Facts: RC hired firm after his application for licensure was denied. The denial was based on RC’s very serious and violent felony conviction. Based on the conviction the Board felt that he did not meet the requisite factors demonstrating rehabilitation. RC hired firm to represent him during his SOAH hearing.
Outcome: During the hearing the firm had RC testify to his criminal conduct and how he had changed. He testified about his conduct while in prison and all the vocational and corrective programs and certifications he completed. RC took responsibility for his prior conduct and demonstrated an understanding of his mistake. The firm then had three witnesses who worked with RC at a plumbing company after his release from prison testify to his character, work ethic and knowledge of his past conviction. All three testified that they were acutely aware of the conviction and still felt that RC would make a great license holder. The firm then cross examined the Board’s only witness and through her testimony demonstrated that the Board was not looking at all the factors and merely denying the application based on the seriousness of the violent felony conviction. After analysis of the evidence presented the judge issued a proposal for decision that found that the Board should approve RC’s application.