Criminal Defense Lawyers

New York OPD Defense Lawyers

New York OPD Defense Lawyers – Your Career Is On The Line

If you are a licensed professional in New York facing disciplinary charges from the Office of Professional Discipline (OPD), you need an experienced OPD defense attorney on your side. OPD investigations and proceedings can lead to severe penalties, even loss of your professional license. Don‘t go it alone against the OPD – your career is on the line.This article will give you a helpful overview of the OPD disciplinary process and how an OPD lawyer can defend your professional reputation and license. We’ll also discuss specific strategies New York OPD defense attorneys use to protect the rights of healthcare providers, accountants, engineers, teachers and other licensed professionals.

What is the New York OPD?

The Office of Professional Discipline is part of the New York State Education Department. This state agency investigates and prosecutes allegations of misconduct against more than 50 types of licensed professionals in New York. Their goal is to protect the public from incompetent, unethical or impaired practitioners.Nearly every professional licensee in New York falls under the OPD’s jurisdiction – with a few exceptions like lawyers, physicians and physician assistants who are overseen by other agencies.

Professionals Targeted by the OPD

OPD cases arise from a diverse range of professions. Some of the main licensees represented by New York OPD defense attorneys include:

• Nurses – RNs, LPNs
• Physician assistants
• Pharmacists
• Dentists
• Mental health counselors
• Physical therapists
• Social workers
• Teachers
• Accountants
• Engineers
• Architects
• Veterinarians

This list just scratches the surface. The OPD also investigates complaints against chiropractors, optometrists, podiatrists, occupational therapists and many other licensed professionals in New York.

How Do OPD Investigations Begin?

Disciplinary investigations by the New York OPD start with a complaint. Anyone – patients, clients, colleagues, employers, even anonymous sources – can file a misconduct complaint with the agency.By law, the OPD must look into every complaint received. Even a single complaint triggers an investigation.The OPD may also start investigations based on referrals from other agencies. For example, healthcare boards report professionals with criminal convictions, while the Department of Health flags facilities that fail to meet standards of care.

The OPD Disciplinary Process

If you receive a letter or call from an OPD investigator, you must cooperate with their investigation. However, you should contact an experienced OPD defense attorney before responding. Never speak to an investigator without counsel present.Here’s an overview of the different stages of the OPD disciplinary process:1. Investigation – The OPD investigator interviews witnesses, reviews records and documents, and writes up an investigative report. You may be asked to provide documents or sit for an interview.2. Investigative Committee Review – An OPD committee reviews the investigator‘s report and decides whether to move forward with disciplinary charges against the licensee.3. Pre-Hearing Resolution – At this stage, the licensee can negotiate a settlement with the OPD to resolve the case without going to a hearing. This is similar to a plea bargain in a criminal case.4. Administrative Hearing – If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to a formal hearing before an administrative law judge. This is comparable to a trial.5. Appeal – If found guilty at the hearing, the licensee can appeal to the OPD Appeal Board and then to the NY court system.An experienced OPD defense lawyer can defend your interests at every step in this process. Their goal is to get charges dismissed pre-hearing or win a not guilty verdict at an OPD hearing.

Why You Need an OPD Defense Attorney

Here are some key reasons why you should never face OPD charges without legal representation:

• Avoid Incriminating Statements – Speaking to an OPD investigator without a lawyer present can seriously harm your case. An attorney ensures you don’t provide damaging evidence.
• Negotiate Settlements – An OPD lawyer can negotiate agreements like fines, probation or continuing education instead of license suspension or revocation.
• Prepare a Strong Defense – Counsel will find weaknesses in the OPD’s case and develop defense strategies to achieve the best outcome.
• Navigate the Appeals Process – If found guilty, an attorney can help appeal the decision and avoid severe penalties.

Even if you believe the misconduct allegation against you is bogus, having an OPD defense lawyer in your corner is critical. Don’t go it alone.

OPD Defense Strategies

An experienced New York OPD defense attorney has many strategies to protect the rights of licensed professionals facing disciplinary charges. Here are some of the ways a knowledgeable lawyer can defend your license:

• File motions to dismiss the case if procedural rules weren’t followed or evidence is lacking.
• Advocate for pre-hearing resolution through settlements or consent agreements.
• Aggressively cross-examine OPD witnesses and challenge their credibility.
• Present evidence and witnesses that contradict the OPD’s version of events.
• Argue the OPD is overreaching by charging you – highlight gray areas in the law.
• Dispute the OPD’s recommended penalties as disproportionate to the alleged offense.
• Appeal to the licensee’s overall record of professionalism and service.

A skilled OPD defense lawyer finds creative ways to get charges reduced or dismissed pre-hearing, and knows how to build the strongest case possible if a hearing is unavoidable.

OPD Defense for Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare providers like nurses, physician assistants and mental health counselors are common targets of OPD investigations. An experienced healthcare license defense attorney can protect your reputation and livelihood if you’re accused of professional misconduct.Some effective defenses in OPD cases involving healthcare professionals include:

Lack of Intent – Argue the licensee acted in good faith and did not intentionally commit misconduct.

No Harm Occurred – Show the alleged violation did not actually harm any patients or the public.

No Violation of Standards – Prove the licensee’s conduct did not deviate from accepted standards of care.

Mitigating Circumstances – Explain any contextual factors that justify or excuse the licensee’s actions.

Complainant Credibility Issues – Attack the credibility and potential bias of the original complainant.With an OPD defense lawyer‘s help, healthcare providers can avoid disciplinary action and continue serving patients without disruption.

When to Hire an OPD Defense Attorney

If you receive notice you are under OPD investigation, it is critical to retain legal counsel immediately. The sooner you have an experienced lawyer advising you, the better.Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can handle an OPD investigation on your own. Many licensees regret trying to cooperate with investigators or provide statements without an attorney present.