As a licensed chiropractor in California, you occupy a position of public trust and professional responsibility.

While chiropractors provide essential, non-invasive healthcare services, even a single allegation of criminal conduct—whether related to your practice or entirely unrelated—can place your freedom, livelihood, and professional license at risk.

Criminal charges against chiropractors often trigger parallel proceedings: a criminal case in court and a professional license investigation by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners (BCE).

These cases move quickly and can have devastating consequences if not handled correctly from the outset.

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime, it is critical to speak with experienced legal counsel immediately—before making any statements to investigators, law enforcement, or licensing authorities.

Your best hope of a favorable outcome is with a skilled criminal defense attorney at Eisner Gorin LLP. To schedule a consultation, call (818) 781-1570 or contact us here.

The Role of the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners (BCE)

The Board of Chiropractic Examiners, operating under the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), is responsible for licensing, regulating, and disciplining chiropractors throughout the state.

When allegations arise—whether from patients, insurance companies, law enforcement, or prosecutors—the BCE may initiate:

• An informal investigation

• A formal administrative investigation

• An administrative subpoena requiring testimony or documents

You are not required to speak directly with BCE investigators or the Attorney General without counsel. Statements made during an investigation can be used against you in both criminal court and license-discipline proceedings.

Common Reasons Chiropractors Face Investigations or Charges

Chiropractors may become the subject of criminal or licensing investigations for a wide range of allegations, including:

• Insurance fraud or billing irregularities
  Allegations of upcoding, unbundling, or billing for services not rendered.

• Falsified or altered medical records
  Including improper documentation or retroactive changes.

• Substance abuse or DUI
  Alcohol or drug-related offenses can reflect poor judgment and impairment.

• Sexual misconduct or boundary violations
  Even unproven allegations can trigger immediate license scrutiny.

• Negligence or incompetence in patient care
  Claims of unsafe treatment or professional misconduct.

• False or misleading advertising
  Violations of the California Business & Professions Code.

• Unlicensed or improper practice

• Domestic violence convictions
  Often considered crimes of moral turpitude affecting licensure.

Because chiropractors are licensed professionals, criminal allegations often carry consequences beyond those faced by the general public.

Crimes That Most Commonly Impact a Chiropractor's License

In theory, any criminal conviction can affect a chiropractor's license. In practice, the BCE focuses most heavily on:

• Felony offenses

• Crimes of moral turpitude

Crimes of moral turpitude involve dishonesty, fraud, violence, or conduct that reflects poorly on moral character and professional integrity.

Common examples include:

• White-collar crimes
  Fraud, embezzlement, insurance scams, and financial misconduct.

• Controlled substance offenses
  Illegal possession or distribution of drugs.

• Domestic violence offenses
  Including threats or physical harm to a partner or family member.

• Driving under the influence (DUI)
  Especially when involving injury or repeat offenses.

• Sex-related offenses
  Sexual assault, indecent exposure, lewd conduct, or related allegations.

Even arrests or filed charges—without a conviction—can prompt BCE action.

How Criminal Charges Affect Chiropractic Licensure

Criminal charges expose chiropractors to two separate legal systems:

Criminal Court Consequences

If convicted, potential penalties include:

• Fines

• Jail or prison time

• Probation or supervision

• Community service or treatment programs

BCE Disciplinary Consequences

In addition to the criminal case, the BCE may impose discipline based on a preponderance of the evidence, a much lower standard than that of the criminal court.

Possible disciplinary actions include:

• Public reprimand

• Letter of reprimand

• Citation and fines

• Professional probation

• Practice restrictions

• License suspension

• Interim Suspension Order (ISO)

• License revocation

A criminal conviction significantly increases the risk of severe discipline—but discipline can occur even without a conviction.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements Chiropractors Must Know

California law imposes strict reporting obligations on chiropractors:

• Court reporting
  Under Business & Professions Code § 803.5, court clerks must notify the BCE within 48 hours of a conviction.

• Prosecutor reporting
  Prosecutors must notify the BCE of felony charges—even before conviction.

• Self-reporting
  Chiropractors must report arrests or criminal charges to the BCE within 30 days.

• Licensure disclosure
  All prior convictions must be disclosed when applying for or renewing a license.

Failure to comply with reporting requirements can, in itself, lead to disciplinary action, even if the underlying criminal charge is dismissed.

Public Record and Reputation Consequences

Even if your license is not suspended or revoked, any BCE disciplinary action becomes a public record. This can:

• Damage your professional reputation

• Affect patient trust

• Impact employment or practice opportunities

• Trigger insurance network removal

The reputational harm can be long-lasting and difficult to reverse.

The Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney for Chiropractors

Because criminal charges and license discipline are closely intertwined, chiropractors need legal counsel experienced in both criminal defense and professional license defense.

An experienced attorney can:

• Analyze criminal charges and licensing exposure

• Control communications with investigators and the BCE

• Identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case

• Prevent damaging statements

• Seek dismissal, reduction, or alternative resolutions

• Defend your license in administrative proceedings

Ignoring an investigation or attempting to handle it alone often leads to worse outcomes.

Speak With a California Criminal & License Defense Attorney

If you are a chiropractor facing criminal charges or a BCE investigation, time is critical. Early legal intervention can protect your rights, preserve your license, and prevent unnecessary damage to your career.

Eisner Gorin LLP, based in Los Angeles, California, represents licensed professionals facing criminal charges and disciplinary action throughout California.

Contact our firm today at 818-781-1570 to discuss your situation confidentially and protect your future.

Related Content:

• Defense for Medical Professionals
• Defending Doctors Against Fraud
• DUI Causes Loss of Professional License
• State Board of Chiropractic Examiners
• Chiropractic Initiative Act of California
• California Business & Professions Code 803.5 BPC