Healthcare Case Results
Impairment / Unprofessional Conduct
JF, an EMT, was accused of impairment and unprofessional conduct based on convictions for DUI and battery. However, the client submitted to an evaluation by a PRN-qualified psychiatrist who found that she was safe to practice as an EMT. This evaluation was provided to the Department and the probable cause panel subsequently found that discipline was not warranted. Case dismissed.
CASE DISMISSED
Felony Offenses
MT is a registered nurse who was arrested for numerous felony offenses, including battery on a law enforcement officer. A response explaining the circumstances of the arrest and the significant mitigating evidence was provided to the Board of Nursing, causing them to find no probable cause of a violation. Case dismissed.
CASE DISMISSED
Nursing Home Neglect
PJ is a registered nurse who was accused of practicing below the standard of care, etc. based on the elopement of a patient from a nursing home. A detailed response contradicting the facts alleged by the facility was provided to the Department along with witness accounts of the incident. Case dismissed.
CASE DISMISSED
Unlicensed Practice
JC is an aesthetician who was accused of the unlicensed practice of medicine based on her use of a non-invasive device to treat epidermal imperfections. She was issued a cease and desist order by the Department of Health. Details regarding the device in question, information contradicting claims made in the complaint, and numerous letters of reference were provided to the Department. The case was dismissed by the Department.
CASE DISMISSED
DUI
KT is a RN whose application for licensure by endorsement was twice denied before retaining our firm based on an out-of-state DUI conviction. Once retained, we filed a petition appealing the denial of her application. After a hearing, KT was granted a full and unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse in Florida.
LICENSE GRANTED
Sexual Misconduct
CB is board certified medical doctor who was accused of failing to keep records justifying the course of treatment and sexual misconduct. After submitting a detailed response to the Department of Health highlighting witness credibility issues, the Board of Medicine declined filing an administrative complaint and issued a letter of guidance. Case dismissed.
CASE DISMISSED
Falsified Employment Application
LV (unrelated to above) is a CNA who was accused of submitting a falsified/altered employment application. After submitting a response to the Department of Health explaining the discrepancies, the Board of nursing met and a found no probable cause of a violation existed. Case dismissed.
CASE DISMISSED
Drug Diversion
LV is an RN who was accused of diverting drugs. After submitting a response to the department of health contradicting key facts of their investigation, the Board of Nursing met and found no probable cause of a violation. Case dismissed. Another complaint was submitted based on a DUI arrest for the same client. That case was also dismissed.
CASE DISMISSED
Accused of Stealing Narcotics
TD is a registered nurse who was accused of stealing narcotics from a patient. After submitting a response to the department of health, the board of nursing met and a found no probable cause of a violation existed and the case was dismissed.
CASE DISMISSED
Nursing License Suspension
SW is a LPN whose out of state nursing license was suspended for three years based on felony convictions in that state. A hearing with the Board of Nursing was held during which the Department of Health recommend a three year suspension of her Florida license. After reviewing the client’s mitigation information and hearing argument, the Board voted to place SW on probation for two years, allowing her to practice nursing in Florida.
2 YEARS PROBATION
Failing to Report Criminal Conviction
HM is a nurse who was accused of failing to perform legal/statutory obligation by failing to report a criminal conviction. The Probable Cause Panel met and after reviewing the complaint and investigative report, it was determined that instead of finding probable cause, the case was dismissed with a letter of guidance.
CASE DISMISSED
DUI
Client, EL, a registered nurse, was convicted of a DUI. FDOH closed the case prior to being sent to the Probable Cause Panel. Case closed.
CASE DISMISSED
Failing to Report Patient Abuse
FDOH received a complaint alleging abuse to a patient at a rehabilitation center. RM was accused of failing to report and to accurately report this incident. After submitting facts and supporting documentation to FDOH, the case was taken to PCP and closed after no probable cause found.
COMPLAINT DISMISSED
Failing to Report Patient Abuse
FDOH received a complaint alleging abuse to a patient at a rehabilitation center and LC was accused of failing to report and to accurately report this incident. After submitting facts and supporting documentation to DOH, the case was taking to PCP and closed after no probable cause found.
COMPLAINT DISMISSED
Patient Abuse and Inadequate Supervision
ML was accused of moving a patient who required a two-person transfer and inadequate supervision of this patient. The patient suffered a fractured leg and ML was accused of causing the break. After submitting facts and supporting documentation to DOH, the case was taking to PCP and closed after no probable cause found.
