In any context, a sexual misconduct charge is serious. But the stakes are even higher if you are a medical professional and your license to practice is on the line. Continue reading to learn how a sexual misconduct charge can affect your NY medical license and how one of the experienced New York health care professional defense lawyers at Walker Medical Law can stand by your side throughout.
What will happen to my medical license after a sexual misconduct charge in NY?
Sexual misconduct or inappropriate sexual contact is unprofessional conduct by definition. And so, such a charge may come with irreversible consequences. For one, your medical license may be revoked. But on top of this, you may also face criminal prosecution if a civil lawsuit is filed against you. This comes with overwhelming legal fees. But if you are found guilty and charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, you may also be facing the possibility of incarceration.
What will happen if a patient reports me for sexual misconduct?
If a patient reports you for sexual misconduct, they will likely be advised to call you and refer back to the alleged sexual event. It is essential that you understand that, if you receive such a phone call, you should not acknowledge any reference to a sexual event. This is because this phone call may be being taped by the District Attorney’s office. So, if you confess anything, you will likely have to plead guilty just to avoid incarceration.
What should I do if I have been charged with sexual misconduct?
Once you get passed this phone call, you will likely have to interact with the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC) and/or the Office of Professional Discipline (OPD). The OPMC and OPD will likely interview your other patients, your employees, and your coworkers. From there, they will likely send you a letter requesting that you explain yourself in a hearing. Importantly, you must answer their questions as best as you can to minimize the effect of this charge as much as possible.
At this time, you must retain the services of one of the skilled New York healthcare professional defense lawyers. This is because, if you plead guilty to these charges, you will no longer have a viable offense and there will inevitably be repercussions against you. And so, we know best when it comes to visualizing your legal options and taking all necessary precautionary measures moving forward. So, whenever you are ready, pick up the phone and give our firm a call.
