Facing a criminal charge is overwhelming for anyone, but for North Carolina professionals with occupational licenses, it can be especially frightening. A single charge can trigger board investigations, threaten your ability to work, and create long-term reputational consequences.
Though a criminal charge does not automatically mean you will lose your professional license, your response to the situation can have a far-reaching impact on the future of your career.
Here’s what NC professionals need to know about how criminal charges can affect licensure, and what you can do to mitigate damages and protect your ability to practice.
North Carolina licensing boards have a legal duty to protect the public. That means they can discipline licensees for conduct that reflects poorly on their honesty, judgment, or fitness to practice — even when the conduct occurs outside of the workplace.
Boards typically pay close attention to:
Your licensing board’s response will depend on your specific circumstances, and not every charge results in disciplinary action. NC boards evaluate context, severity, patterns, and evidence of rehabilitation before making a decision.
Ultimately, your licensing board is tasked with determining whether the charges compromise your ability to do your job and represent your profession. Here are some of the factors they consider.
Boards will evaluate whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, how serious the underlying conduct is, and whether it suggests dishonesty, violence, or impairment. A nonviolent misdemeanor is understandably less concerning than a crime involving fraud, abuse, or controlled substances.
Boards look at how your conduct relates to your professional duties. For example:
Single incidents involving professionals with otherwise exemplary records will be viewed differently from repeat offenses.
Under NC law, licensing boards are allowed to consider evidence of rehabilitation. Completing court requirements, seeking treatment, or demonstrating changed behavior following the incident can meaningfully reduce the severity of discipline.
Each North Carolina licensing board has its own set of professional standards and self-reporting requirements. While certain criminal charges raise more scrutiny within some professions than others, it’s always best to consult with a professional license defense attorney as soon as you become aware of the accusations.
The NC Board of Nursing and other healthcare boards closely scrutinize offenses involving substance use, DWIs, controlled substances, assault, and any patient-related conduct. Even a single DWI may prompt a fitness-to-practice review or a requirement for evaluation and monitoring.
The NC Licensing Board for General Contractors focuses primarily on offenses related to honesty, fraud, or financial responsibility. A theft or embezzlement charge, for example, may raise questions about business integrity.
Less serious misdemeanors (especially those unrelated to contracting) may have less impact, but failure to report them can create serious issues.
Because this profession involves close physical contact with clients, the NC Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy takes a strict approach to any allegations involving assault, harassment, inappropriate touching, or boundary violations.
Substance-related charges can also raise concerns, particularly if impairment could affect client safety. An arrest, even without a conviction, may trigger a board inquiry.
Attorneys, law enforcement officers, and other criminal justice professionals face unique scrutiny because their roles rely heavily on credibility, judgment, and adherence to legal and ethical standards.
For attorneys specifically:
Other criminal justice professionals (such as probation officers or correctional officers) may face a simultaneous employer review and certification review. Even a relatively minor charge can have career implications, especially if it might affect public trust or your credibility in court.
While you’re undoubtedly facing a stressful situation, criminal charges don’t necessarily mean the death of your career. With the right guidance, it’s often possible to minimize reputational damage and move forward.
If you’re charged with a crime, take these steps:
The need for a criminal lawyer might be obvious, but many professionals overlook the importance of having someone who can represent them in a licensing board investigation on their legal team.
What happens in criminal court can influence board action (and vice versa), so surround yourself with the right representation as early as possible.
Many licensing boards require you to report a charge, arrest, or conviction within a specific timeframe. Failing to report is often treated as a violation of honesty or ethics. Boards may punish non-reporting more harshly than the underlying offense, so work with your attorney to understand your obligations.
Your licensing board is not your advocate. Anything you say to staff, investigators, or board members, verbally or in writing, can be used against you in an investigation.
Consult with your attorney before submitting any statement, explanation, or required documentation.
This may include:
The stronger your mitigating evidence, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
Show responsibility by being proactive. By voluntarily seeking out training, education, and support related to your criminal charges, you can show your licensing board that you are dedicated to your career.
Depending on the situation, this may include:
Even if the board doesn’t require these of you, completing them independently can significantly influence their decision.
Criminal charges may threaten your career, but many North Carolina professionals successfully protect their ability to practice by acting early, taking responsibility, and choosing experienced legal guidance.
If you’ve been charged with and need to prepare for a licensing board investigation, reach out to Landon White Law. The right help can make all the difference in safeguarding the career you’ve worked so hard to build.
