Occupational Licenses  >  BAR License Defense

Defending Bureau of Automotive Repair Licenses

Ray & Bishop attorneys aggressively represent occupational licenses issued by the Bureau of Automotive Repair 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.

Common Types of Bureau of Automotive Repair Licenses We Defend

• Automobile Repair Dealer (ARD)
• Smog Check Station
• STAR Station
• Brake and/or Lamp Station
• Smog Technician
• Smog Check Inspector
• Smog Tech Repair Technician
• Brake and/or Lamp Technician

Defending BAR Licenses in Situations from Simple Mistakes to Complex Disputes

Choosing an experienced, knowledgeable license defense attorney is key to getting the best result from your California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) license matter.  Ray & Bishop attorneys defend DMV occupational licenses and DMV license applicants in all disciplinary situations, including:

• Discipline for criminal convictions.
• License Denial for criminal convictions.
• Clean piping.
• Clean pluging.
• Low smog check fail rates.
• Errors on vehicle inspections.
• BAR undercover car cases.
• Paperwork and estimate mistakes.
• Problems with faulty repairs.
• Fraud and misrepresentation.
• Discipline against out-of-state licenses.
• Discipline against other licenses, such as a real estate license or notary commission.

We also aid BAR license applicants in the license application process.  Issues that give rise to problems in BAR license applications include criminal convictions or a prior history of discipline with another licensing board or other California licensing agency.

Expertise in all Aspect of License and Regulatory Issues

Ray & Bishop provides legal representation for BAR licenseholders, including automotive repair dealers, smog stations and smog techs, in any regulatory agency contact with the potential for an adverse outcome, including:

• Denial of a License
• Investigations by BAR Undercover Employees
• Undercover Cars
• Sale of a Dealer or Shop with a Pending Investigation or Pending case
• 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
• Reinstatement of a Lost License

Common Questions from BAR licensee for Ray & Bishop

I’ve been asked to come into a BAR Office.  What should I do?
Hire an attorney.  The BAR staff usually will want to interview a repair dealer, smog tech or smog shop owner to get more information that may include admissions of wrongdoing.  You may be presented with an offer of settlement or a citation.

How should I reveal a past problem on an application, renewal form or disclosure form?
Truthfully and carefully.  We understand the tools that the BAR will use to detect adverse events and fact check your application or renewal form for honesty and accuracy.  We know the rules for what must be disclosed and what need not be disclosed.  If an explanation is required, we can assist with important strategic and messaging considerations to minimize the danger of denial or discipline resulting from the disclosure.

I just received a Statement of Issues or a letter denying my license application.  What’s my recourse?
A Statement of Issues from the Bureau of Automotive Repair denying a license may require the filing of a Notice of Defense within 15 days of the date when the Statement of Issues was sent (not the date it was received).  A letter denying a license may contain a different deadline.  It is best to promptly contact Ray & Bishop for a consultation to review the letter, before an important deadline passes.

I’ve received an Accusation.  What’s my next step?
You have only 15 days from the date the Accusation was sent to you (not from the date you received it) to file the Notice of Defense.  This matter should be turned over to an attorney as quickly as possible so that this deadline is met and the filing of the Notice of Defense is documented with proof of filing.

How do I pay for an attorney?
We accept all major credit cards, bank debit cards, checks, money orders and cash.  Interest-free payment plans may be available in some circumstances.