Serving all of Michigan
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION call icon877-Ben-Hall

Awards & Recognition

For Michigan professionals, being accused of domestic violence carries consequences that go far beyond the criminal courtroom. In addition to fines, probation, or even jail time, licensed professionals may face disciplinary action from state licensing boards that could threaten their careers.

At Ben Hall Law, we East Lansing criminal defense lawyers understand how damaging these allegations can be, not only to your personal life, but also to your ability to work in your chosen profession.

Wooden gavel next to a book titled Domestic Violence with text about professional licenses and domestic violence charges.

How Criminal Charges Affect Professional Licenses in Michigan

Most licensing boards in Michigan expect professionals to maintain high standards of conduct both inside and outside of work. When a professional is charged with or convicted of domestic violence, licensing authorities may see it as evidence of poor judgment, misconduct, or unfitness to practice.

Depending on the profession, this can result in:

  • Mandatory reporting of arrests or convictions to the licensing board.
  • Formal disciplinary hearings.
  • Suspension or revocation of the license.
  • Conditions such as probation, monitoring, or mandatory counseling.

Even if the criminal case is still pending, licensing boards often begin their own investigations immediately. That means your license and your livelihood can be at risk before the court case is resolved.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Any professional with a state-issued license may face scrutiny after a domestic violence charge.

This includes:

  • Healthcare providers such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists.
  • Educators, including teachers, administrators, and school staff.
  • Financial professionals such as accountants and advisors.
  • Law enforcement and public employees whose positions demand trust and integrity.
  • Tradespeople and contractors regulated by Michigan boards.

The higher the level of public trust in your profession, the greater the likelihood that a licensing board will act quickly after a domestic violence charge.

The Role of Licensing Boards

In Michigan, professional licensing boards operate separately from the criminal courts. Even if charges are reduced or dismissed, the board may still pursue its own disciplinary action. Boards often focus on whether the conduct reflects on your ability to perform your duties safely, ethically, and responsibly.

This dual-track process makes it especially challenging for professionals facing domestic violence charges. You may have to defend your reputation not just in court, but also before your licensing board.

Why Experience Matters in These Cases

Defending against criminal charges is complex enough. Adding the layer of professional license defense makes the situation even more serious. It requires a legal team that understands both sides of the problem: the criminal defense and the administrative consequences.

At Ben Hall Law, we bring rare experience to these cases. Our attorneys include a former police officer and prosecutor, as well as a Marine Corps veteran. This background gives us insight into how domestic violence cases are investigated, how prosecutors approach them, and how licensing boards evaluate professional conduct.

Protecting Both Your Freedom and Your Career

When your personal life collides with your professional reputation, you need more than a criminal defense attorney. You need advocates who understand the full scope of what’s at stake.

At Ben Hall Law, our Michigan attorneys fight to protect your rights in the courtroom while also preparing a strategy to safeguard your professional license.

Call 877-BEN-HALL (517-798-5801) or contact us online today for a confidential consultation to learn how we can defend your freedom and your career.