California Professional License Defense Case Results

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Acccusation Against Contractor: The client, a C-33 Painting Contractor in the Los Angeles area, received an Accusation from the California Contractors State License Board. Five years earlier, the client had been convicted of felony Assault With a Deadly Weapon arising from a Domestic Violence incident in Santa Barbara County. CSLB received evidence of the conviction subsequent to the client being convicted for the felony criminal offense. The matter proceeded to a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge at the California Office of Administrative Hearings in Los Angeles. A Statute of Limitations argument was raised. The Administrative Law Judge continued the Hearing to a future date. Prior to the continued Hearing, the Attorney General’s Office and CSLB dismissed the Accusation due to the Statute of Limitations having long expired.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Accusation Against Contractor: The client, a B License General Contractor in Los Angeles, received an Accusation from the California Contractors State License Board. The client focused on solar energy projects. Two customers initiated Complaints against the Contractor with CSLB, which resulted in nearly twenty causes for discipline contained in the Accusation. The Contractors State License Board refused to provide a Stipulated Agreement, or settlement, with the client. The matter proceeded to a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge at the California Office of Administrative Hearings in Los Angeles. CSLB and the Attorney General’s Office sought revocation. The Administrative Law Judge found the client liable for some violations, but dismissed others. The Administrative Law Judge placed the client’s Contractors License on probation.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Accusation Against Contractor: The client, a B License General Contractor in Los Angeles, received an Accusation from the California Contractors State License Board. The Accusation alleged Aiding and Abetting an Unlicensed Contractor, Departure From Accepted Trade Standards, Departure From Plans or Specifications and Home Improvement Form Contract Violations. The allegations stemmed from the client performing poor work quality on beachfront property. The poor work quality resulted in $350,000 damage to the residence after a large storm. CSLB agreed to a Stipulated Agreement (settlement) with the Contractor. The client was placed on CSLB probation.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Accusation Against Contractor: The client, a B License General Contractor in Los Angeles, received an Accusation from the California Contractors State License Board. The Accusation alleged Accepting an Excessive Deposit, Departure From Accepted Trade Standards, Departure From Plans or Specifications and Home Improvement Form Contract Violations. The Contractor and the homeowners were also engaged in a contentious civil lawsuit in Superior Court. The homeowners alleged poor worksmanship caused nearly $500,000 in damage. A review of the evidence showed that the Contractor did not intentionally cause these issues with the residence. The homeowners also possessed credibility issues. CSLB agreed to a Stipulated Agreement (settlement) with the Contractor. The client was placed on CSLB probation with no order of Restitution to the homeowners.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Accusation Against Contractor: The client, a B License General Contractor in the Los Angeles area, received an Accusation from the California Contractors State License Board. The Accusation alleged Abandonment of a Project, Departure From Accepted Trade Standards, Accepting Payment Greater than Work Performed and other violations. The dispute occurred due to an uncompleted project. Prior to a Hearing before the California Office of Administrative Hearings in Los Angeles, CSLB agreed to a Stipulated Agreement (settlement). The client received a Stipulated Agreement for a below disciplinary guideline disciplinary result of two years of disciplinary probation under reduced terms and conditions.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Accusation Against Contractor: A Los Angeles General Contractor faced an Accusation by the California Contractors State License Board. The Accusation occurred due to the client’s Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) receiving numerous consumer Complaints on the RMO’s other licenses. CSLB dismissed the client from the Accusation upon showing that the client did not participate in any of the events leading to the Accusation.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Accusation Against Contractor: A San Diego General Contractor faced an Accusation by the California Contractors State License Board. The Accusation occurred due to the client’s Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) receiving numerous consumer Complaints on the RMO’s other licenses. The client previously failed to respond to the Accusation. CSLB issued a Default Decision and Order against the client. We filed a Petition for Reconsideration on the client’s behalf to Set Aside the Default Decision and Order. CSLB granted the Petition for Reconsideration. CSLB dismissed the client from the Accusation upon showing that the client did not participate in any of the events leading to the Accusation.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Accusation Against Contractor: A San Diego General Contractor (B License) faced an Accusation by the California Contractors State License Board. The Accusation alleged that the client failed to exercise the responsibilities of a Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) and unlawfully rented his license to an individual in Los Angeles. The individual in Los Angeles committed a number of Contractor License Law violations, including Abandonment, Departure From Accepted Trade Standards, Departure From Plans, Exceeding Contract Price and Failure to Maintain Worker’s Compensation Insurance. The B License General Contractor received disciplinary probation under standard terms and conditions.