COMPLAINT DISMISSED
Standard of Care Violation
Client JH, a dentist, was accused of delivering numerous substandard dentures to a patient. Records disputing the claim and demonstrating outstanding care by the client were submitted, as well of proof of sterling reputation. Dismissed by PCP.
CASE DISMISSED
Impairment While On Duty
Client DH, a registered nurse, was accused of impairment while on duty. Breathalyzer result taken at work was indicative of impairment. Client completed a safety to practice examination, which was submitted to DOH in addition to further documentation of client’s sterling reputation and supporting facts. Case dismissed by PCP.
CASE DISMISSED
DUI
Client LS, a pharmacist, failed to report a DUI conviction. After submitting proof of client’s safety to practice, the case was dismissed.
CASE DISMISSED
Failure to Properly Destroy Controlled Substances, Inadequate Record Keeping
Client VP, a pharmacist, was accused of providing controlled substances and other medications to a former patient. Settlement Agreement reached requiring only payment of costs, $500 fine, and 12 hours continuing education.
SETTLEMENT REACHED
Misdiagnosis, Excessive Treatment, Abandonment/Neglect of Patient
Client AD, a registered nurse, was accused of these violations. Facts and supporting documentation sent to DOH. Case dismissed prior to submission to PCP.
CASE DISMISSED
Abuse, Abandonment/Neglect of Patient
Client FE, an LPN, was accused of abuse and neglect. After submitting facts and supporting documentation to DOH, the case was dismissed prior to submission to PCP.
CASE DISMISSED
DUI
Client MA, a registered nurse, was convicted of a DUI. After submitting proof of his ability to practice safely to the Board, his case was dismissed prior to submission to the Probable Cause Panel.
CASE DISMISSED
Impairment, Drug Diversion
Client, GM, a registered nurse, was accused of impairment while on duty and drug diversion. Evidence of excellent reputation and facts disputing claims were submitted to DOH. Case dismissed prior to submission to PCP.
CASE DISMISSED
Registered Nurse Application
Client JP applied to become a registered nurse. Assisted client in submitting application due to criminal history. License issued with no restrictions.
LICENSE ISSUED
Medical Doctor Application by Endorsement
Client JS applied for his medical license by endorsement. Client was previously disciplined by sister state. Assisted client with application, provided documentation of sterling reputation. License granted with no restrictions.
LICENSE ISSUED
Drug Diversion
Client IS, a registered nurse, was accused of several instances of drug diversion, failure to waste controlled substances, and failure to document. Administrative complaint previously filed. Client submitted to safety to practice examination and submitted results to DOH. Client deemed safe to practice. Settlement agreement reached requiring only payment of costs and 24 hours continuing education.
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT REACHED
Failure to Document, Inaccurate Recording, Unprofessional Conduct
Client BT, an ARNP, was accused of failing to document numerous patients’ charts and falsifying others. Provided DOH with witness statements contesting facts of complaint, documentation of correspondence between client and home health care company documenting issues with electronic charting system. Case Dismissed before submission to PCP.
CASE DISMISSED
Fraudulent Representations Made in Course of Nursing, Unprofessional Conduct
Client AE, a registered nurse, obtained a supervising physician’s prescription pad and wrote himself a prescription for a blood pressure medication on several occasions. Provided proof of client’s safety to practice, sterling reputation, and basis for client’s action. Settlement agreement required one year probation, 24 hours continuing education, and payment of costs.
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT REACHED
Failure to Disclose Previous Discipline in Application by Endorsement
Client PA, a physical therapist, failed to disclose previous discipline by sister state in application. Submitted explanation of client’s omission and evidence of sterling reputation. Settlement agreement required only payment of costs and $1000 fine. Letter of concern issued.
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT REACHED
Malpractice, Prescribing Controlled Substances Outside Professional Practice; Failure to Document
Client JP, a board certified OB-GYN, practiced in pain management for a short time and was accused of overprescribing, practicing outside professional practice, and failure to keep legible records justifying course of treatment. Case proceeded to DOAH and formal hearing. Case settled during formal hearing, avoiding license suspension or revocation.
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT REACHED
Accusation of Negligence
Client CD, an LPN, was accused of leaving her place of employment, an assisted living facility, while on duty without notifying a supervisor or verifying the inventory of controlled medications prior to leaving. We provided an explanation and documentation of the circumstances that lead to her departure, along with documentation that, contrary to allegations, her shift had long been over. We also provided witness statements attesting to her considerable efforts to notify supervisors of the situation and that she handled the situation ethically and professionally. Case closed without further action.
