Practice Areas

Contractors License Defense

Our California Contractors State Licensing Board Attorneys Are Here For You.  

Ray & Bishop attorneys aggressively represent contractors in license applications, investigations, disclosures, denials, accusations, appeals, reinstatements, and related legal matters. Our strategy is simple: prevent problems, fight for the client if accused, and appeal unfair results. Our focused, experienced, dedicated license and regulatory practice gives you the advantage. Contact Ray & Bishop for a prompt, thorough and thoughtful discussion of your legal issue with one of our attorneys.

Defending Contractors

Ray & Bishop attorneys aggressively represent contractors in license applications, investigations, disclosures, denials, accusations, appeals, reinstatements, and related legal matters.  Our strategy is simple: prevent problems, fight for the client if accused, and appeal unfair results.  Our focused, experienced, dedicated license and regulatory practice gives you the advantage.  Contact Ray & Bishop for a prompt, thorough and thoughtful discussion of your legal issue with one of our attorneys.

From Simple Mistakes to Complex Disputes

Choosing an experienced, knowledgeable license defense attorney is key to getting the best result from your Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license matter.  Ray & Bishop attorneys defend contractors in all disciplinary situations, including:

  • Discipline for criminal convictions.
  • License denial for criminal convictions.
  • Misconduct involving elderly consumers.
  • CSLB mediation proceedings between consumers and contractors through the Intake and Mediation Center (IMC).
  • Negligence complaints.
  • Complaints for poor workmanship.
  • Defective contracts or contracts missing required legal terms.
  • Fraud and misrepresentation.
  • Failure to obtain worker’s compensation insurance.
  • Cease and desist letters.
  • Unprofessional conduct.
  • Unlicensed contracting or contracting outside of classification.
  • Health and safety violations.
  • Discipline against out-of-state contractor licenses.
  • Discipline against other licenses, such as a real estate license.

 

Adverse History Disclosures on License Renewal Forms

We also aid contractor license applicants in the license application process.  Issues that give rise to problems in contractor license applications include criminal convictions or a prior history of discipline with another licensing board or other California licensing agency. Adverse actions such as convictions and other license discipline may be subject to mandated reporting by the CSLB on the license renewal form.

 

Expertise in all Aspect of License and Regulatory Issues

Ray & Bishop provides legal representation for contractors in any regulatory agency contact with the potential for an adverse outcome, including:

  • Mandated disclosures
  • Processing of License Applications for Applicants Blocked due to Unlicensed Activity
  • Intake and Mediation Center Negotiations
  • Citations
  • Cease and Desist Letters
  • Pre-Filing Settlement Conferences at CSLB
  • Denial of a Contractor’s License
  • Defense from an Accusation
  • Administrative Hearing
  • Petition for Reconsideration after an Adverse Decision
  • Writ of Administrative Mandamus (Appeal) after a Loss at Administrative Hearing
  • Relief from a Default Judgment
  • Modification of Discipline
  • Petition for Reinstatement of a Lost License

 

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Did You Know?

 

  • CSLB employs investigators and sworn peace officers to handle consumer complaint and investigation cases, and these investigators routinely refer cases to law enforcement for prosecution.  Contracting without a license is a potential crime.
  • CSLB has a Public Works Unit that works with local District Attorneys to punish fraud in public works construction projects.  The SWIFT (Statewide Investigative Fraud Team), LETF (Labor Enforcement Task Force) and JETF (Joint Enforcement Task Force) are specialized investigative units that work on behalf of CSLB to target fraud and illegal conduct in contracting jobs.
  • Almost all disciplinary decisions from the CSLB require a contractor to post a disciplinary bond in addition to the bonding requirement associated with holding a general contractor or specialty license.
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Common Questions from Contractors

I’ve been contacted by a Contractors State License Board (CSLB) investigator.  What should I do?
Hire an attorney.  Any statements you make to an investigator can become admissions that can be used against you later in court.  An attorney can step between you and the investigator and perform many important tasks, including clearing up misunderstandings, proactively addressing agency concerns, stopping intrusive and oppressive harassment by investigators, and facilitating communication between a contractor and investigator in a manner that is managed, documented and controlled.  CSLB investigations can become criminal matters, so attorney representation can be essential.

I just received an Accusation or a Statement of Issues.  What’s my recourse?
An Accusation or Statement of Issues from the CSLB alleging misconduct or denying a license requires the filing of a Notice of Defense within 15 days of the date when the Accusation/Statement of Issues was sent (not the date it was received).  It is best to promptly contact Ray & Bishop for a consultation to review the letter, before an important deadline passes.

I’ve received a notice for mediation or a settlement conference.  What should I do?
CSLB conducts mediation and settlement conferences to encourage early resolution of cases.  This can involve settling a consumer dispute for a substantial payment.  Settlement can also be an early opportunity to resolve a disciplinary case at a lower cost.  Having an attorney present can give a contractor an advantage in damage control and settling for a fair amount.  Also, attorney involvement can help a contractor decide if they should walk away from a bad deal.

Contact Us Below or Call 949-557-4888

Address:

4100 Newport Place Dr., Suite 670
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Disclaimer

**Attorneys are only licensed to practice law in California. Attorneys’ offices are only located in California. However, pursuant to United States Code of Federal Regulations 8 C.F.R. § 1.2 and United States Code 5 U.S.C. § 500, Attorneys may practice Federal Administrative Law and represent an individual located outside of California within the parameters of Federal Administrative Law. Attorneys will NOT advise clients on the laws of any State or any State law legal matters (with the exception of California).  The information on this website is for general information purposes only.  Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation.  This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.  Legal advertisement.**