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Pleading Guilty in Criminal Court if You Are Licensed by IDFPR

Co-Authored by Sarah Toney

If you are charged with a crime, it may be tempting to try and resolve the matter quickly by entering into a plea bargain with the prosecutor. After all, few people want to endure the cost and stress of a trial if it can be avoided. However, if you are a professional licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), it may not be in your own best interest to do so. In the vast majority of cases settled criminal cases, a prosecutor will require you to enter a guilty or no contest plea, both of which are considered the same as a conviction and will be permanently added to your criminal record. While you may face a significant reduction in charges, in return you may lose certain rights and privileges, not to mention your right to appeal.

For licensed professionals, the fallout from the criminal allegations does not end with the criminal court outcome. Licensees must report criminal convictions to IDFPR and their licensing board. IDFPR does not distinguish between a conviction based on a plea bargain and one-handed down after a jury trial. For the licensing board, guilty is guilty. Based on the outcome of your case, your conviction could have a significant and long-lasting impact on your license and, by extension, your ability to practice in your chosen profession. In fact, being convicted of a crime may, in some cases, put your license at risk for immediate suspension or revocation.

Illinois Administrative Code bases a large number of disciplinary actions on criminal convictions. For example, the Medical Practice Act of 1987 (225 ILCS 60/) states that the license of a health care professional may be immediately revoked, suspended, placed on probation, or be subject to other disciplinary action in the event that a licensee has “A plea of guilty or nolo contendere, finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or sentencing…under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States of any crime that is a felony.” (225 ILCS 60/22). There is no distinction between a voluntary admission of guilt and a verdict achieved in other ways.

While being convicted of a felony is automatic grounds for disciplinary action, other convictions may carry a range of consequences, from probation to fines – and more. In fact, some plea bargains may include stipulations that you voluntarily relinquish your professional license, often permanently. Unlike some licensing statutes that allow for eventual reinstatement, giving up your license in a plea bargain rarely offers anyone that chance.

It may seem like the best course to settle the criminal charges against you without a trial. You must first factor in the often-permanent consequences of losing your professional license and, by extension, your chosen career. If you find yourself charged with a crime, it is vital that you contact an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex world of both the criminal justice system and administrative law.

Sarah Toney attorney information representing how this blog post is co-authored by Sarah Toney and how you can contact our Chicago professional license attorney today

The information in this blog post is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. You should not make a decision whether or not to contact an attorney based upon the information in this blog post. No attorney-client relationship is formed nor should any such relationship be implied. If you require legal advice, please consult with an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.

Author Bio

Jordan Matyas is a lawyer, lobbyist, and Founder of 1818 Legal, an Illinois professional licensing defense law firm he created in 2014. With more than 18 years of experience practicing law, he represents clients in a wide range of legal matters, including professional license defense, administrative law, land use and zoning, and state, local, and municipal law.

Jordan received his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois — Chicago School of Law and is a member of the Illinois Bar Association. 

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