Can I Receive a Professional License if I Have a Criminal Record?

Illinois Attorney for IDFPR Law

For many people, a professional license is necessary to work in their chosen field. However, some may wonder about the ability to receive or maintain a license if they have a criminal arrest or conviction on their record. When determining how a criminal record may affect your eligibility for a professional license, it is important to work with an attorney who is experienced in this field of law. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., we can help you understand your rights and advocate for your ability to hold the license you need. We provide complete representation for licensed professionals, and we can help you address any legal issues that affect your career.

How Will a Criminal Conviction Affect My Professional License?

If you have a criminal record, your ability to receive a license will depend on the nature of your past crimes. By law, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is obligated to permanently deny or revoke a healthcare provider's license based upon certain criminal convictions. In many instances, the IDFPR has the discretion to issue or deny a license based on the nature and types of past criminal convictions. Certain violent and sexual crimes will cause someone to be permanently barred from obtaining or maintaining a professional license. All other crimes are matters for the licensing boards that may result in serious public disciplines. However, with proper representation, severe discipline can often be avoided, and even "permanent" bars can be submitted for review periodically.

When determining whether to revoke or deny a license, the IDFPR will consider a number of factors. The amount of time that has passed since the conviction is one important factor. Other important factors include whether you self-reported the conviction to the Department, the seriousness of the underlying criminal conduct, whether the conviction is related to your professional practice, and the measures you have taken to rehabilitate yourself.

Many professionals with criminal convictions will eventually seek to have their criminal record expunged after serving their sentence and completing any court-ordered requirements. If you are successful in having your conviction expunged, you will have no duty to report the expunged conviction to the IDFPR on a license application or a license renewal. In addition, if you were disciplined by IDFPR because of a conviction, and that conviction is expunged, you may file a request to have the disciplinary action taken off your record as well.

How Can an Attorney Help Defend My License?

In most cases, an attorney experienced in the area of IDFPR law can assist in negotiating for the issuance of a professional license, even if a criminal conviction exists. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., we have a great deal of experience helping those with criminal convictions make their case to the IDFPR. We will collect as much information about the underlying criminal conduct as possible, and this will help us determine what information prosecutors or an administrative law judge will find persuasive when arguing that you should be able to continue practicing. Some important factors to consider include whether you self-reported your conviction, whether you have shown rehabilitation, and the amount of time that has passed since the conviction.

With our help, you can make the case that your criminal conviction should not affect your ability to practice your profession, ensuring that you are able to receive or maintain the license you need. Contact us today at 630-310-1267 to arrange a free consultation.