CASE DISMISSED
Client, EC is a nurse who was accused of being impaired by alcohol or drugs. The BON probable cause panel determined an administrative complaint was not appropriate.
CASE DISMISSED
Client, SR is a physician who was accused of practicing below the standard of care. The probable cause panel for the Board of Medicine met and determined that a violation did not exist and closed the case.
CASE DISMISSED
Client, TJ is a nurse who was accused of diverting narcotics. The probable cause panel issued a letter of guidance.
CASE DISMISSED
Client, CC is a nurse who was accused of not documenting a waste of a narcotic and self-reported this issue to her employer. The probable cause panel met and issued a letter of guidance.
CASE DISMISSED
Client, WT is a nurse who was accused of falsifying records for financial gain. WT denied all accusations. The probable cause panel issued a letter of guidance.
CASE DISMISSED
State Criminal Case Results
DOCTORS
State v. S.R.
SR is a board certified physician who was accused of practicing below the standard of care. Detailed information contradicting complaint and supporting documents sent to Department of Health. The probable cause panel for the Board of Medicine met and determined that a violation did not exist. Case dismissed.
CASE DISMISSED
NURSES
State v. E.C.
EC is a registered nurse who was accused of being impaired by alcohol or drugs. Information contradicting complaint, supporting documents, and letters of reference sent to Department of Health. Case dismissed.
CASE DISMISSED
State v. T.J.
TJ is a registered nurse who was accused of diverting narcotics. Information contradicting the facts supporting the complaint was sent to the Department of Health. A letter of guidance was issued to the client. Case dismissed.
CASE DISMISSED
State v. C.C.
CC is a registered nurse who was accused of not documenting a waste of a narcotic and self-reported this issue to her employer. Information contradicting the facts of the complaint, supporting documents, and letters of reference were provided to the Department of Health. The probable cause panel met and determined that only a letter of guidance should be issued. Case dismissed.
CASE DISMISSED
State v. W.T.
SR is a board certified physician who was accused of practicing below the standard of care. Detailed information contradicting complaint and supporting documents sent to Department of Health. The probable cause panel for the Board of Medicine met and determined that a violation did not exist. Case dismissed.
CASE DISMISSED
State v. L.G.
LG was on probation for child abuse and was accused of violating her probation. After a hearing, the violation of probation was dismissed.
VIOLATION DISMISSED
State v. B.P.
BP was charged with DUI. BP entered into the 1st Time DUI Offender Program. The charges were reduced to alcohol related reckless driving and was placed on 6 months of probation.
CHARGES REDUCED
State v. R.K.
RK was charged with attempted sexual battery and domestic violence battery. The client was on probation and recently released from prison and his probation was violated. All new charges were dismissed prior to being filed. The violation was dismissed upon motion from the statewide prosecutor. All charges dismissed.
CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. D.W.
DW was arrested and charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle. Proof of the vehicle’s registration was provided to State. Case dismissed prior to charges being filed.
CASE DISMISSED
State v. S.H.
SH was arrested for trafficking in cocaine and $1800 was seized from his person. All charges dismissed prior being filed and all money recovered.
CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. D.A.
DA was arrested for domestic battery and battery by strangulation while on federal probation. All state charges dismissed prior to being filed. Probation was not violated as a result of the dismissal.
CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. R.R.
RR was arrested for grand theft of a controlled substance. Client entered into pretrial intervention program. All charges dismissed.
CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. B.S.
BS was arrested for battery domestic violence. Charges dismissed prior to being filed.
CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. D.L.
DL was arrested for battery domestic violence. Charges dismissed prior to being filed.
CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. J.M.
JM was arrested for possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis. Client entered a plea to misdemeanor possession of cannabis, adjudication was withheld, time served and fines/court costs.
TIME SERVED AND COURT COSTS
State v. S.G.
SG was arrested for possession of cocaine. Client entered a plea of no contest to possession of drug paraphernalia, adjudication was withheld, $1,000 fine and court costs and 25 hours of community service.
FINE, COURT COSTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE
Possession of Marijuana and Paraphernalia
DD was charged with Possession of Not More than 20 Grams of Cannabis and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Adjudication was withheld and she was ordered to pay court costs. No probation ordered.
WH AND COURT COSTS
Robbery and Grand Theft
EK was charged in two separate cases with Robbery and Grand Theft. In the robbery case, witnesses were developed who contradicted the victims’ statements and supporting evidence was provided to the State Attorney. EK eventually plead no contest to one count of petit theft. Adjudication was withheld. EK was placed on one year of supervised probation. The grand theft involved allegedly stealing an ATV. Video evidence showed EK did not take the vehicle. The charge was reduced to trespass in a conveyance. Concurrent probation was ordered.
