Danielle Sanger, Esq.: Kansas and Missouri Professional Licensing Attorney Providing Vigorous Defense of Counselors Facing Professional Discipline

Counselors provide a tremendous service to the community. The significant contribution counselors make to our well-being cannot be measured. Counselors must strictly adhere to the rules governing their profession but, as any psychologist, licensed social worker, addiction counselor, or addiction specialist will tell you, they are human and make mistakes. A mistake should not ruin your career, your livelihood, and your family if you face professional disciple as a consequence of your error. Resist the temptation to represent yourself. You need an attorney who stakes her reputation on zealously advocating for professional licensees facing professional discipline.

Why You Need an Attorney to Represent You

There is an adage in the law that says the lawyer who represents himself or herself has a fool for a client. There is plenty of truth in that statement. Although lawyers are educated and experienced in the substantive and procedural law of a jurisdiction, they should not represent themselves when they face legal trouble. So too, a professional licensee should not represent them or go “pro se.” The reason is simple: you cannot think objectively when your legal interests are at stake. You need someone to advocate for you, to look at and analyze the evidence, and then explain the consequences, your rights, and defenses available to you.

So often highly educated and intelligent people believe that they can talk their way out of trouble or they believe help is unnecessary because they are smart and can comprehend the allegations which they face. When emotions run high and fear sets in, a person’s judgment can quickly become clouded despite the level of intelligence, educational attainment, or formal training. Having an advocate whose sole responsibility is your to look out for your best interest will give you the best opportunity to defend against the allegations you face.

What Rights Does A Person In The Counseling Professions Have When Facing Professional Discipline?

You are guaranteed several rights when facing professional discipline. Several sources of law grant those rights. They are substantial rights. An attorney well versed in the procedure involved in professional licensing hearings and administrative hearings will give you an advantage over a lawyer who has less experience.

At the outset, you have the right to a hearing before the state punishes you. At the hearing, you are guaranteed the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses appearing against you. Also, you have the right to have the case heard by a neutral and detached magistrate or hearings officer. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to examine all of the evidence the state has against you. You have the absolute right to call witnesses and testify on your own behalf. You also have the right to appeal adverse rulings against you to a judge after you have exhausted all of your administrative rights.

Possible Sanctions for Professional Misconduct

The nature of the punishment depends on the severity of the conduct and your record of previous discipline. At bottom, the penalty meted out by the licensing authority should not be arbitrary or capricious. Instead, the sanction must be consonant with the protection of the public. You could face censure or public reprimand for less serious offenses. For more egregious offenses or repeat offenses, you could receive probation with restrictions on your practice, suspension, or revocation of your license.

Your professional licensing attorney will fight to have the least restrictive sanction imposed upon you if you are found responsible for misconduct or admit to fault.

Do Not Hesitate Seeking Legal Help from a Dedicated Professional Licensing Attorney

Kansas and Missouri professional licensing attorney Danielle Sanger, Esq. has vast experience vigorously defending the rights and livelihoods of professional licensees facing disciplinary charges. Call Attorney Sanger at 785-979-4353 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation today.

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