The Fear That Goes Beyond Court
The shock of that moment is overwhelming — but for many of my clients, the fear doesn’t stop there. Beyond court dates, bond conditions, and protective orders, there’s a bigger question looming: “Am I going to lose my career over this?”
I’ve sat across from doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, and finance professionals who weren’t just worried about a criminal record. They were terrified that this one arrest could undo decades of hard work. The truth is, in Connecticut, a domestic violence arrest can create serious problems for people who hold professional licenses. Even if your case is dismissed, your licensing board or employer may still take notice.
This page is here to give you clarity — and hopefully some peace of mind — about what really happens, what risks you’re facing, and what you can do to protect both your case and your career.
Why Professional Licenses Make Domestic Violence Arrests More Complicated
For most people, a domestic violence arrest is a legal problem. For professionals, it’s both a legal problem and a career problem.
Many licensing boards — from the Connecticut Board of Nursing to the Department of Education to the Statewide Grievance Committee for lawyers — see themselves as protectors of the public. When they learn that one of their licensees has been arrested, they may open an investigation.
That means even if you never get convicted, the simple fact of being arrested can put your license in jeopardy.
Mandatory Reporting and Self-Disclosure
One of the hardest questions clients ask me is: “Do I have to tell my board about this arrest?”
The answer depends on your profession, but many fields in Connecticut require mandatory reporting. For example:
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Nurses and Doctors: The Department of Public Health expects disclosure of arrests and convictions. They may also learn about them automatically through background checks.
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Teachers: School districts are often notified after an arrest, especially if there are children in the home. The State Department of Education may get involved.
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Lawyers: Felony convictions must be reported to the Statewide Grievance Committee. Even misdemeanors can raise red flags.
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Finance and Securities Professionals: FINRA requires disclosure of certain arrests, especially those involving “moral turpitude.”
It’s a terrible feeling — being forced to choose between reporting and risking discipline, or staying quiet and risking being accused of hiding it later. That’s why it’s crucial to know the specific rules that apply to your license, and to have a lawyer who can guide you through the reporting process carefully.
How Licensing Boards Respond to Domestic Violence Arrests
Licensing boards don’t all respond the same way. Here’s what I’ve seen in practice across professions in Connecticut:
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Nursing Board (Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing):
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Often investigates even if the case is dismissed.
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Look closely at whether the arrest suggests issues with judgment, safety, or patient care.
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May impose probationary terms, required counseling, or reprimands.
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Medical Examining Board:
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Takes a broad view of “fitness to practice medicine.”
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Domestic violence arrests raise concerns about self-control, judgment, and trust.
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Even if charges are dropped, they may require explanations or hearings.
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Teachers / Department of Education:
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School districts often place teachers on leave after an arrest.
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DCF involvement in a domestic case can trigger mandatory notifications.
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The DOE may pursue certification review if it believes children could be at risk.
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Lawyers:
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Felony convictions are always reported and investigated.
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Even misdemeanors can cause trouble if they suggest dishonesty, violence, or poor character.
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The Grievance Committee may impose discipline ranging from censure to suspension.
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Finance / Securities (FINRA, SEC, CFP Board):
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Requires disclosure of felony arrests and convictions, as well as certain misdemeanors involving violence or moral turpitude.
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Domestic violence arrests often trigger compliance reviews, internal investigations, and possible suspensions.
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Dismissals and Program Outcomes Still Leave a Trail
Here’s something most professionals don’t realize: even if your case is dismissed or you complete the Family Violence Education Program, the arrest itself still leaves a trail.
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Licensing boards often see the original arrest record.
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DCF records (if children were present) may linger.
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Employers may run background checks and find the arrest, even if the charges never turned into a conviction.
I’ve had clients who did everything right in court — got their case dismissed, stayed out of trouble — only to be called into a licensing hearing months later. It’s unfair, but it’s the reality. That’s why protecting your license isn’t just about winning in court. It’s about preparing for the collateral fallout that can come afterward.
Defending Both Your Case and Your Career
The good news is that with the right strategy, you can often protect both your case and your license. Here’s how:
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Fight for dismissals without admissions: Avoid plea deals that involve admitting to violent conduct. Even if you avoid jail, that admission could haunt your license.
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Negotiate carefully: Sometimes prosecutors will agree to modify charges or allow you to enter diversion programs that look less damaging to a board.
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Coordinate with professional counsel: For doctors, nurses, and securities professionals, having both a criminal lawyer and a professional licensing lawyer can make a huge difference.
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Document your progress: Voluntary counseling, anger management, or therapy can help show both the court and your licensing board that you’re addressing any concerns proactively.
I work closely with professionals to ensure that every step we take in court also protects their ability to continue working in the career they have built.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to report my arrest to my licensing board?
It depends on your profession. Nurses, doctors, and securities professionals usually do. Teachers may not report directly but often face employer reporting. Lawyers must disclose felonies.
2. Will I lose my license if my case is dismissed?
Usually not. But many boards can still investigate, and you may need to explain the circumstances.
3. What if my employer finds out?
Employers may suspend or investigate you, especially in fields involving public trust. A strong legal defense can minimize these consequences.
4. How does the Family Violence Education Program affect my license?
The Family Violence Education Program can help you avoid a criminal conviction, but it doesn’t erase the fact that you were arrested. Many boards can still see the record of your arrest and program entry, and you may be asked to explain it.
5. Can a lawyer protect both my case and my license?
Yes. An experienced lawyer can build a defense strategy that considers both court outcomes and licensing consequences.
6. Will a protective order affect my ability to work?
It can. If the order restricts you from returning home and you share that address with a spouse or children, it may create stress that spills into your job. In rare cases, protective orders may even affect your ability to work in certain environments.
7. Do licensing boards care about arrests, or only convictions?
Many boards investigate arrests even without convictions. To them, an arrest raises concerns about judgment, self-control, or safety.
8. Should I tell my boss about my arrest right away?
Not always. Every case is different. Some employers find out automatically, but others may not. The safest move is to talk with your lawyer before making any disclosures.
9. Can I travel for work while my case is pending?
You may need court permission if travel would conflict with bond conditions or protective orders. Professionals who travel frequently for business should raise this with their attorney early.
10. Will the arrest appear on background checks forever?
Even if the case is dismissed, the arrest may still show up on certain checks unless it is expunged. That’s why it’s important to clear your record as soon as you are eligible.
11. What if my spouse doesn’t want to press charges? Will that help my license situation?
Unfortunately, prosecutors — not spouses — control the case. Even if your partner asks for charges to be dropped, the arrest has already happened, and boards may still review it.
12. What can I do right now to protect my career?
The best step is to hire a defense lawyer who understands how criminal cases and professional boards interact. Don’t wait for your board to contact you — be proactive, prepare documentation, and build a strategy that protects both your record and your license.
The Human Side of Professional Consequences
I know how devastating this is. For many of my clients, the thought of jail is frightening, but the thought of losing a nursing license or teaching career is unbearable. Your identity, your stability, your ability to provide for your family — all of it feels like it’s hanging by a thread.
If you’re in this position, I want you to know: you’re not alone, and your career is not automatically over. With the right defense, with the right guidance, there is a path forward.
Call Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer, Today
If you are a doctor, nurse, teacher, lawyer, financial professional, or anyone whose career depends on a license, a domestic violence arrest in Connecticut is more than a criminal case — it’s a threat to your entire future.
I’ve defended professionals in your exact shoes for over 30 years. I know the stakes, and I know how to fight for your freedom, your reputation, and your livelihood.
📞 Call (203) 357-5555 today for a free and confidential consultation. The sooner we talk, the stronger your defense will be.