Can a Prior Criminal Conviction Impact Your Current Kansas Professional License?
There are numerous Kansas professionals whose pasts are not necessarily squeaky clean. Some have prior DUIs on their record while others may have drug possession convictions or a prior assault or battery conviction. Whatever the crime may be, it can certainly be more difficult for a Kansas professional with a criminal background to get past the “character and fitness” portion of the licensing criteria. Unfortunately, many people are deterred from pursing higher education or obtaining any other employment that requires licensure if they believe from the start that their criminal past will be a major stumbling block.
How to Demonstrate Your Ability to be a Law-abiding Kansas Professional
No matter what blemish you have on your record, the absolute worst thing you can do is fail to disclose the prior criminal conduct to your profession’s licensing board. Some individuals have been completely barred from obtaining licensure after failing to report their criminal history. Kansas licensing boards are more likely to be lenient on those who are honest about their past and demonstrate why they are fit to practice their profession in the state of Kansas. Ways in which you can demonstrate your good character include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Present affidavits from friends, family members, co-workers, and others who can attest to your good character;
- Provide documentation of your solid work history;
- Provide documentation of how your criminal matter was resolved, and what you did to overcome the matter; and
- Explain in writing why you believe your criminal history should not negatively affect your ability to be a licensed professional in the state of Kansas.
Members of each Kansas professional licensing board are aware that people make mistakes, and that certain conduct may not be reflective of who a person truly is and how that person can contribute to the state of Kansas. As such, no matter how serious you believe your criminal history may be, there are likely steps you can take that will help you obtain and keep your Kansas professional license.
Should I Speak with an Attorney?
Depending on the particular facts of your situation, speaking with a professional license defense attorney may be a good idea just to have a clearer picture of the obstacles you may be facing. It may turn out that your criminal past has no bearing on your ability to become a licensed physician, attorney, or veterinarian, among other professions. In other cases, however, your criminal past may make it a little more difficult for you, but not impossible, to become a Kansas licensed professional. In such cases, an attorney can assist you in any way possible to ensure you are doing everything you can to obtain and keep your professional license.
Contact Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation
We all deserve another chance in life. By making the decision to pursue a career in the state of Kansas, you have put your past behind you. While many individuals with a criminal history are able to obtain a Kansas professional license, other individuals may be further scrutinized, depending on the nature of the prior criminal conduct. Whether you already have a Kansas professional license, or you are trying to get one, and are concerned about a prior criminal matter, you should allow a seasoned Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney to evaluate your situation. Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office is a skilled Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney with extensive experience helping Kansas professionals fight disciplinary action and keep their professional licenses. As a former Assistant Attorney General of Kansas, Danielle Sanger has a unique perspective not shared by many other attorneys. With Ms. Sanger’s guidance, you will have a better understand of your situation and what you need to do to protect your professional license. To schedule your free consultation with Ms. Sanger, contact the Sanger Law Office today by calling (785) 979-4353.
