Facing disciplinary sanctions against an Illinois state license

While one of the main duties of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is to issue licenses to qualified professionals, the other purpose of the IDFPR is to monitor the licensed professionals and to ensure that the standards required to obtain a license are maintained in practice.

The Disciplinary Process

Should the IDFPR investigate a complaint made towards a licensee, a prosecution division may take one of two different options, either an informal hearing or a formal evidentiary hearing. In an informal hearing, the licensee is given a chance to present his or her side of the story and learn what evidence has been found about the situation in the complaint. The licensee and the prosecution can also work together to determine the type of disciplinary measure that will be taken against the licensee, if any.

Mr. Zimmerman has negotiated resolutions with the IDFPR with no disciplinary action imposed against the licensee. Contact us by e-mail or call 1-877-440-0020 to schedule a free initial consultation.

If the prosecution decides that the nature of a case warrants action more serious than an informal hearing, then a formal evidentiary hearing will take place. The formal process is governed by the IDFPR's procedural rules, as well as specific rules and adjudicatory actions found in the Administrative Code and each professional and occupational licensing Act. The procedural rules and statutes ensure that the hearing proceeds with fairness and follows due process. At the Zimmerman Law Offices, P.C., our attorneys have a thorough understanding of these statutes and rules and will prepare you for the process.

As the formal hearing proceeds, both sides are given a chance to present their positions, defenses and any mitigating factors. The formal hearing includes the licensee with his or her counsel, an Administrative Law Judge, a board or committee member and an IDFPR prosecutor. Additionally, the hearing will include testimony from the licensed professional (the Respondent), as well as other witnesses and experts on behalf of both sides. Being an administrative proceeding, the hearing is open to the public.

At the end of a formal hearing or informal conference, disciplinary action such as reprimand, suspension, revocation, probation and/or fines, or non-disciplinary actions including remedial continuing education, referral to treatment and/or an administrative warning may be taken.

Protecting Clients from Disciplinary Sanctions

To protect your license, it is strongly advised that you retain the services of a qualified and knowledgeable attorney to represent you and your professional status every step of the way. An attorney that understands the workings of the IDFPR is crucial, as he or she can help ensure that your investigation and/or hearing follows correct protocol and is fair and accurate.

Thomas A. Zimmerman is an experienced attorney who has successfully persuaded the prosecuting attorney and the Board to either reconsider the case altogether or significantly lessen the discipline. Mr. Zimmerman also has a record of success at the trial of formal disciplinary hearings. Contact Zimmerman Law Offices, P.C. for a free initial consultation, representing clients statewide.