As a chiropractor practicing in California, you provide a vital healthcare service by helping patients manage and alleviate pain through non-invasive treatments. At the same time, yours is a position calling for high professionalism and public trust. Even the most diligent chiropractor can become overwhelmed when work-related or non-work-related stress results in errors at work.
Imagine facing allegations of insurance fraud, questionable billing practices, or even criminal charges. In such a situation, it becomes crucial that you contact our defense attorneys immediately. Your statements could be used against you and your chiropractor's license, making it essential to seek legal counsel immediately.

The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners (BCE) controls the issuance, discipline, and, in severe cases, the revocation of chiropractic licenses within California. Suppose a misconduct report or any other legal issue could affect your work.
In that case, you may face an informal or formal investigation and possibly receive an administrative subpoena commanding you to appear before a Board investigator to discuss your case.
In these and most other investigative situations, legal counsel is not just advisable but essential. You should not feel obligated to respond directly to the Board's investigator, the Attorney General, or anyone seeking a statement from you. Your legal counsel will guide you through these interactions.
Some of the reasons you might be subject to investigation include suspected insurance fraud and falsified services for billing. Perhaps you are suspected of improper record-keeping or deliberate changes.
Maybe you are suspected of substance abuse, DUI, sexual or unethical misconduct, negligence or incompetence with client treatment and care, misleading advertising, or operating and unlicensed practice. A domestic violence conviction can affect professional licenses, such as a suspension or revocation of their license, because it's a crime of moral turpitude.
For these reasons, if you're charged with a crime, you may face broader and more widespread repercussions than the average person charged with the same crime. The potential consequences are significant and should not be underestimated. If convicted, depending on the actual offense, you could face fines, jail time, and disciplinary actions from the BCE, possibly even impacting your license to practice.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects consumers by providing a safe and fair marketplace through oversight, enforcement, and licensure of professions.
What Types of Criminal Charges Could Impact a Chiropractor's Career?
In theory, a chiropractor being convicted for any criminal offense has the potential to raise red flags with the BCE. However, the offenses most likely to incur scrutiny are most felony offenses and other offenses categorized as "crimes of moral turpitude." Specifically, crimes of moral turpitude involve dishonesty, fraud, or conduct contrary to community standards of justice, honesty, or good morals.
These crimes reflect poorly on an individual's character and integrity, damaging them for professionals like chiropractors who rely on trust and ethical standards in their practice. Common examples of crimes of moral turpitude include:
- White Collar Crimes: This category includes embezzlement, fraud, and other financial crimes involving deceit or breach of trust.
- Illegal Possession: This includes possession of controlled substances without a prescription or possession of illegal drugs, which reflects poorly on a chiropractor's character and judgment.
- Domestic Violence: Charges of domestic violence involving harm or threats to a family member are taken very seriously and can lead to immediate legal and professional consequences.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
- Sexual Offenses: Any sex crime (including sexual assault, lewd conduct with a child, indecent exposure, etc.) can have a devastating impact on a chiropractor's career.
What are the Ramifications of Criminal Charges?
If you are a chiropractor in California and are accused of a crime, you are subject to the same possible penalties as anyone else if you are convicted. Depending on the offense, the penalties can include fines, jail/prison time, probation, community service, etc. However, the fallout over being charged with a crime can impact your professional license independently of whether you are convicted.
As noted, the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners (BCE) oversees the state's licensing and regulation of chiropractors. Based on a preponderance of the evidence, the BCE can impose disciplinary actions on any licensee deemed violating state standards of practice.
A conviction increases the likelihood of disciplinary actions, but simply being arrested and charged (especially for a crime of moral turpitude) can theoretically trigger disciplinary actions by the BCE. These penalties may range from mild to severe and may include:
- Public reprimand.
- Letter of reprimand.
- Citation and fines.
- Professional probation.
- License restrictions.
- License suspension.
- Interim suspension order (ISO).
- Revocation of license.
If you are formally accused or notified of an investigation, disciplinary action will follow soon. Notably, any violation of the Chiropractic Initiative Act, the California Business and Professionals Code, the California Code of Regulations, the Health & Safety Code, or others can jeopardize you and your license.
What Are Some Additional Considerations?
Chiropractors should know a few other considerations when criminal charges intersect with their professional licensure. These include the following:
- Mandatory reporting: In California, Business & Professions Code 803.5 BPC requires the clerk of courts to notify the BCE within 48 hours if you are convicted of any crime. Prosecutors must report felony charges against you to the BCE regardless of whether the charges result in a conviction. Aside from these requirements, you must also self-report to the BCE within 30 days if arrested. You must also disclose any previous criminal convictions when applying for licensure. Failure to do so can result in additional disciplinary actions regardless of whether the crime disqualifies you from holding a license.
- Public record: Even if the BCE decides not to suspend or revoke your license over criminal charges, bear in mind that any disciplinary action (e.g., reprimand, fines, etc.) becomes a matter of public record, which can hurt your professional reputation and impact your ability to practice.
What is the Role of a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
While criminal charges may affect a chiropractor's licensure, the BCE is more likely to consider suspending or revoking a chiropractor's license if convicted. For this reason, the best way to reduce your risk of all legal and professional consequences for criminal charges is by hiring an experienced California criminal defense attorney. A good attorney will:
- Evaluate the charges against you and review the available evidence to determine what's at stake.
- Conduct an investigation looking for weaknesses in the prosecution's arguments.
- Help you build a solid defense strategy based on the facts of your case.
- Represent you in court or negotiations with prosecutors to try to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
- Defend you at trial, if necessary.
Ignoring an accusation or investigation will almost always result in an inferior result if not outright revocation. Your attorney can communicate with Board investigators, the Attorney General, criminal investigators or officers, and others as your representative.
We can immediately control your case and handle all communications, negotiations, and court appearances on your behalf. Contact us for additional information. Eisner Gorin LLP is in Los Angeles, CA.
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