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Accusation Against Contractor: A San Jose General Contractor (B License) faced an Accusation by the California Contractors State License Board due to four project Complaints made by one complainant. The Accusation alleged that the client committed violations including Departure From Accepted Trade Standards, Departure From Plans or Specifications, Failure to Complete Project for Contract Price, Failure to Maintain Workers Compensation Insurance and Home Improvement Form Contract Violations. The B License General Contractor received a below guideline Stipulated Agreement (settlement) of two years of disciplinary probation under standard terms and conditions.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Accusation Against Contractor: A Los Angeles General Contractor (B License) faced an Accusation by the California Contractors State License Board due to mishandling a nearly one million dollar custom home build. The Accusation alleged that the client committed violations including Departure From Accepted Trade Standards, Departure From Plans or Specifications, Failure to Maintain Qualifier Responsibility (Renting a License) and Failure to Obtain a Permit. The B License General Contractor received disciplinary probation under standard terms and conditions.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Accusation Against Contractor: A Los Angeles General Contractor (B License) faced an investigation by the California Contractors State License Board for Abandoning a Job and Departure From Accepted Trade Standards. CSLB filed a disciplinary Accusation alleging that the client committed the aforementioned violations and additional violations. These additional violations included Contracting With Unlicensed Subcontractors, Exceeding the Contract Price, Failure to Maintain Worker’s Compensation Insurance, Home Improvement Contract Form Violations. The B License General Contractor received a below guideline disciplinary order and did not have to pay Restitution to the homeowner.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Accusation Against Contractor: A San Francisco Bay Area and Oakland area General Contractor (B License) faced an Accusation by the California Contractors State License Board due to activities in a declared disaster area. The Accusation alleged that the client committed violations including Departure From Accepted Trade Standards, Departure From Plans or Specifications, Failure to Complete the Project for the Contract Price, Failure to Obtain a Permit and Home Improvement Contract Form Violations. The B License General Contractor received a below disciplinary guideline probationary result.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Accusation Against Contractor: A Los Angeles Area and General Contractor (B License) faced an Accusation by the California Contractors State License Board arising from the construction of a restaurant. The Accusation alleged that the client Contracted With an Unlicensed Contractor and Failed to Maintain Worker’s Compensation Insurance. CSLB previously disciplined the B License General Contractor for the exact same violations, for which the Contractor was placed on probation. Despite the prior disciplinary action, the B License General Contractor received disciplinary probation.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Citation Against Contractor: A Lake Tahoe area General Contractor faced a Citation by the California Contractors State License Board. The Citation occurred due a CSLB Complaint made by a former customer. The matter proceeded to a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge at the California Office of Administrative Hearings in Sacramento. The Administrative Law Judge dismissed allegations contained in the Citation of Departure From Plans or Specifications and Failure to Pay Subcontractors.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Investigation Against Contractor: A Los Angeles General Contractor faced an investigation by the California Contractors State License Board due to a consumer Complaint. The customer believed that the Contractor Departed From Accepted Trade Standards, Departed From Plans or Specifications and Accepted Payment in Excess of Work Performed. The California Contractors State License Board closed the investigation against the Contractor and referred the consumer to the Civil Court process for redress.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Investigation Against Contractor: A General Contractor working in both Los Angeles and San Jose faced an investigation by the California Contractors State License Board due to a consumer Complaint. The customer alleged a Departure From Accepted Trade Standards, Departure From Plans or Specifications and Elder Abuse. The customer also filed a civil lawsuit against the Contractor in Superior Court. Furthermore, CSLB alleged that the Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) committed Aiding and Abetting an Unlicensed Contractor and Failure to Exercise Qualifier Responsibility. The California Contractors State License Board closed the investigation against the Contractor and referred the consumer to the Civil Court process for redress.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Investigation Against Contractor: A Los Angeles General Contractor faced an investigation by the California Contractors State License Board due to Complaints from subcontractors and the Bond Company. The subcontractors and Bond Company alleged nonpayment of funds. After payment of the funds, the CSLB closed the investigation against the Contractor.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Investigation Against Contractor: A Santa Rosa General Contractor (B License) faced an investigation by the California Contractors State License Board due to a Complaint from a customer of the General Contractor. The customer used the CSLB Complaint and disciplinary process as leverage for a Civil lawsuit. After a review of the evidence, CSLB closed the Complaint against the Contractor.