Texas Professional License Defense
If you hold a professional license in Texas and you are facing criminal charges, a licensing board investigation, or both, you need an attorney who understands how criminal law and professional licensing intersect.
I’m Pat Ruzzo. I have been a criminal defense attorney in Houston for over thirty-five years. A significant focus of my practice is representing licensed professionals — particularly healthcare professionals — before their licensing boards when criminal charges or other conduct puts their licenses at risk.
The licensing boards listed on this page each have the authority to investigate, discipline, suspend, and revoke the licenses of the professionals they regulate. Most of these boards operate independently of the criminal court system — meaning a criminal dismissal does not automatically protect your license, and a criminal conviction does not automatically end your career. What happens to your license depends on how you handle both proceedings from the very beginning.
Why This Matters More Than Most Professionals Realize
Most licensed professionals assume that if they beat their criminal case, their license is safe. This is often wrong.
Licensing boards operate under a different standard of proof than criminal courts. A criminal court requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. A licensing board only needs to find it more likely than not that a violation occurred. You can be acquitted in criminal court and still lose your license.
The reverse is also important: you can lose your criminal case and still save your license, if you have an attorney who understands how to present your case to the board effectively — demonstrating rehabilitation, reduced risk, and steps taken to address underlying issues.
Early representation matters in every case. The licensed professionals who achieve the best outcomes are consistently those who seek legal counsel before responding to board investigators, before accepting plea agreements, and before making statements that can be used against them in either proceeding.
Healthcare Professionals | Primary Focus
My license defense practice is most deeply focused on healthcare professionals. I have handled cases before these boards and understand their procedures, their standards, and how they interact with criminal prosecutions.
Nursing — Texas Board of Nursing (TBON)
The Texas Board of Nursing regulates registered nurses (RN), licensed vocational nurses (LVN), advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), nurse practitioners (NP), certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA), and clinical nurse specialists. The BON receives thousands of complaints annually and investigates nurses for criminal charges, substance abuse, scope of practice violations, documentation issues, boundary violations, and more.
I currently have detailed guides and active representation available for nurses facing criminal charges and BON investigations.
Pharmacy — Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP)
The Texas State Board of Pharmacy regulates pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy tech trainees. The Board is particularly rigorous around controlled substance issues, and drug diversion allegations carry both criminal and licensing consequences simultaneously. I handle both.
Physician Assistants — Texas Physician Assistant Board / Texas Medical Board
Physician assistants in Texas are regulated through a dual structure involving the Texas Physician Assistant Board and the Texas Medical Board. PAs with prescribing authority face heightened scrutiny, and criminal allegations involving controlled substances can threaten both license and freedom at the same time.
Dentistry — State Board of Dental Examiners
Texas dentists are licensed and regulated by the State Board of Dental Examiners. Criminal charges, substance abuse allegations, billing fraud, and standard of care violations can all trigger board investigations. Dentists represent a significant investment in education and earn substantial income — protecting that license is worth fighting for.
Chiropractic — Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners
The Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners regulates the licensure and discipline of chiropractors in Texas. Criminal charges, billing irregularities, and scope of practice issues can all lead to board investigations that threaten a chiropractor’s ability to practice.
Physical Therapy — Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
The Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners licenses and disciplines physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Criminal charges and other conduct that reflects on professional fitness can trigger board action independent of any criminal proceedings.
Occupational Therapy — Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners
The Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners regulates occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants throughout Texas. Board investigations can arise from criminal charges, substance abuse allegations, and professional misconduct complaints.
Psychology — Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists licenses and regulates psychologists in Texas. Criminal charges, boundary violations, and ethical complaints can all lead to disciplinary action that threatens a psychologist’s license and career.
Optometry — Texas Optometry Board
The Texas Optometry Board regulates licensed optometrists and therapeutic optometrists. As with other healthcare professions, criminal charges and professional misconduct can trigger board investigations that require skilled legal representation.
Respiratory Care — Texas Department of Health
Respiratory care practitioners in Texas are licensed through the Texas Department of Health. Criminal charges, substance abuse, and professional misconduct can all place these licenses at risk.
