Are you a licensed building contractor who has been accused of a crime? In Florida, even criminal traffic violations such as reckless driving can result in harsher consequences for a licensed professional than someone who does not hold a specialized license or certification. There are stringent reporting requirements for professional building contractors charged with a crime, whether they enter a plea deal or receive a guilty conviction.
No matter what crime you’re accused of you should be aware of the professional ramifications along with the criminal penalties that you may potentially face. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires building contractors and other licensed professionals to report your case’s disposition to the DBPR or the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) within 30 days. Keep reading to learn everything that you need to know.
As a licensed Florida building contractor, you should enlist a criminal defense attorney who understands the reporting responsibilities and can advise you on the full range of effects that accompany a plea. When you partner with The Umansky Law Firm, you can be confident in our criminal defense lawyers’ ability to create a robust defense to reduce the impact of penalties you may face in cases including:
Further, our highly experienced attorneys can help safeguard your professional building contractor’s license from possible administrative penalties. Whether you need assistance compiling your report, writing a letter, or providing required documents to the DBPR, we stand by your side, offering tenacious legal representation so you can put this difficult time behind you with the least impact on your future.
Licensed building contractors in Florida are required to notify the DBPR if they’ve been convicted of a crime or pled guilty or no contest within 30 days of the occurrence. Per Florida Statute Section 455.227(1)(t), licensed building contractors are subject to disciplinary action for:
“Failing to report in writing to the board or, if there is no board, to the department within 30 days after the licensee is convicted or found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction.”
To report a criminal conviction or plea deal, licensed building contractors fill out a criminal self-reporting document and mail it to the DBPR. If you’re unsure what information to include or have any questions about reporting this information, The Umansky Law Firm professional license defense attorneys can assist you through this administrative legal process.
Any licensed building contractor who neglects to report a criminal conviction, guilty plea, or no-contest plea to the DBPR can face severe disciplinary actions, including fines, suspension of license, or revocation of license. If it’s your first offense failing to report a conviction or plea to the DBPR as a licensed building contractor, you will typically be granted more leniency than for a repeat offense.
Keep in mind that simply because you have been convicted or made a plea deal does not mean administrative sanctions will impact your building contractor’s license or career. However, if you fail to notify the DBPR within 30 days, the department may be less tolerant when reviewing your situation. Factors that the DBPR considers when deciding the disciplinary action you face for failing to report a conviction or plea deal include:
The question of whether your building contractor’s license will be temporarily or permanently affected ultimately depends on the circumstances surrounding the crime. The criminal and administrative defense lawyers at The Umansky Law Firm can provide more insight after reviewing your case.
If you’re a licensed building contractor who has been convicted of a criminal act and are facing penalties for failing to report the crime to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, do not postpone seeking professional legal assistance. For help defending your rights, professional career, and reputation, look no further than the highly skilled criminal and professional license defense lawyers at The Umansky Law Firm.
Our Orlando criminal defense attorneys include former prosecutors and public defenders on both state and local levels, and some have a background working directly with the Florida DBPR. We are here to provide you with an effective strategy and powerful defense in both legal and administrative action to safeguard your career. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our team has the resources and expertise to investigate your case and fight for an outcome that’s in your best interests. We understand the ins and outs of Florida administrative laws and stand committed to protecting you from further penalty and harm to your reputation.
Call (407) 228-3838 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
