Miami Engineer License Defense Lawyers
Getting your engineering license revoked or suspended can be devastating. As an engineer, your livelihood depends on having an active license that allows you to practice your profession. If the state board comes after your license, you need an experienced lawyer on your side.
There are many reasons an engineer may face discipline from the licensing board in Florida. Common allegations include negligence, misconduct, failing to meet standards of practice, practicing beyond your competency, violating rules and regulations, and many others. Any complaint or investigation into your conduct puts your license at risk.
Why Hire a Lawyer?
Navigating the engineer discipline process is complex. The laws, rules and procedures can be confusing—even for experienced professionals. An engineer license defense lawyer understands the system and how to protect your rights. They work to resolve the case as favorably as possible, whether that means getting the complaint dismissed, reaching a settlement, or going to trial if necessary.
Benefits of Legal Representation
- Evaluate the charges and evidence against you
- Guide you through the investigation
- Represent you at hearings
- Negotiate settlements
- Develop defenses and legal arguments
- Gather evidence and testimony to refute allegations
- Ensure proper procedures are followed
Without an attorney, you may say or do something inadvertent that hurts your case. Skilled lawyers protect your rights while proactively defending your license.
Engineer License Defense Strategies
Experienced lawyers have many tools at their disposal to challenge allegations and charges. Common engineer license defense strategies include:
Jurisdictional Arguments
The first line of defense is often arguing the board lacks jurisdiction or authority over a case. We carefully analyze the complaint to spot any procedural defects or jurisdictional issues. For example, if the incident falls outside the statute of limitations or the complaint fails to allege a violation of engineer licensing laws, we can seek dismissal on those grounds.
Liability Arguments
Engineers are often accused of negligence or failure to meet the standard of care. However, the standard of care analysis is complex. There may be reasonable disagreements among professionals regarding best practices, design methods, analysis, reporting requirements and other issues. We aggressively challenge opinions from the licensing board’s expert witnesses and provide testimony from your own experts to undermine allegations against you..
Mitigating Evidence
When misconduct allegations cannot be defeated outright, presenting mitigating evidence can help achieve a better outcome in settlement negotiations or at trial. Examples include:
- No prior discipline
- Strong professional reputation
- Additional training or education
- Self-reported errors
- Compliance with all remedies and corrections
- Supportive client/colleague testimony
Documenting these types of mitigating factors encourages more lenient sanctions, avoids probation or restrictions, and helps defend against license revocation.
Miami Engineer License Defense Lawyers
When your livelihood is at stake, you want an aggressive license defense lawyer on your side. Law Firm Name represents engineers facing investigations and disciplinary actions in Florida. Managing attorney John Smith is a former engineer himself, so he understands the complex technical issues these cases involve. Let us protect your engineering license. Consultations are free and confidential. Call 305-555-1234 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.
Florida Engineer Licensing Board Actions
The Florida Board of Professional Engineers takes disciplinary action against licensed engineers for various types of violations. Common allegations leading to fines, probation, limitations, suspension or revocation include:
- Negligence
- Incompetence
- Misconduct
- Failure to perform services in accordance with standards of practice
- Violating board rules and regulations
- Practicing beyond competency
- Delegating to unqualified persons
- Failure to properly supervise other engineers or subordinates
- Criminal violations related to work
- False statements on licensing application
- Cheating on licensing exams
The state engineer licensing board conducts investigations when complaints are filed. You may face fines, probation, limitations, suspension, revocation or permanent bar from engineering practice for violations. An experienced lawyer can help defend your license and livelihood.
Engineer License Defense FAQs
What are common penalties in engineer discipline cases?
Typical engineering license penalties include fines, probation, practice limitations, suspension, and revocation. Fines often range from $1,000 to $10,000. Probation lasts one to three years usually and requires compliance reporting. Limitations restrict practice to certain activities only. Suspensions can last from 30 days up to two years. In serious cases with intentional or criminal misconduct, permanent revocation may be ordered.
Will a complaint against my engineer license go on my record?
Yes, once a complaint is formally filed, it goes on your permanent record. Even if the charges are dropped entirely, the complaint appears on your license profile. However, our defense strategies focus on getting cases dismissed without formal action, preventing allegations from appearing on your record whenever possible.
How long does an engineer discipline case take to resolve?
Typical cases take six months to a year to resolve. If a complaint advances to formal charges and hearing, the process takes longer. Cases involving serious allegations and license revocation can sometimes drag on for two years or longer. Having an experienced attorney pushes the process along and seeks to resolve the case as quickly as possible. The sooner we can negotiate dismissal or settlement, the faster you move on.
What if I can’t afford an attorney for my license defense?
Our top priority is protecting your livelihood and engineering career. We offer flexible payment plans to ease the financial burden, including low monthly payments. The cost of skilled legal defense is far less than the professional fallout from losing your license. Don’t go it alone against the licensing board because you risk catastrophic consequences. Invest in experienced legal defense now to preserve your career for years to come.
Contact a Miami Engineer License Defense Lawyer Today
If you are under investigation or face disciplinary charges that threaten your engineering license, time is of the essence. Act quickly to protect your livelihood and professional reputation. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Miami engineer license defense attorney at Law Firm Name. Call 305-555-1234 or contact us online to get started.
Sources
Florida Board of Professional Engineers: Disciplinary Actions
Florida Board of Professional Engineers: Laws and Rules
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation: Engineers