Medical Radiologic Technology — Texas Department of Health
Medical radiologic technologists are licensed through the Texas Department of Health. Board investigations in this field often involve criminal background issues, substance abuse, or professional conduct concerns.
Orthotics and Prosthetics — Texas Board of Orthotics and Prosthetics
The Texas Board of Orthotics and Prosthetics licenses orthotists, prosthetists, and related practitioners. Criminal charges and professional misconduct can trigger licensing board action for these professionals.
Athletic Training — Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers in Texas are licensed through the Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers. As with other licensed healthcare professionals, criminal conduct and professional violations can lead to disciplinary proceedings.
Acupuncture — Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners
The Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners licenses acupuncturists in Texas. Criminal charges and conduct that reflects on professional fitness can result in license investigations and disciplinary action.
Surgical Assistants — Texas Medical Board
Surgical assistants in Texas are regulated by the Texas Medical Board. The Medical Board’s involvement means a rigorous disciplinary process and high stakes for professionals facing investigations.
Dietetics — Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians
Licensed dietitians in Texas are regulated by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians. Criminal charges and professional conduct issues can place these licenses at risk.
Midwifery — Midwifery Board
Licensed midwives in Texas are regulated by the Midwifery Board. Licensing investigations in this field can arise from criminal charges, standard of care concerns, and other professional conduct matters.
Marriage and Family Therapy — Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists
The Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists licenses and regulates MFTs in Texas. Criminal charges, boundary violations, and ethical complaints can lead to disciplinary proceedings that require experienced legal representation.
Licensed Professional Counselors — Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
LPCs in Texas are regulated by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Criminal charges and professional conduct issues can trigger investigations and disciplinary action.
Chemical Dependency Counselors — Texas Department of State Health Services
Chemical dependency counselors are licensed through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Given the nature of this profession, substance abuse allegations and criminal charges related to controlled substances are particularly serious licensing matters.
Social Workers — Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners
The Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners licenses and regulates social workers at all levels in Texas. Criminal charges and professional misconduct can lead to board investigations and disciplinary action.
High-Income Trades and Skilled Professionals — TDLR Regulated
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees licensing for a broad range of skilled trades and service professionals. For high-income tradespeople, a license suspension or revocation can be as financially devastating as it is for a healthcare professional. Criminal charges that threaten a trade license deserve serious legal attention.
HVAC Technicians
HVAC technicians and air conditioning contractors in Texas are licensed through TDLR. Criminal charges, particularly those involving theft, fraud, or drug offenses, can trigger license investigations for these professionals.
Plumbers
Licensed plumbers in Texas are regulated by TDLR. Criminal conduct can lead to license suspension or revocation, cutting off a significant income stream for professionals who have invested years building their trade.
Electricians
Electricians in Texas are licensed through TDLR. Criminal charges and conduct that reflects on professional fitness can trigger licensing investigations for master electricians, journeyman electricians, and electrical contractors.
Engineering, Architecture, and Professional Services
Professional Engineers — Texas Board of Professional Engineers
Licensed professional engineers (PE) in Texas are regulated by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Criminal charges, fraud, and professional misconduct can jeopardize PE licenses that represent years of education and examination.
Land Surveyors — Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Licensed land surveyors are regulated alongside professional engineers. Criminal charges and professional misconduct can trigger disciplinary action from this board.
Architects — Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners licenses architects, landscape architects, and interior designers. Criminal charges and professional conduct issues can lead to license investigations.
Geoscientists — Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists
Licensed geoscientists in Texas are regulated by the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists. Criminal charges and professional misconduct can put these licenses at risk.
Additional Licensed Professions
The following professions are also licensed in Texas and can face licensing board investigations when criminal charges or professional misconduct arise. I can represent licensed professionals in these fields as well.
- Funeral Directors and Embalmers — Texas Funeral Service Commission
- Podiatrists — Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners
- Medical Physicists — Texas Board of Licensure for Professional Medical Physicists
- Perfusionists — Texas State Perfusionist Advisory Committee / Texas Department of State Health Services
- Interior Designers — Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
- Landscape Architects — Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Contact My Office
If you hold a professional license in Texas and you are facing criminal charges or a licensing board investigation, contact my office for a confidential consultation. The sooner you have experienced legal counsel, the more options you have.
