Criminal Defense for Dentists in California – Protecting Your License, Your Practice, and Your Future

Arrested or Investigated as a Dentist in Southern California? Here’s What You Need to Know

Being a licensed dentist in California means years of education, training, and dedication. But one criminal accusation can jeopardize everything — your license, your practice, and your livelihood. Whether you are facing allegations in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, or San Bernardino County, a criminal charge doesn’t just carry the risk of jail time or fines — it can trigger professional discipline with the Dental Board of California, destroy your reputation, and threaten your entire career.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we understand that dentists facing criminal investigations have more at stake than the average defendant. We combine aggressive criminal defense representation with a strategic approach to protecting your professional license and reputation. If you are searching for experienced counsel for criminal defense for dentists in California, our team is here to fight for you.

What Is Criminal Defense for Dentists in California?

Criminal defense for dentists is more than defending against criminal charges — it is about safeguarding a dentist’s professional license, practice, and future. Criminal allegations, whether related to patient care, prescription practices, financial matters, or personal conduct, can lead to:

• Criminal charges in state or federal court
• Board investigations and disciplinary proceedings
• Mandatory reporting obligations under California law
• Collateral consequences such as loss of insurance contracts, exclusion from Medi-Cal, or reputational harm

Dentists facing charges require a defense team that understands not only the criminal justice system but also the regulatory and professional implications.

Common Criminal Charges Dentists Face in California

1. Prescription Drug & Controlled Substance Offenses

• Prescription fraud / forgery (Health & Safety Code §§ 11153, 11173)
• Unlawful prescribing of controlled substances
• Possession for sale of narcotics or controlled substances
• Diversion of opioids or sedatives

2. Insurance & Financial Crimes

• Insurance fraud (Penal Code § 550)
• Medi-Cal or Medicare billing fraud
• Embezzlement from a practice or business partner
• False claims or overbilling allegations

3. Professional Misconduct Allegations

• Sexual misconduct with patients or staff
• Inappropriate relationships affecting patient care
• Boundary violations

4. General Criminal Allegations

• DUI arrests (Vehicle Code § 23152) — which can trigger mandatory license reporting
• Domestic violence charges (Penal Code § 273.5, § 243(e)(1))
• Assault, battery, or harassment
• Firearms-related charges

Each of these charges can not only bring criminal penalties but also disciplinary action by the Dental Board of California — up to and including license suspension or revocation.

Potential Penalties for Dentists Facing Criminal Charges

The penalties depend on the type and severity of the charge. Dentists may face:

• Criminal consequences: jail or prison time, probation, fines, restitution orders, community service, mandatory counseling or treatment.
• Professional consequences: license suspension or revocation, mandatory reporting to the National Practitioner Data Bank, exclusion from insurance panels, reputational damage.
• Collateral consequences: immigration issues for non-citizen dentists, difficulty obtaining hospital privileges, loss of DEA registration.

Defenses in Criminal Cases Involving Dentists

At Power Trial Lawyers, we build customized defenses tailored to the facts of your case. Common strategies include:

Self-Defense or Justification

If the conduct alleged arose out of a patient or staff confrontation, the use of force may have been lawful.

Lack of Criminal Intent

Many prescription or billing cases hinge on intent. We argue errors in documentation or coding do not equal fraud.

False Allegations or Misunderstandings

Personal disputes, business rivalries, or disgruntled patients can lead to false accusations.

Fourth Amendment Violations

Improper searches of patient records, computers, or DEA files may lead to evidence being suppressed.

Expert Testimony

We retain respected medical and dental experts to challenge the prosecution’s claims about standard of care, prescribing practices, or billing.

Why Dentists Need a Specialized Criminal Defense Attorney

Dentists cannot afford a “generalist” approach. The right lawyer must:

• Understand California criminal defense law.
• Be experienced with healthcare licensing and regulatory boards.
• Know how to navigate parallel proceedings (criminal case + Dental Board investigation).
• Anticipate collateral consequences such as insurance panel exclusions and DEA registration suspensions.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we provide this unique, integrated defense. We have defended professionals across Southern California — from Los Angeles County (CCB, Van Nuys, LAX, Compton courthouses) to Orange County (Central Justice Center in Santa Ana) and into Riverside and San Bernardino courts.

How Power Trial Lawyers Protects Dentists

When you retain us, we:

• Conduct an immediate investigation to preserve evidence and witness testimony.
• File motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence.
• Work with experts to analyze prescription or billing practices.
• Negotiate strategically with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges.
• Defend your professional license before the Dental Board of California.
• Provide full confidentiality to protect your reputation.

Related Practice Areas

Many dentists face charges overlapping with other criminal defense categories. Learn more about our defense services:

• Firearms Charges Defense in California
• General Criminal Defense in Los Angeles & Orange County
• Criminal Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief
• DUI Defense in Southern California

FAQs – Criminal Defense for Dentists in California

Can a criminal conviction cost me my dental license?
Yes. Even misdemeanors may trigger Board discipline, including suspension or revocation.

Do I have to report my arrest to the Dental Board?
Yes. Dentists have mandatory reporting obligations. Failure to report can be an independent ground for discipline.

Can Power Trial Lawyers defend me in both criminal court and before the Dental Board?
Absolutely. We handle both the criminal case and the professional licensing defense.

What if I’m accused of prescription fraud but it was an honest mistake?
Many cases stem from record-keeping or coding errors. We can argue lack of criminal intent.

I was arrested for DUI — will this affect my license?
Yes. A DUI can lead to Board discipline, especially if it involves substance abuse concerns. Immediate legal representation is critical.

Take Action Now – Protect Your License and Your Future

If you are a dentist in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, or San Bernardino County and you are facing a criminal investigation or charge, your future is on the line. You need more than just a defense attorney — you need a legal team that understands both the criminal courts and the Dental Board of California.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we are committed to protecting your freedom, your reputation, and your career. Contact us for a free consultation.

Call us today at (888) 808-2179 for a confidential consultation.

Don’t wait — the earlier we step in, the stronger your defense will be.