Your nursing license is more than just a piece of paper; it is the culmination of years of education, grueling shifts, and a commitment to helping others. When that license is threatened by a criminal charge or a complaint to the Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBON), your entire livelihood is at stake.
The Nevada State Board of Nursing is tasked with protecting the public, which often means they take a strict stance on “professional conduct.” For a nurse, an off-duty mistake can quickly become an on-duty disaster. Whether you are an RN, LPN, or CNA, the disciplinary process can be intimidating.
At the Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata, we provide aggressive and compassionate representation to protect your career. If you are facing disciplinary action or criminal charges, contact our criminal defense office today by calling (702) 366-0891.
One of the most common fears for healthcare professionals in Nevada is how a personal dispute can impact their professional standing. If you are asking, “can you lose your nursing license for domestic violence?” The answer is nuanced: yes, it is possible, but it is not an automatic outcome if you have the right defense.
Legal intervention is most effective when it starts early. By hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands licensing board protocols, you can often mitigate the damage to your reputation before the Board takes formal action.
The NSBON views domestic violence charges seriously because they may reflect on a nurse’s judgment or propensity for violence. Even if the incident had nothing to do with your clinical practice, the Board may initiate an investigation to determine if you pose a risk to patients.
Under Nevada law and Board regulations, nurses are often required to report criminal convictions or certain administrative actions. Failing to report an incident can sometimes be viewed as more “unprofessional” than the incident itself, leading to charges of “fraud or deceit” in procuring or maintaining a license.
Disciplinary actions can range from:
When dealing with domestic violence and nursing license issues, the Board focuses on the “moral turpitude” aspect of the crime.
In many cases, an arrest is just the beginning. The Board may monitor the criminal case. It is vital to understand that a “stay of adjudication” or a “no contest” plea may still be viewed as a conviction by the NSBON.
Our approach to domestic violence defense involves more than just the courtroom. We look at the long-term career implications. By negotiating for charge reductions or participating in counseling programs proactively, we can demonstrate to the Board that the situation was an isolated incident that does not affect your professional competency.
Especially in a 24-hour city like Las Vegas, DUI arrests are common, but for a nurse, a DUI charge triggers concerns about substance abuse and fitness for duty.
A single DUI conviction does not always result in the loss of a license, but it almost always triggers an investigation. The Board will look for patterns of behavior. Are there underlying issues with alcohol? Did the arrest occur while you were on call?
The risk to your license increases exponentially with subsequent offenses. A second or third DUI, or a felony DUI involving an accident, makes it significantly harder to convince the Board that your license should remain active without heavy restrictions.
The best way to protect your license is to fight the underlying criminal charge. If your attorney can get a DUI reduced to a lesser charge or dismissed entirely, it provides much stronger leverage when responding to the Board of Nursing.
Substance use is one of the Board’s primary areas of oversight. Beyond pre-employment screening, nurses can be tested “for cause” if there is a suspicion of impairment on the job, or as part of a disciplinary monitoring program.
A positive drug test for a non-prescribed controlled substance (or even legal marijuana, which remains complicated for federally regulated or safety-sensitive roles) can lead to an immediate summary suspension of your license.
We challenge the validity of tests, the chain of custody of samples, and the context of the results. If a nurse does have a substance issue, we guide them toward rehabilitative paths that prioritize treatment over punishment, often saving their career in the process.
An investigation by the Board is not the same as a criminal trial. You have fewer protections, and the “burden of proof” is different.
Investigations are usually triggered by:
Once a complaint is filed, an investigator is assigned. They may interview you, your employer, and witnesses. You will receive a notice of investigation, and this is the most critical time to involve a skilled defense attorney.
Many nurses make the mistake of trying to “explain their way out” of an investigation without counsel. Anything you say to a Board investigator can be used against you. Attorney Garrett T. Ogata will handle all communications, ensuring you don’t inadvertently admit to unprofessional conduct.
The Nevada State Board of Nursing has its own legal team. You should have one, too. Garrett T. Ogata understands the high stakes involved for healthcare professionals. We provide:
Do not wait until the Board sends a notice of a formal hearing. If you have been arrested or are under investigation, the time to act is now. Protect the career you worked so hard to build.
Contact the Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata today to schedule a consultation regarding your case. Whether you are facing charges for a DUI, domestic violence, or a workplace complaint, we are here to fight for you.
Call a Las Vegas nursing license defense attorney now at (702) 366-0891 or visit our contact page to send us a message.
