Social Worker License Defense Lawyer Massachusetts

Social workers take care of clients through enormous personal difficulties, from family trauma to mental and physical impairment to the pain of unemployment. Now, you may be facing some of the very same issues that you help your clients overcome—because you’re confronting a disciplinary hearing before the Board of Registration of Social Workers.

You need a tireless advocate, just as your clients need you.

As a former prosecutor with an almost 90% acquittal rate as defense lead counsel, I know the strategies that boards use to make their cases—and how to build your best possible defense.

Understanding the Disciplinary Process

Massachusetts law allows anyone to submit a complaint about a social worker’s fitness for practice, and all complaints must be investigated.

The Board of Registration of Social Workers then makes an initial determination as to whether or not the complaint has merit.

  • If it does, the next step is to allow the social worker licensee to respond to the complaint, either directly or through an attorney.
  • If the licensee fails to submit a timely response that sufficiently addresses the allegations, the Board can treat that failure as the licensee’s admission that the complaint is true.

After reviewing the response, the Board may conduct a formal administrative hearing. At its conclusion, the Board members will take a vote. If the majority agrees, then the Board can issue any of the following sanctions.

Missing deadlines or responding inadequately can seriously harm your defense—professional representation matters here.

Possible Disciplinary Sanctions

Below is a quick look at what the Board can do if it decides to impose discipline:

SanctionDescription
Denial of a social work licenseRefusal to issue a new license
Revocation of a licensePermanent cancellation of an existing license
SuspensionTemporary prohibition against practice
ProbationMonitored practice for a certain period
Letter of censure or written reprimandFormal, written reprimand placed on your record
Mandatory additional training or educationRequirement to complete further professional education
Requirement that practice be supervisedPracticing under the oversight of another licensed professional
Obligation to enter a drug/alcohol rehab program or undergo testingImposed if substance abuse is alleged or proven
Other conditions as the Board sees fitAny other stipulations or conditions the Board deems necessary

Why You Want an Attorney During This Process

You want a Board of Registration of Social Workers defense attorney MA to defend you throughout the disciplinary process. The Board is looking to your written response to decide if it should go forward with a proceeding. As a professional license defense for social workers in MA, I can prepare this vital response, taking care to include the facts and points of law that support your case.

If the Board still wants to go forward with a hearing, I will provide you with an aggressive defense.

Additionally, licensees don’t have to go through the entire process. If they want a quicker resolution, they can negotiate a Consent Decree, where the Board issues a particular sanction if you agree to certain conditions. I can handle this negotiation to ensure you get the best possible outcome.

An experienced attorney for social workers facing disciplinary action in Massachusetts can streamline the process, protect your reputation, and potentially mitigate penalties.

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Convicted of a Crime? It Doesn’t Have to End Your Career

While a criminal conviction can result in discipline, including the inability to renew an existing license, the Board has decided that no single conviction is automatically disqualifying. Instead, the Board will conduct a hearing to determine your eligibility, based on factors such as:

  • The severity of the offense (felony or misdemeanor)
  • The length of incarceration (if any)
  • How much time has passed since the conviction

Having an experienced criminal defense attorney with you can be critical at this hearing. As a Social worker license defense lawyer Massachusetts, I’ll work to show the Board that you can practice social work with the required reasonable degree of skill and safety.

If you have any pending criminal charges—especially relating to drug use or sexual misconduct—I can defend you in both the criminal and Board proceedings.

Former Prosecutor Will Fight for You

No matter the allegations you are facing, I’m an experienced defense attorney who knows how to protect you and your professional reputation. Just as you attend to your clients, I will be with you every step of the way to help save your career and livelihood.

With offices located in Attleboro and Quincy, I represent social workers, nurses, and other professionals in Board proceedings throughout the Commonwealth. If you need help for social workers under investigation by the board, feel free to contact me today.

Early legal counsel can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your license and future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why do I need an attorney if I’m under investigation by the Board?

The Board’s process can be detailed and fast-moving. An attorney for social workers facing disciplinary action in Massachusetts can ensure you meet deadlines, craft a compelling defense, and potentially negotiate an outcome that safeguards your career.

What if I missed the deadline to respond to a complaint?

Failing to respond can be seen as an admission of guilt. If that happens, call me immediately. I may be able to request an extension or argue for reconsideration, but time is crucial.

Can a single complaint really jeopardize my license?

Yes. Even one complaint can escalate to a hearing and significant penalties if the Board believes it has merit. This is why having a Board of Registration of Social Workers defense attorney MA is critical.

I have a criminal conviction—does that mean I can’t be licensed?

The Board examines each conviction on a case-by-case basis. With the proper legal strategy and evidence of rehabilitation, you can still maintain or obtain your license. I handle both professional license defense for social workers in MA and criminal defense issues.

How can I get started on my defense right now?

Contact me at Riccio Law. We’ll discuss your situation, gather evidence, and determine the best strategy to protect your license. The sooner we begin, the better your chances for a favorable outcome.

Take the Next Step

If you’re a social worker facing a disciplinary proceeding or investigation, remember that you don’t have to navigate this alone. At Riccio Law, my focus on help for social workers under investigation by the board, I’m equipped to advocate for your rights at every stage—ensuring you get a fair process and the best possible resolution.

Contact Riccio Law today if you’re facing potential Board action or if you need a thorough defense at any point in the disciplinary process. Your career and livelihood are too important to leave to chance.

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