State officials are investigating allegations of financial irregularities at the College of DuPage.
A self-appointed watchdog group claims that the college has ties with a West Chicago vendor that includes no-bid contracts and other improper relationships. The organization’s latest claim is that the vendor has no licensed architect, even though the firm provides these professional services. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations is currently in the midst of a yearlong investigation, having determined in February 2015 that there was sufficient evidence to believe that wrongdoing may have occurred.
For their part, both the college and vendor claim that all contracts were carried out in accordance with relevant state laws.
IDFPR Functions
This agency has the power to investigate and prosecute misconduct claims against many professional license holders. The list includes:
- Financial professionals, such as accountants, real estate brokers, and mortgage brokers,
- Medical professionals, including doctors, dentists, nurses, and social workers,
- Business professionals, like funeral directors, alarm contractors, and private investigators, and
- Personal service professionals, like barbers, cosmetologists, and masseuses.
Altogether, over 240 different professions fall under the IDFPR’s purview.
This agency also controls licensing procedures for many of these professions. Although most statutes include provisions for special accommodations, as a rule of thumb, licensing authorities are unwilling to grant such accommodations absent substantial evidence of need and a full-time advocate to press the matter.
Procedure
Most of the IDFPR’s responsibility involves licensing complaints; these complaints typically involve some sort of professional or financial negligence. In some instances, there may be a screening procedure that filters out meritless complaints, but in most cases, all allegations against any professional license are treated with equal diligence.
Some of the more common matters include:
- Licensing Issues: A missed payment or late filing often triggers the automatic suspension of a professional license.
- Lack of Competence: Miscommunications and fee disputes often give rise to allegations of negligence or similar items.
- Recordkeeping Infractions: These cases are especially common among financial professionals, when a forgotten client from several years ago suddenly resurfaces to demand information.
The penalties vary by profession and offense, but nearly always include large fines and permanent license revocation.
IDFPR Procedure
Normally, an IDFPR investigation begins with a letter to the professional that states the nature of the complaint. That notice nearly always demands a formal written response and often requests relevant documentation.
Near the conclusion of the investigation, which may take a number of months, there will be a resolution event, which is generally an:
- Informal Conference: In some cases, the principals meet in something of a mediation session to determine an outcome.
- Administrative Hearing: This procedure is more akin to a trial, but it takes place in front of a hearing officer as opposed to a judge or jury.
In either event, appeal to the circuit and appellate courts is normally an option.
Contact Experienced License Defense Attorneys
An allegation of professional misconduct has serious implications for you and your family. From their Schaumburg office, the attorneys at Glasgow & Olsson provide effective representation in this area. Call today for a confidential consultation.