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Investigation Against Contractor: A Los Angeles General Contractor (B License) faced an investigation by the California Contractors State License Board due to a Complaint from a customer of the General Contractor. The customer used the CSLB Complaint and disciplinary process as leverage for a Civil lawsuit. After a review of the evidence, CSLB closed the Complaint against the Contractor.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Investigation Against Contractor: A San Jose General Contractor (B License) faced an investigation by CSLB due to a Complaint from a customer of the General Contractor. After a review of the evidence, the Contractors State License Board closed the Complaint against the Contractor.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Judgment Suspension Against Contractor: The client, an Orange County General Contractor (B License), received a notice of license suspension. The notice arose due to a civil court judgment against a licensed company for which the Contractor previously served a Responsible Managing Officer (RMO). The Contractor declared bankruptcy, but CSLB refused to lift the judgment suspension because the judgment was still valid against the other licensed company (for which the Contractor previously served as RMO). A legal brief was prepared and submitted to CSLB and the California Department of Consumer Affairs Legal Division. The Contractors State License Board then lifted the notice of judgment suspension against the Contractor.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Judgment Suspension Against Contractor: The client, a Los Angeles General Contractor (B License), received a notice of license suspension. The notice arose due to a civil court judgment from an insurance company against the Contractor for a significant amount of money. A civil litigation attorney negotiated the judgment with the insurance company on behalf the Contractor client. Once a Satisfaction of Judgment was filed with the Superior Court, a petition to remove the judgment suspension was filed with the Contractors State License Board. CSLB lifted the suspension against the Contractor.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Statement of Issues (License Denial) Against Contractor License Applicant: The California Contractors State License Board denied the prospective Contractor a C-36 Plumbing License due to a felony conviction for Second Degree Murder. The applicant spent twenty five years in prison. While in prison, the applicant rehabilitated himself. Upon release from custody, the applicant found work in construction. Over a seven year period, the applicant worked his way up from the bottom. The matter proceeded to Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge at the California Office of Administrative Hearings in Los Angeles. The Administrative Law Judge granted the prospective Contractor a probationary Contractor License.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Statement of Issues (License Denial) Against Contractor License Applicant: The California Contractors State License Board denied the prospective Contractor a C-36 Plumbing License due to five felony convictions. The felony convictions were for Assault With a Deadly Weapon, Grand Theft, Possession for Sale of Narcotics and Possession of a Controlled Substance. The most recent conviction occurred three years prior to the submission of the application. The prospective Contractor participated in extensive substance abuse rehabilitation for drug addiction, became sober and engaged in community service. The matter proceeded to Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge at the California Office of Administrative Hearings in Los Angeles. The Administrative Law Judge granted the prospective Contractor a probationary Contractor License.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Statement of Issues (License Denial) Against Contractor License Applicant: The California Contractors State License Board denied the prospective Contractor a C-36 Plumbing License due to eight felony convictions. The felony convictions involving Manufacturing Controlled Substances, Identity Theft and Fraud. The client spent a significant amount of time in prison and on probation and parole. The prospective Contractor participated in extensive substance abuse rehabilitation for drug addiction, became sober and maintained stable employment. The matter proceeded to Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge at the California Office of Administrative Hearings in Los Angeles. The Administrative Law Judge granted the prospective Contractor a Contractors License with disciplinary probation.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Accusation Against Home Improvement Salesperson: A Los Angeles Home Improvement Salesperson faced an Accusation by the California Contractors State License Board. The allegations included Departure From Accepted Trade Standards, Elder Abuse, Failure to Pull Permits and Willful and Fraudulent Acts in two separate Complaints. The Home Improvement Salesperson allegedly fabricated the extent of repairs necessary to the elderly homeowners. One of the elderly homeowners was coerced into signing up for a high interest credit card to finance the project. A review of the facts revealed numerous evidentiary issues for CSLB. CSLB agreed to a Stipulated Agreement (settlement) of probation for the Home Improvement Salesperson. The Home Improvement Salesperson was placed on CSLB probation.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Accusation Against Home Improvement Salesperson: The client, a Registered Home Improvement Salesperson in Los Angeles, received an Accusation from the California Contractors State License Board. The Accusation alleged Contracting Without a License, Fraudulent Use of a Contractor’s License, Failure to Maintain Worker’s Compensation Insurance, Departure From Accepted Trade Standards, Accepting an Excessive Deposit and Home Improvement Form Contract Violations. The allegations stemmed from the client failing to inform his Contractor of a job that he procured. The client was additionally convicted of misdemeanor Contracting Without a License in Criminal Court. CSLB agreed to a Stipulated Agreement (settlement) with the Home Improvement Salesperson. The client was placed on CSLB probation.