REDUCED TO MISDEMEANORS
State v. T.A.
Client was charged in two separate cases involving Introduction of Contraband into a County Detention Facility and Possession of LSD. Secured admission into pretrial intervention program on all cases.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. E.B.
Client was charged with Resisting Officer Without Violence. Provided State with evidence that arresting officer’s version of events was dishonest.
CHARGE DISMISSED
State v. B.B.
Client was charged with battery based on a workplace incident. Successfully disputed alleged victim’s allegations.
CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. A.B.
Client was charged with Operating Motor Vehicle Without Valid Driver’s License. United States v. T.B. While on federal property, client was issued a citation for Possession of a Controlled Substance Without Prescription and Possession of Marijuana. The client was fined a total of $300.
CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. B.C.
Client was convicted at trial with other counsel. Motion for post-conviction relief granted.
CLIENT RELEASED FROM PRISON
State v. B.C.
Client was charged with Trafficking in 28 Grams or More of Cocaine based on being in a car with a large amount of visible cocaine.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. M.D.
Client was charged with possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. Client entered a plea to possession of drug paraphernalia. Adjudication was withheld.
HEROIN CHARGE DISMISSED
State v. M.G.
Client was arrested for Stalking. Provided State with text messages and videos showing contact between client and alleged victim. Alleged victim also filed for a domestic violence petition. After an evidentiary hearing, the injunction was dismissed.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. F.P.
Client was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of >20 grams of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. S.K.
Client was charged with Robbery, Battery and Petit Theft. Evidence showed alleged victim’s version of events was false.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. A.M.
Client was charged with Engaging in the Business of a Contractor without being Registered or Certified. Client successfully completed pretrial diversion.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. J.R.
Client was charged with possession of cannabis with intent to sell or deliver, possession or more than 20 grams of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia. Plea agreement reached after motion to suppress filed. Client entered a plea to misdemeanor possession of cannabis and paraphernalia. Client served 60 days jail.
FELONY CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. W.R.
Client was investigated for possession of child pornography. Client submitted to polygraph examination and psychosexual evaluation. Results provided to State and FDLE.
CLIENT NEVER ARRESTED OR CHARGED
State v. M.S.
Client was charged with Robbery with a Firearm and Aggravated Assault. Evidence insufficient to proceed with prosecution of client.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. S.S.
Client was arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Battery on wife and son. Client participated in and successfully completed the Veteran’s Court program.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. L.W.
Client was charged with Petit Theft and resisting officer without violence. Client entered a plea to resisting without violence; adjudication was withheld. 20 days jail.
PETIT THEFT CHARGE DISMISSED
State v. A.Z.
Client was arrested for DUI. Secured admission into pretrial intervention program for client. The court ordered client to complete DUI classes, community service hours, and make a charitable contribution.
CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. A.D.
Client charged with multiple counts of dog fighting based on a raid of his house. All evidence against client suppressed based on lack of probable cause for search. Appellate court affirmed suppression of evidence.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. D.M.
Client charged with DUI (.270 breath alcohol level) and DUI with property damage. Performed poorly on field sobriety exercises. Expert witness established client could not possibly perform FSEs. Challenged reliability of intoxylizer results.
ACQUITTED ON ALL CHARGES
State v. R.W.
Client charged with trafficking in 28 grams or more of cocaine. Officer alleged that cocaine was in plain view on seat next to client during traffic stop.
ACQUITTED ON ALL CHARGES
State v. N.G.
Felony amount of marijuana found in client’s house during search. Client pleaded no contest via written plea to possession of drug paraphernalia.
SENTENCE WAS PAYING COURT COSTS
State v. K.G.
Client convicted of bank robbery and violation of probation for bank robbery. Neuropsychological evaluation performed on client showing significant intellectual disabilities and disadvantaged background. Client sentenced to six year prison sentence. Minimum mandatory sentence required fifteen year prison sentence.
SENTENCE REDUCED
State v. J.R.
DUI charge amended to alcohol related reckless driving. Sentenced to probation. Client later charged with violation of probation based on drug and alcohol use during probation.
VOP DISMISSED
State v. J.C.
Felony scheme to defraud charges reduced to misdemeanor theft and pay restitution to state. Client charged with felony scheme to defraud based on unlawful receipt of unemployment assistance.
CHARGES REDUCED
State v. M.G.
