professional license

Licensed acupuncturists in California play a crucial role in promoting health and well-being among those who are seeking alternative pathways to wellness. However, they are also held to high standards of ethical conduct and professional boundaries. When it is perceived that these boundaries have been crossed, sometimes it can do more than jeopardize one’s license–it may sometimes result in criminal charges, as well. If you’re a practicing acupuncturist in California, the specter of criminal charges could threaten not only your career but also your freedom. Let’s break down some of the most common criminal charges acupuncturists might encounter, examples of issues that could lead to these charges, and legal defenses that might apply.

Sexual Misconduct (PC 243.4, 261, 289)

Sexual misconduct allegations are among the most serious charges an acupuncturist can face because they allege that you engaged in sexual acts under the pretense of treatment. For example, claims that a practitioner intentionally touched a patient’s intimate areas without consent, or misrepresented a sexual act as part of therapy, could lead to charges of sexual battery (PC 243.4), forcible sexual penetration (PC 289), or even rape (PC 261). These offenses are classified as felonies, and convictions could result in prison time, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and permanent loss of licensure.

Physicians dedicate their lives to caring for others, but they also face immense responsibility and are held to strict legal and ethical standards. When criminal allegations arise, as they sometimes do, it can be a profoundly distressing and overwhelming experience, putting a doctor’s career, reputation, and even freedom at risk. In California, medical professionals may encounter legal challenges under various penal codes, addressing offenses such as fraud, prescription drug violations, sexual misconduct, and, in rare cases, even manslaughter.

If you are a physician practicing in California, it’s helpful to be aware of some of the specific criminal charges to which you could be susceptible–both for the purpose of avoiding those behaviors and to know how/when to defend yourself if these charges arise through misunderstandings, false accusations, etc. We’ve provided an overview of some of these statutes below.

Fraud & Financial Crimes

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