Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists License Defense Attorneys

The attorneys at Ray & Weinstein, P.C. represent clients in Texas Marriage and Family Therapist License Defense cases. Texas Marriage and Family Therapists face a significant number of rules and regulations promulgated by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists. The Texas State Board of Marriage & Family Therapists  is part of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council Any alleged violation of these rules and regulations can result in an obstacle to a Marriage and Family Therapists ability to practice in Texas. The firm practices Texas TSBEMFT License Defense. From Texas TSBEMFT application Denial Hearings to Complaints, the firm’s goal is to provide effective and efficient legal representation to the firm’s Texas TSBEMFT License clients in these Locations of Practice.

Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists License Defense Lawyers

Many individuals possess Marriage and Family Therapist Licenses issued by Texas TSBEMFT. Most Texas TSBEMFT licensed Marriage and Family Therapists have minimal or no contact with the disciplinary systems of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists. For Texas licensed Marriage and Family Therapists who become part of the Texas TSBEMFT disciplinary process, the consequences are profound. The Texas Administrative Law disciplinary process is complex, procedural and time consuming.

Texas TSBEMFT Investigation Defense Lawyers

The majority of Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists License disciplinary investigations begin with the filing of a consumer Complaint. However, disciplinary investigations also can arise from other events, such as a criminal conviction or criminal investigation. Texas TSBEMFT utilizes non sworn civilian investigators to conduct non criminal investigations against licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. Texas TSBEMFT works with Texas law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal and administrative law violations committed by Texas Marriage and Family Therapists. Administrative Law Due Process Rights differ substantially from the Due Process Rights accorded in criminal law.

It is important to have an attorney that understands the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists License disciplinary process. At the conclusion of a Texas TSBEMFT investigation, Texas TSBEMFT has several options. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists can choose to close the Complaint. Texas TSBEMFT can choose to issue an Administrative Penalty. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists can also choose to refer the matter to its legal counsel for the filing of formal Administrative disciplinary charges, generally called a Complaint. Texas TSBEMFT legal counsel will determine whether cause exists to file a Complaint. Texas TSBEMFT may hold an Informal Conference with the licensee. In cases involving criminal conduct, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists may refer the case to the District Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution.

Texas TSBEMFT Complaint Defense Attorneys

A Complaint served on a Texas Marriage and Family Therapist serves as notice to a licensee that Texas TSBEMFT intends to suspend or revoke the Texas Marriage and Family Therapist License. The licensee, now called the Respondent, has only a specific number of days from the date that the Complaint was served (not received, but served) to file a Request for Hearing. The failure to file a Request for Hearing results in a Default against the Texas Marriage and Family Therapist License. A Default will result in the immediate Revocation of the Texas Marriage and Family Therapist License.

The filing of a Complaint is a serious matter that can result in the suspension or revocation of a Marriage and Family Therapist License in Texas. In many cases, it is possible for licensees to reach a settlement with the Texas TSBEMFT. An Agreed Order is a formal term for a settlement agreement. If an Agreed Order  cannot be reached, the parties will proceed to a formal Hearing before the Texas State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH).

Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists Hearing Attorneys

The Texas Office of Administrative Hearings, also known as SOAH, hears Texas TSBEMFT disciplinary matters. SOAH is headquartered in Austin, but may hold Hearings remotely or in other locations. Hearings may be held in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock or San Antonio. The Texas TSBEMFT Administrative Law Hearing is a formal Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

The Administrative Law Judge, or ALJ, will issue a written Proposal for Decision approximately 60 days after the Hearing. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists and the Respondent generally both have the ability to file responses to the Proposal for Decision, called Exceptions and Briefs. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists action is called the Final Order. There are two main rights of Appeal of a Final Order. Texas Government Code § 2001.144 allows a licensee to file a Motion for Rehearing within 25 days after the Final Order is issued. If a Motion for Rehearing is denied, the Respondent can file a Request for Judicial Review in Travis County District Court in Austin. A Request for Judicial Review must be filed within 30 days of the denial of the Motion for Rehearing.

Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists License and Criminal Convictions

Texas TSBEMFT can discipline Marriage and Family Therapist Licensees for criminal convictions. Administrative Law discipline for Texas Marriage and Family Therapists primarily occurs for felony criminal convictions and criminal convictions related to the Marriage and Family Therapist License. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists and other law enforcement agencies also investigate criminal conduct by licensees in the course and scope of their license. Common criminal offenses that can cause Texas TSBEMFT License discipline are:

  • Aggravated Assault
  • Battery
  • Burglary
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Trafficking
  • DWI
  • Elder Abuse
  • Firearms Violations
  • Forgery
  • Fraud
  • Identity Theft
  • Insurance Fraud
  • Larceny
  • Medicare Fraud
  • Money Laundering
  • Mortgage Fraud
  • Perjury
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance
  • Real Estate Fraud
  • Robbery
  • Sex Offenses
  • Stalking
  • Theft
  • Trespass
  • Vandalism
  • Weapons Violations

Texas TSBEMFT License Denial Defense Attorneys

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists thoroughly investigates all applicants for Marriage and Family Therapist Licenses. Texas TSBEMFT may deny licensees from other states and countries. Most Texas Marriage and Family Therapist License denials occur due to criminal convictions, financial problems or misstatements on the Marriage and Family Therapist License application. Denial Hearings and Complaint Hearings before the State Office of Administrative Hearings involve a similar procedure. However, in a Marriage and Family Therapist License Denial Hearing, the applicant bears the burden of proof.

Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists Petition for Reinstatement Lawyers

A Petition for Reinstatement allows individuals who have received a Texas TSBEMFT License Revocation to reinstate their Texas Marriage and Family Therapist License. The Petition for Reinstatement may result in an investigation by Texas TSBEMFT. Subsequent to an investigation, the Texas TSBEMFT may issue the license, issue the license with a corresponding Agreed Order (settlement), or deny the license. Texas TSBEMFT may schedule an Informal Conference prior to determining whether to grant or deny licensure. Rehabilitation from past misconduct is a primary factor in a Petition for Reinstatement.