Like many other professions, contractors in California must be licensed by the Contractors State Licensing Board, a division of the Department of Consumer Affairs (CSLB).  The CSLB is designed to oversee the work contractors do, to try to ensure the quality of work and business practices of contractors.  In addition to requiring and issuing licenses, and taking measures to control licensed contractors, the CSLB conducts sting operations to identify and punish unlicensed contractors.  Penalties can include large fines as well as criminal (both misdemeanor and felony).  The sting operations are becoming increasingly common, as the large fines involved in both the criminal and civil penalties are strong revenue generators for the CSLB.  Additionally, contracting without a license is very common in Los Angeles, giving the government a large pool of potential targets.  The CSLB is aggressive in Los Angeles.  Facing criminal charges of any kind is scary, and can be especially frustrating in contracting without a license cases.  Many attorneys simply do not have the familiarity with the contracting laws and/or business to understand the various levels of proceedings and consequences in contracting cases.

MISDEMEANOR CONTRACTING WITHOUT A LICENSE
Contracting without a license is a misdemeanor in California.  It can carry jail time and fines of up to $15,000.  A conviction for contracting without a license can affect licensing in the future, immigration applications, and finding a job.  If you or a loved one is facing misdemeanor charges for contracting without a license and must appear in court to fight a misdemeanor charge, contact our office for a free consultation.

FELONY CONTRACTING UNDER SOMEONE ELSE'S LICENSE
Though contracting without a license is a misdemeanor, contracting with the use of a licensed contractor's license can be a felony.  Additionally, misrepresenting to consumers that you are a licensed contractor can be a felony.  Felonies carry potential prison time, and can be serious identity theft/fraud cases.

LARGE CIVIL FINES
Business and Professions Code Section 7028.7  gives the CSLB the power to levy very high fines against unlicensed contractors.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION
In addition to criminal and or civil charges against an individual, someone who contracts without a license, with a n expired/suspended license, who allows another to use his/her license, etc. will be subject to disciplinary action by the CSLB.  According to Contractor License Defense Attorney Seth Weinstein, CSLB disciplinary actions can include revocation or denial of a license, suspension, reprimand, large fines, and criminal charges.  The authority for the CSLB's administrative disciplinary actions are found in Business and Professions Code Section 7118.

MORE ON CONSEQUENCES OF CONTRACTING WITHOUT A LICENSE FROM THE CSLB

Contracting without a license is not the crime of the century.  Nevertheless, these charges can have serious consequences.  You deserve an attorney who will fight for you to get the best possible outcome in your case and cares about the way this case will affect your life, both in the short and long run.  If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Los Angeles, call the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar now for a Free Consultation.  818-646-8788.  In most cases, an attorney will answer your call, prepared to answer any questions you may have.  Hopefully you will find this resource helpful, but it is not substitute for legal advice.

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