In the Matter of the California Contractors State License Board Petition to Revoke Probation Against Home Improvement Salesperson: A Los Angeles Home Improvement Salesperson allegedly failed to comply with the terms and conditions of his California Contractors State License Board Probation. CSLB revoked the Home Improvement Salesperson’s probation and issued an Order of Revocation of his Home Improvement Salesperson Registration. We filed a Petition for Reconsideration to Set Aside the Order of Revocation. CSLB agreed with the arguments set forth in the Petition for Reconsideration. CSLB reinstated the Home Improvement Salesperson’s Registration under the original terms and conditions of CSLB probation.

In the Matter of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Accusation Against High School Teacher: A San Diego High School English Teacher faced an Accusation by the California CTC after a termination proceeding by the School District. The Accusation alleged that the client committed over a dozen disciplinary violations over a two year period. The alleged violations included academic dishonesty, failure to maintain student confidentiality, failure to supervise students, insubordination to school administrators, moral turpitude and numerous allegations of retaliation against students. The matter was scheduled for a Settlement Conference and Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings in San Diego. At the Settlement Conference, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing realized the weakness of some of the evidence against the client and understood the impact that this Teacher made on a number of former students. The CTC agreed to a Consent Agreement with the client that placed the client on probation, with a short suspension.

In the Matter of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Investigation Against High School Teacher: A Los Angeles Charter School High School Teacher faced a Complaint Investigation from the CTC. A student reported that the Teacher committed Sexual Battery and Sexual Harassment against her. In its response to CTC, the defense noted that the student made the report after being disciplined by the Teacher. The student’s Complaint consisted of numerous departures from her story. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing closed the the Complaint Investigation and no disciplinary action was taken against the Teacher.

In the Matter of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Investigation Against Middle School Teacher: A Los Angeles Middle School Music Teacher faced a Complaint Investigation from the CTC. The School District received a report of sexual misconduct from a student against the Teacher. The School District initiated a termination proceeding and referred the matter to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The CTC’s Investigative Report contained a number of inconsistencies. The student made the report months after the alleged incident, in response to disciplinary action against the student by the Teacher. The student’s Complaint itself contained numerous inconsistencies and falsehoods. The CTC closed the Complaint Investigation and no disciplinary action was taken against the Teacher.

In the Matter of the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists Accusation Against Land Surveyor: The client, a Los Angeles Land Surveyor, received a disciplinary Accusation from the BPELSG. The Accusation alleged Negligence in the Practice of Land Surveying, Incompetence in the Practice of Land Surveying and Contract Violations. The allegations stemmed from a project where the Land Surveyor allegedly produced deficient maps, which allegedly caused construction issues for the Land Surveyor’s client. Due to extensive defense evidence presented to the Board and to the Attorney General’s Office, the Board agreed to a Stipulated Agreement (settlement) with the Land Surveyor for a Public Reproval.

In the Matter of the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists Accusation Against Land Surveyor: The client was a Land Surveyor licensed in both California and Texas. The Land Surveyor received several Complaints from trade organizations in Los Angeles and Riverside County due to faulty surveys and improperly filed Records of Survey. The California BPELSG filed a disciplinary Accusation against the Land Surveyor. Due to extensive mitigation evidence presented to the Board and to the Attorney General’s Office, the Board agreed to a Stipulated Agreement (settlement) with the Land Surveyor. The Land Surveyor was placed on probation with several modifications to allow for probation to be completed outside of California.

In the Matter of the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists Accusation Against Land Surveyor: The client, a San Diego Land Surveyor, received an Accusation. The Accusation spanned four consumer Complaints and amounted to 34 alleged violations. The BPELSG refused to enter into a Stipulated Agreement (settlement) with the Land Surveyor. The BPELSG demanded the client surrender his Land Surveyor License. The matter proceeded to Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge from the California Office of Administrative Hearings in San Diego. At Hearing, the Administrative Law Judge dismissed nearly half of the alleged violations. The client demonstrated that he was not a danger to the public as a Registered Nurse. The Administrative Law Judge granted the Land Surveyor BPELSG probation.

In the Matter of the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists Petition to Revoke Probation Against Land Surveyor: The client was a Land Surveyor licensed in both California and Texas. The Land Surveyor previously received a disciplinary Accusation that resulted in disciplinary probation. The Land Surveyor failed to complete there terms and conditions of his disciplinary probation. The California BPELSG filed a Petition to Revoke Probation.Due to extensive mitigation evidence presented to the Board and to the Attorney General’s Office, the Board agreed to a Stipulated Agreement (settlement) with the Land Surveyor to extend probation to complete the required terms and conditions.

