California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, And Geologists
Defense of Licensed Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Each year, California’s Board For Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG) receives hundreds of complaints about licensees from consumers, professional societies, law enforcement, liability insurers, and other governmental agencies. In addition to complaints, the BPELSG also requires licensees to self-report specified criminal, civil, and administrative actions.
If you are an engineer, land surveyor or geologist facing a board investigation or disciplinary action, we have the experience and resources to provide effective representation.
Complaints and investigations
Some of the most common complaints investigated by BPELSG include:
- Negligence
- Incompetence
- Fraud
- Deception
- Civil, criminal, and administrative legal actions
- Unprofessional conduct
- Unlicensed practice
Upon receiving a complaint, BPELSG staff determines whether or not the board has jurisdiction and, if so, refers the case for investigation. Depending on the nature of the allegations, the board will engage technical experts to aid in its inquiry.
Once the investigation is complete, the board will determine whether to close the case, issue a citation and fine, refer the case for a criminal or civil action, and/or refer the case to a deputy attorney general for formal disciplinary action. The deputy attorney general may file an accusation or, in the case of an applicant, a statement of issues, which initiates a formal hearing process under the California Administrative Procedures Act.
Penalties imposed at the administrative hearing stage may include, but are not limited to, a public reprimand, probation, license suspension, probation with suspension, license surrender, license revocation, or a denial of license application. In addition to these penalties, the board may also seek to recover the investigation costs and may order licensees to pay restitution to consumers.
How we can help
While each situation is unique, it is generally wise to engage counsel before responding to the board’s analyst or a request for information. Answering questions, providing documents or evidence, or agreeing to other actions without counsel can be risky. As a licensed engineer, land surveyor, or geologist, you have important statutory and constitutional rights as well as complex legal duties with respect to your clients. Immediately seeking advice from an attorney experienced with California’s Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists helps to defend your reputation, your business, and your career.
Whether you have been wrongfully accused of misconduct or have made an uncharacteristic mistake, our attorneys offer the experience, expertise, and resources to aggressively defend you before the board. We will listen, offer advice, and develop a plan to obtain the best result possible.
More information:
Complaint and Enforcement Information