Professional License Defense FAQs

• Why is my case before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation?
• What happens when my license application is denied?
• What should I expect prior to an IDFPR disciplinary action?
• What are my options when facing suspension, probation or a license revocation?
• What are my options following a suspension, probation or revocation of my license?
• Why should I hire The Davis Law Group, P.C. to defend my license?
• Who do we represent?

The attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. represent clients in need of professional license defense against disciplinary actions taken by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. If facing a disciplinary hearing or seeking help with a professional license application, our attorneys offer representation before the IDFPR located on the 9th Floor of the Thompson Center at 100 West Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois. This facility is one of two IDFPR locations in Illinois with a second office located in Springfield. Feel free to explore the frequently asked questions below and contact us to discuss your case.

If you have a professional license or are seeking a professional license, you may have an issue with IDFPR for three common reasons:

1. You are applying for a professional license and the IDFPR has denied your application;
2. You have a license and the IDFPR seeks to revoke your license; or
3. You want to petition the IDFPR to reinstate your license following a suspension or revocation.

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The IDFPR governs over 100 professional licenses in Illinois. After an individual applies for a particular professional license, the IDFPR may deny the applicant from obtaining a license. When this happens, the IDFPR will issue a Notice of Intent to Deny to the applicant. The applicant will then have a short period to contest the license denial.

If the licensee contests the ruling, the IDFPR will decide whether to hold an informal conference with the applicant or an evidentiary hearing. At the informal conference, the applicant and the IDFPR representative will attempt to negotiate a mutual resolution. Some examples of resolutions are a discipline issuance, a full issuance of the license or a complete denial of the application. In the event that a settlement cannot be reached, the applicant may pursue a formal hearing.

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The action to the IDFPR depends on the type of license and the nature of the complaint filed against the license holder. Generally, however, when a complaint is filed, an investigation will ensue, after which the license holder will be subjected to an informal or formal hearing. Your attorney should begin discussions with the IDFPR prosecutor prior to the hearing. It is important for your attorney to spend time gathering information on the facts behind the IDFPR complaint and determine whether the case is suited for a hearing or a possible settlement conference. Whatever the strategy, the attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. will take the time and consideration necessary to advise you every step of the way.

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After the IDFPR receives a complaint about the licensee, the IDFPR may or may not pursue action against the licensee. If the IDFPR decides to pursue the validity of the complaint, it may assign the case to an investigator or assign the case directly to a Department attorney.

Once the investigation begins, the IDFPR might interview the complainant, other witnesses and the licensee. If you are a licensee and contacted by an investigator or prosecutor, it is a wise decision to consult with your own attorney. Anything the licensee says can be used against the licensee.

If the investigation of the complaint holds merit, the case will be sent to the Department’s prosecutors. The prosecutor will determine whether to attempt to settle the case through negotiations at a settlement conference or to file a formal complaint and prosecute at a formal hearing. At the settlement conference, the licensee’s attorney will hold discussions with the prosecution and a member of the licensee disciplinary board to determine an appropriate resolution. This resolution can result in a formal reprimand attached to the licensee’s license, an administrative warning or no order at all.

Formal Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge:

The purpose of the formal hearing is for both sides, the licensee and the IDFPR, to present their case to the judge. The parties can present evidence in the form of testimony, reports, and motions to the judge to support its case. Also present at the hearing might be a representative from the relevant disciplinary board. At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge will make a recommendation and forward the recommendation to the disciplinary board, which will consider the judge’s recommendation and then determine its own recommendation. Both the judge’s recommendation and the Board’s recommendation will then be considered by the Division of Professional Regulation, which will administer a final order.

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Following a suspension, probation or revocation of a license, a licensee can file a Petition for Restoration. Here, the licensee can petition for a change to the suspension, probation or revocation or petition to restore full license privileges. Filing the petition will result in a Notice of a Preliminary Hearing.

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If you are seeking to protect your professional license against a disciplinary action taken by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, or seeking help in obtaining a professional license, the attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. understand your position. If you hold a professional license or are trying to obtain one, then you likely worked hard to achieve your professional goals and depend on your license to earn a living. Therefore, our team of attorneys appreciates the fear and stress that accompanies any threat to your license. We are dedicated to providing high quality representation throughout the entire process.

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The attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. represent clients possessing professional licenses regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The IDFPR regulates professional licenses for most Illinois professional and financial institutions including, but not limited to, doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, physician assistants, pharmacists, dentists, barbers, engineers, and accountants. For a complete list of all professions regulated by the IDFPR, visit the IDFPR website. If you receive a formal or an informal complaint against your license, The Davis Law Group, P.C. offers a free initial consultation.

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Contact the attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. if you are seeking knowledgeable, competent representation before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.