In the Matter of the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists Accusation Against Civil Engineer: The client, a Los Angeles Civil Engineer, received an Accusation. The Accusation spanned six consumer Complaints and amounted to over 30 alleged violations. The client presented significant evidence of personal issues during the time of the violations. Furthermore, the client presented numerous corrective measures to make his business fully compliant with the law. The Civil Engineer entered into a Stipulated Agreement (settlement) with the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists. The client received BPELSG probation.

In the Matter of the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists Accusation Against Civil Engineer: The client, an out of state Civil Engineer licensed in California, received an Accusation. The Accusation alleged Incompetence in the Practice of Engineering, Negligence in the Practice of Engineering and several other violations. The disciplinary Accusation arose from a dispute between the Civil Engineer and his client, which caused significant financial harm to the client. Due to significant mitigation, the BPELSG entered into a Stipulated Agreement (settlement) with the Civil Engineer for a disciplinary result of probation with no restitution ordered.

In the Matter of the California Architects Board Accusation Against Architect: The client, an out of state Architect from New York but licensed in California, received an Accusation. The Accusation stemmed from the Architect receiving a federal felony conviction for Embezzlement From an Employee Pension Fund in New York. The Architect was convicted of embezzling over $125,000 from the employee pension fund of her family’s architecture firm.The matter was set for a Hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings in San Diego. Prior to the Hearing, due to significant mitigation, the California Architects Board entered into a Stipulated Agreement (settlement) with the Architect for a disciplinary result of probation and a 90 day license suspension.

In the Matter of the California Structural Pest Control Board Accusation Against Pest Control Operator: The client, a Pest Control Operator in Los Angeles, received an Accusation from the California Structural Pest Control Board. The Accusation alleged Aiding and Abetting Unlicensed Pest Control, Employing Unregistered Workers, Failure to Issue a Completion Notice, Failure to Maintain Records, Fraud, Gross Negligence and Negligent Handling of Poisonous Exterminating Agents. The allegations stemmed from the client mismanaging two projects. SPCB agreed to a Stipulated Agreement (settlement) with the Pest Control Operator whereby the client was placed on disciplinary probation.

In the Matter of the California Structural Pest Control Board Accusation Against Pest Control Operator: The client, a Pest Control Operator in San Diego, received an Accusation from the California Structural Pest Control Board. Nine years earlier, the client had been convicted of a felony sex offense. SPCB wanted to revoke the client’s Pest Control Operator License. However, the client showed substantial evidence of mitigation and rehabilitation. The Structural Pest Control Board agreed to a Stipulated Agreement (settlement) with the Pest Control Operator. The Pest Control Operator was placed on three years of disciplinary probation with standard terms and conditions.

In the Matter of the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services Disciplinary Review Hearing of Alarm Company Employee: The client was an Alarm Company Employee for a major commercial Alarm Company in Los Angeles. The client had been convicted of misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI) and felony Child Endangerment. Police arrested the client for DUI while she had several children in the car. As a result of the felony conviction, the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services immediately suspended the client’s Alarm Company Employee Registration. BSIS held an informal Disciplinary Review Hearing in Riverside to determine whether the Alarm Company Employee Registration should remain suspended or restored to active status. After the Disciplinary Review Hearing, BSIS restored the client’s Alarm Company Employee Registration to active status.

In the Matter of the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services Disciplinary Review Hearing of Security Guard: The client was a Security Guard Manager for a large Private Patrol Operator in Los Angeles. The client had been convicted of felony Stalking. As a result of the felony conviction, BSIS immediately suspended the client’s Guard Card. BSIS held an informal Disciplinary Review Hearing in Riverside to determine whether the Guard Card should remain suspended or restored to active status. After the Disciplinary Review Hearing, BSIS restored the client’s Guard Card to active status.

In the Matter of the Court Reporters Board of California Statement of Issues (License Denial) Against Court Reporter License Applicant: The client, a prospective Court Reporter Applicant from Las Nevada, was denied a Court Reporters License in California. The client, a Court Reporter in Nevada, was denied licensure in California due to prior discipline in Nevada. The prior discipline occurred because the prospective Court Reporter failed to timely file transcripts while working as a Court Reporter in Nevada. The prospective Court Reporter entered into a Stipulated Agreement (settlement) with the Court Reporters Board of California. The client received Court Reporters Board of California probation.