Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence & Your Professional License in California – FAQ

Can I lose my professional license for a domestic violence arrest in California?

Yes, you can face a licensing board investigation even if you are only arrested and never convicted.

Most California licensing agencies consider domestic violence to be substantially related to professional duties, especially in professions that involve:

• Patient care
• Client trust
• Public safety
• Access to vulnerable populations

An arrest may trigger:

• A formal investigation
• A request for a written explanation
• An interim suspension in serious cases

However, an arrest alone does not automatically mean discipline.

Can a domestic violence conviction cause me to lose my license?

Yes. A conviction can lead to:

• License suspension
• Revocation
• Probation with anger management, counseling, or monitoring
• Public discipline on your record

The level of discipline depends on:

• Whether it is a misdemeanor or felony
• Injuries involved
• Violation of a protective order
• Prior criminal history
• Compliance with court terms

Which professional licenses are affected by a domestic violence case?

Domestic violence charges can impact:

• Physicians – regulated by the Medical Board of California
• Nurses – overseen by the Board of Registered Nursing
• Dentists – licensed through the Dental Board of California
• Attorneys – regulated by the State Bar of California
• Teachers – credentialed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
• Pilots – certified by the Federal Aviation Administration

Any licensed profession that requires good moral character can be affected.

Do I have to report a domestic violence arrest to my licensing board?

Many professions require mandatory self-reporting, even if the case is still pending.

Failure to report can result in:

• Separate disciplinary action
• Harsher penalties than the underlying case

Always get legal advice before making a report.  It’s incumbent on the professional to know what their licensing boards reporting requirements are because failure to comply with reporting requirements can result in additional punishment.

Will I be suspended from work after a domestic violence arrest?

Not automatically.

In many cases, you can continue working while:

• The criminal case is pending
• The licensing board investigates

Immediate suspension is more likely if:

• There is a felony charge
• A protective order affects your workplace
• The allegations involve a patient, student, or coworker

Is domestic violence considered a crime of moral turpitude?

It can be.

Licensing boards — and especially the State Bar — may argue that domestic violence shows:

• Poor judgment
• Risk to public safety
• Lack of professional integrity

But discipline is not automatic, and strong legal representation can reduce or eliminate consequences.

Can a domestic violence case be dismissed and protect my license?

Yes. A dismissal is the most license-safe outcome.

If your case is dismissed:

• Many boards will close the investigation with no action
• You may avoid formal discipline entirely

This is why the criminal defense strategy is critical for license protection.

How does misdemeanor diversion help professionals charged with domestic violence?

If eligible, misdemeanor diversion can:

• Avoid a conviction
• Lead to a full dismissal
• Greatly reduce licensing consequences

Because there is no conviction, this is often the best possible outcome for licensed professionals.

Can mental health diversion protect my professional license?

Yes.

Mental health diversion allows:

✔ Treatment instead of punishment
✔ Case dismissal after successful completion

Licensing boards often view this as rehabilitation rather than misconduct.

Is military diversion a license-safe option?

For eligible service members and veterans, military diversion can result in:

• Dismissed charges
• No criminal conviction

This is one of the most effective ways to avoid professional discipline.

What happens to a nurse’s license after a domestic violence charge?

The Board of Registered Nursing may:

• Open an investigation
• Request court records
• Require counseling or evaluations
• File an Accusation

Many nurses are able to continue working — especially if the case is reduced or dismissed.

Can a doctor lose their medical license for domestic violence?

Yes, but revocation is not automatic.

Possible outcomes include:

• Public reprimand
• Stayed revocation with probation
• Suspension in serious cases

Early defense and proof of rehabilitation are critical.

Will a domestic violence case affect my teaching credential?

Yes. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing closely reviews these cases because they involve:

• Violence
• Judgment
• Safety concerns

However, many teachers keep their credentials when:

• The case is dismissed
• The charge is reduced
• They complete counseling and probation successfully

Can an attorney be disciplined for a domestic violence conviction?

Yes.

The State Bar evaluates:

• Whether the conduct involves moral turpitude
• Compliance with court orders
• Evidence of rehabilitation

Some cases result in reproval or probation rather than suspension.

What is the best outcome for protecting my professional license?

The most license-safe results are:

1. Case dismissal
2. Pretrial diversion
3. Reduction to a non-violent offense
4. Deferred entry of judgment

These outcomes can mean no suspension and no loss of your career.

Charged With Domestic Violence in Placer County? Protect Your License Now.

If you are a licensed professional in:

• Roseville
• Rocklin
• Lincoln
• Auburn

your criminal case and your license defense must be handled together.

Tiemann Defense creates strategies designed to protect both your freedom and your profession.

📞 916.939.3900
📍 209 Harding Blvd. Suite 7, Roseville, CA 95678