Client was charged with DUI after office witnessed her car swerving violently and driving 25 MPH in a 45 MPH zone. She was hysterical and uncooperative with the officers. She refused to perform field sobriety exercises and refused to provide a breath sample. We proceeded to trial and she was acquitted of all charges by showing that all signs of impairment were due to specific issues having nothing to do with alcohol consumption and her hysterics were not alcohol related; rather, they were due to the end of a long term relationship just minutes before being pulled over by the police.
ACQUITTED OF ALL CHARGES
State v. S.L.
The client was charged with RICO (Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act), trafficking in hydrocodone, delivery of various controlled substances, and conspiracy to traffic in hydrocodone in 2007 in Jacksonville. Two weeks before trial, and after spending eleven years and millions of dollars in the case’s prosecution, the State abruptly dismissed all charges.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. S.G.
Client, SG was arrested for possession of cocaine. Charges reduced to possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor, adjudication was withheld. Sentence included $1,000 fine, court costs and 25 hours of community service. No probation.
NO PROBATION
State v. J.M.
Client, JM was arrested for possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis. Client entered a plea to misdemeanor possession of cannbis, adjudication was withheld. Client sentenced to time served and fines/court costs.
SENTENCE WAS TIME SERVED AND PAYING COURT COSTS
State v. D.L.
Client, DL was arrested for battery domestic violence. All charges were dismissed.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. B.S.
Client, BS was arrested for battery domestic violence. All charges were dismissed.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. R.R.
Client, RR was arrested for grand theft of a controlled substance. Client entered into pretrial intervention program. All charges dismissed.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. D.A.
Client, DA was arrested for battery by strangulation. All charges dismissed.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
State v. D.W.
Client, DW, was arrested for grant theft auto. All charges dismissed.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
Federal Criminal Case Results
USA v. H.J.
HJ was indicted in federal court and charged with bankruptcy fraud. At sentencing, 6 counts of the indictment were dismissed and HJ was sentenced to 2 years of probation, restitution, and 40 hours of community service.
2 YEARS PROBATION / 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE
USA v. V.Y.
Client VY was under investigation by the Secret Service for money laundering. After presenting our case, the Secret Service determined an investigation was no longer warranted. No charges filed.
NO CHARGES FILED
USA v. S.B.
Client charged with conspiracy to distribute 1000 grams of cocaine. Financial and other records shown to Government disputing theory of client’s involvement and cooperating witness’s translation of client’s statements to FBI agent shown to be inaccurate.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
USA v. J.P.
Client investigated for money laundering and defrauding U.S. government.
NO CHARGES FILED
USA v. J.C.
Client arrested for conspiracy to distribute 1000 grams or more of cocaine and marijuana. Evidence shown to Government that client did not willfully possess cocaine or marijuana. Client pleaded guilty to misdemeanor marijuana possession.
MISDEMEANOR
USA v. S.R.
Client charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana in Georgia-Florida scheme. Client received neuropsychological evaluation providing court with significant mitigation on which to base considerable sentence reduction. Client received sentence 40 percent below guideline range.
SENTENCED 40% BELOW GUIDELINE RANGE
USA v. L.W.
Client charged with possession of 500 grams or more of cocaine and marijuana with intent to distribute. Provided government with evidence that client was not in possession of drugs in jointly occupied car.
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
USA v. G.S.
Client investigated for mortgage fraud. Client determined to be witness rather than conspirator.
NO CHARGES FILED
USA v. D.S.
Client investigated for making false statements under oath and bribery. Bribery allegations found to be unwarranted. Civil settlement reached with United States Attorney.
NO CHARGES FILED
USA v. G.C.
Client involved in running “Miracle” investing club, which was a ponzi scheme run by another individual. Provided government with client’s personal and business financial records and explanation of his role in business. Client determined to be witness and not conspirator.
NO CHARGES FILED
USA v. D.C.
Client was involved in Daytona-area drug trafficking scheme. Client’s disadvantaged youth and history provided court with significant mitigation for sentence reduction. Client received sentence 65 percent below guideline range.
SENTENCED 65% BELOW GUIDELINE RANGE
USA v. B.T.
Client was involved in scheme shipping large quantities of marijuana through U.S. Mail and common carriers. Client received two year probationary sentence.
2 YEARS PROBATION
USA v. H.J.
Client, HJ, was prosecuted in federal court for bankruptcy fraud. Client sentenced to two years of probation.
2 YEARS PROBATION
USA v. W.A.
WA was indicted in federal court and charged with possession of equipment to produce credit cards. WA was sentenced to 9 months prison, 18 months less than his codefendant.
9 MONTHS PRISON