When a Criminal Charge Puts Your License at Risk
In Georgia, virtually every professional licensing board has authority to take action against a licensee who is arrested for or convicted of a crime. O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19 is the general licensing statute that governs most boards in the state, and subsection (a)(3) permits license denial, suspension, or revocation upon conviction of any felony or crime involving moral turpitude — regardless of whether the offense is directly related to the licensed practice.
For some boards, the obligation to self-report is immediate — within days of an arrest or charge. For others, conviction triggers automatic review. The scope of what constitutes a disqualifying offense varies by profession, but even charges that seem unrelated to professional practice can attract board scrutiny. In these cases, how the criminal defense is handled can have direct consequences for the licensing proceeding — and vice versa.
Professions Cullen Law Assists
Charles represents licensed professionals facing licensing board proceedings arising from criminal charges, including:
Healthcare Professionals — Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other providers. Georgia’s nursing boards act under O.C.G.A. § 43-26-11, which specifically authorizes revocation upon conviction of a felony, any crime involving moral turpitude, or any violation of controlled substance laws. DUI, drug charges, fraud, and sexual misconduct are the most common triggers for licensing action in this population.
Attorneys — State Bar of Georgia proceedings following criminal charges require careful coordination with the criminal defense to avoid statements or positions that create additional bar exposure.
Financial and Securities Professionals — FINRA and state securities regulators have parallel reporting and disciplinary processes triggered by any felony charge and by certain misdemeanor offenses.
Teachers and School Personnel — The Georgia Professional Standards Commission can move quickly on any charge involving moral turpitude or conduct bearing on fitness to work with students.
Real Estate Professionals — The Georgia Real Estate Commission reviews criminal history in connection with both initial licensure and renewal under the character-and-fitness provisions of Title 43.
Contractors and Other Tradespeople — Under O.C.G.A. § 43-41-16, residential and general contractors face license revocation upon conviction of any felony directly related to contracting practice. Various other state licensing boards hold similar authority.
The Integrated Defense Strategy
When a criminal case and a licensing proceeding are both in play, they cannot be managed in isolation. A guilty plea in the criminal case may constitute an admission that a licensing board can rely on. A statement made in a licensing proceeding can often be used by prosecutors in the criminal case. The sequence and timing of how each proceeding moves forward matters enormously.
Charles manages the criminal defense with the licensing implications in constant view and works with the client to develop a strategy that addresses both. Where separate licensing counsel is engaged, Charles coordinates closely to ensure the two defenses are not working at cross-purposes.
Your License Is Worth Defending
The years of education, training, and practice that go into a professional license are not something you surrender without a fight. If you are a licensed professional facing a criminal charge in Georgia, call Cullen Law in Alpharetta for a confidential consultation.
