If the board determines that further action is warranted, it will open a formal investigation. The investigation may include:

• Requests for written statements

• Interviews with witnesses

• Review of criminal case records

• Review of your professional history

Step 3: Complaint

If the investigation reveals evidence of a violation, the board will issue a formal complaint. The complaint will:

• State the specific allegations against you

• Cite the laws or regulations you allegedly violated

• Outline the proposed disciplinary action

Step 4: Response and Negotiation

You have the right to respond to the complaint. Your response should:

• Address each allegation

• Present mitigating evidence

• Propose alternatives to discipline

• Demonstrate your fitness to practice

In many cases, the board’s staff may be willing to negotiate a settlement, such as:

• Dismissal of the complaint

• Reprimand or censure

• Probation with conditions (monitoring, treatment)

• Voluntary surrender of license (with agreement to reinstate)

Step 5: Formal Hearing

If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to a formal hearing before an administrative law judge. The hearing is similar to a trial, with:

• Presentation of evidence by the board

• Presentation of evidence by you and your attorney

• Cross-examination of witnesses

• Testimony

Step 6: Board Decision

The board makes the final decision on discipline. Possible outcomes include:

• Dismissal of the complaint

• Reprimand or censure

• Probation

• Suspension of license

• Revocation of license

• Voluntary surrender of license

The Relationship Between Criminal Case and Licensing Proceedings

The criminal case and the licensing proceeding are separate. They have different standards of proof and different procedural rules.

Different Standards of Proof

• Criminal case: The state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt

• Licensing proceeding: The board must prove the allegations by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

This lower burden of proof means that even if you are acquitted in criminal court, the licensing board may still find that you violated professional standards.

Timing and Coordination

The two proceedings may proceed on different timelines. In some cases, the licensing board will wait for the criminal case to resolve before proceeding. In others, the board may move forward immediately.

Your defense strategy must coordinate across both proceedings to:

• Avoid admissions that could be used against you

• Present a consistent narrative

• Mitigate the impact of the criminal case on your license

Defending Your License During a Criminal Case

A proactive approach to protecting your license can make the difference between keeping your career and losing it.

Self-Reporting

If your license requires self-reporting of arrests, do so promptly and with the guidance of an attorney. A timely, transparent report can demonstrate responsibility and may mitigate board action.

Engaging with the Board Early

Early engagement with the licensing board—through counsel—can sometimes head off formal proceedings. Demonstrating that you are taking the matter seriously and addressing any underlying issues can be persuasive.

Demonstrating Rehabilitation

Evidence of rehabilitation can be powerful in persuading the board to exercise leniency. This may include:

• Completion of treatment programs (substance abuse, mental health)

• Continuing education

• Community service

• Letters of support from colleagues and patients

• Evidence of your professional contributions

Addressing Underlying Issues

If the criminal charge involves substance abuse, mental health, or other underlying issues, addressing those issues proactively can demonstrate that you are not a continuing risk to the public.

Common Criminal Charges Affecting Professionals

Certain types of criminal charges are particularly concerning to licensing boards:

DWI / DUI

Driving while intoxicated is one of the most common charges affecting licensed professionals. Boards view DWI as raising concerns about:

• Judgment and decision-making

• Potential substance abuse issues

• Professional conduct

With appropriate mitigation—such as completion of a substance abuse program—many professionals retain their licenses after a DWI.

Drug Offenses

Drug possession, prescription fraud, and other drug offenses are taken very seriously by licensing boards. For healthcare professionals, drug offenses raise concerns about:

• Diversion of medications

• Impairment while practicing

• Trustworthiness

Assault and Family Violence

Assault charges, particularly those involving family violence, raise concerns about:

• Temperament and judgment

• Ability to interact appropriately with patients, clients, or students

• Professional conduct

Theft and Fraud

Theft, fraud, and embezzlement charges raise fundamental concerns about honesty and integrity—qualities essential to virtually every profession.

Healthcare Fraud

For medical professionals, healthcare fraud allegations (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance) can result in both criminal prosecution and license revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arrests and Professional Licenses

Do I have to report my arrest to my licensing board?

Yes. Most professional licenses require you to report any arrest or criminal charge within a specific timeframe (often 10 to 30 days). Failure to report can be a separate violation.

Can I lose my license before my criminal case is resolved?

Yes. Licensing boards have the authority to impose temporary suspension or other restrictions while the criminal case is pending.

What is the standard of proof in a licensing proceeding?

The standard is typically “preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not), which is a lower standard than “beyond a reasonable doubt” used in criminal court.

Can I be disciplined even if I am acquitted of the criminal charge?

Yes. The licensing board’s standard of proof is lower, and the board may find that the conduct occurred even if the criminal case resulted in acquittal.

What is the difference between license suspension and revocation?

Suspension is temporary; you may be reinstated after a period of time or upon meeting certain conditions. Revocation is permanent termination of your license.

What is a voluntary surrender of license?

Voluntary surrender is an agreement to give up your license, often in exchange for the board not taking formal disciplinary action. In some cases, voluntary surrender may allow you to apply for reinstatement later.

Can I get my license back after it is revoked?

In some cases, yes. Many licensing boards have reinstatement procedures, though the requirements are stringent and the process can take years.

Do I need an attorney for licensing board proceedings?

Yes. Licensing board proceedings are complex and the stakes are extremely high. An attorney with experience in both criminal defense and professional licensing matters can help you navigate the process and protect your career.

How does a DWI affect my professional license?

A DWI can trigger a licensing board investigation and potential discipline. However, with appropriate mitigation—such as completion of a substance abuse program—many professionals retain their licenses.

What should I do if I am arrested?

Contact an attorney immediately. Do not speak to your employer or the licensing board without legal advice. Early intervention is critical to protecting your license and your career.

Why Barton & Associates Is the Right Choice for Licensed Professionals

Licensed professionals face unique challenges when arrested or charged with a crime. The consequences extend far beyond the criminal court—they threaten your license, your career, and your livelihood. At Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we have extensive experience representing licensed professionals in Corpus Christi and throughout the Coastal Belt.

Our attorneys understand the intricacies of professional licensing boards, the standards for discipline, and the strategies for preserving your license. We work closely with our clients to develop defense strategies that address both the criminal case and the licensing consequences.

We also understand that an arrest does not define who you are. Our attorneys approach these cases with compassion and dedication, helping our clients protect the careers they have worked so hard to build.

Protect Your License and Your Career Today

If you are a licensed professional facing criminal charges, your license and your career are at risk. Do not wait. The decisions you make now will determine whether you can continue to practice your profession.

Contact the experienced criminal defense and professional license attorneys at Barton & Associates today. Call us directly at 361-800-6780 to speak with a member of our team. You may also complete the Free Consultation form on our website, and we will reach out to you promptly. Please note that all on-site consultations at our Corpus Christi office are by appointment only, ensuring that we can give your case the focused attention it requires.

Reach out today—let us help you protect your license, your career, and your future.

Main Category: Criminal Defense Corpus Christi
Practice Area Category: Military, Professional or Student
Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law
5110 Wilkinson Dr Suite 210, Corpus Christi, TX 78415
Office: 361-800-6780