California Public Utilities Commission Enforcement Defense Attorney

California Public Utilities Commission Enforcement Defense Lawyer

The California Public Utilities Commission, known as PUC or CPUC, enforces environmental air quality regulations in the State of California. The California Public Utilities Commission enforces and disciplines a variety of licenses, permits and Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity. Most California businesses have minimal or no contact with the enforcement arm of the California Public Utilities Commission. For businesses that become part of the California Public Utilities Commission disciplinary process, the consequences are profound. The CPUC License disciplinary process is complex, procedural and time consuming. Businesses facing the California Public Utilities Commission disciplinary process should seek legal representation from an experienced California Public Utilities Commission Enforcement Defense Attorney.

The California Public Utilities Commission regulates the following types of licenses, permits and Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity:

CPUC Investigation Defense Lawyer

The majority of California Public Utilities Commission investigations begin with the filing of a consumer Complaint. However, California Public Utilities Commission Investigations also occur through sting operations and criminal investigations. The California Public Utilities Commission utilizes non sworn civilian investigators to conduct investigations. CPUC also utilizes sworn law enforcement officers to conduct criminal investigations. These employees investigate Administrative and Criminal Law violations under the jurisdiction of CPUC. CPUC Investigators often work closely with the California Attorney General’s Office and local law enforcement. Administrative Law Due Process Rights differ substantially from the Due Process Rights accorded in criminal law.

It is important to have an attorney that understands the California Public Utilities Commission disciplinary process. At the conclusion of a California Public Utilities Commission investigation, the California Public Utilities Commission has several options. The California Public Utilities Commission can choose to close the Investigation. The California Public Utilities Commission can choose to issue a Citation or other disciplinary action, such as a Revocation Hearing. In cases involving criminal conduct, the California Public Utilities Commission may refer the case to the District Attorney’s Office or Attorney General’s Office for criminal prosecution. If you are a licensee facing a California Public Utilities Commission Investigation, contact a California Public Utilities Commission License Defense Attorney for representation.

California PUC Citation and Enforcement Action Defense Attorney

It is not uncommon for California Public Utilities Commission licensees and permit holders to receive notice of PUC disciplinary enforcement action. A CPUC Administrative disciplinary enforcement action contains numerous consequences. Maximum fines for violations are astronomical. In many instances, these fines can be reduced through negotiations with the California Public Utilities Commission. If a violation cannot be settled, the violation can proceed to a Hearing before the California Public Utilities Commission. Licensees, permit holders and  Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity facing a California Public Utilities Commission Enforcement Action should contact an experienced California Public Utilities Commission License Defense Attorney for representation.

California Public Utilities Commission Hearing Attorney

The California Public Utilities Commissions, maintains two main Court Hearing locations. These Court locations are in Los Angeles and San Francisco. In some instances, Hearings may be held offsite in Bakersfield, Fresno, Oakland, Orange County, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Jose or Ventura. The Administrative Law Hearing is a formal Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

The Administrative Law Judge, or ALJ, will issue a written Proposed Decision after the Hearing. The California Public Utilities Commission can adopt, modify or reject the ALJ’s Proposed Decision. The California Public Utilities Commission action is called the Final Decision and Order. Appeals of a Final Decision and Order are completed through a Petition for Writ of Mandamus in Superior Court. A Writ must be filed within 30 days of the effective date of the Final Decision and Order. California Licensees facing a California Public Utilities Commission Administrative Law Hearing need effective representation from a California Public Utilities Commission License Defense Lawyer.

California Public Utilities Commission License and Criminal Investigations

The California Public Utilities Commission often investigates criminal violations related to public utilities and transportation. CPUC can refer matters for criminal prosecution to local District Attorney’s Offices and the California Attorney General’s Office. Many CPUC Administrative violations are also criminal offenses. Businesses and individuals facing criminal investigation and criminal prosecution based on a California Public Utilities Commission Investigation need an experienced California Public Utilities Commission License Defense Attorney for representation.

California Public Utilities Commission License Denial Appeal Attorney

The California Public Utilities Commission conducts background investigations for businesses and individuals seeking a California Public Utilities Commission license, permit or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. The Safety and Enforcement Division may recommend the denial of a license or permit to CPUC. Businesses and individuals denied a CPUC license, permit or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity can appeal a denial to an Administrative Law Hearing. Most California PUC license and permit denials occur due to criminal activity, criminal convictions and unlawful business practices.  Businesses and individuals denied a California Public Utilities Commission license or permit should contact a California Public Utilities Commission Denial Appeal Lawyer for representation.