NY OPD Defense Lawyers

New York has different types of lawyers that handle various cases. There are lawyers that handle several types of cases whereas others specialize in one or a few. As a client, it is always important to choose the right lawyer to represent you.([1])

What is OPD?

OPD is the Office of Professional Discipline within the Department of Education. It was formed to primarily safeguard the public from professional negligence. The office is responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases of professional malpractice in different fields.

In case you find you are accused because of professional negligence, the best thing is to ensure that you have an OPD defense lawyer to represent you. Trying to defend yourself or hiring someone who is not experienced in professional negligence law will only deem your chances of winning the case.

OPD Lawyers in New York

OPD lawyers in New York usually represent healthcare workers in the following categories:

• Nurse
• Midwives
• Dentists
• Physical therapists
• Optometric
• Occupational therapists
• Lab clinicians
• Mental health practitioners
• Pharmacists
• Acupuncturists

Besides that, OPD lawyers also represent teachers, accountants, architects among others.

What you need to know about the New York OPD process

The Office of Professional Discipline just like in many other states aims at shielding the public from professional negligence. The office which is under the Department of Education is mandated to investigate and prosecute all cases relating to professional negligence.

Professional misconduct or negligence

Professional misconduct or negligence is termed by the law as practicing contrary to the terms set by a particular profession. Below are the most common types of professional misconduct:

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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• Being convicted of any criminal activity
• Operating beyond one’s designated scope of practice
• Failing to keep proper records
• Fraudulent practice
• Negligence or incompetence in one or more instances
• Practicing without a license
• Practicing while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Allowing another person to practice without a license
• Sharing of unauthorized documents

How professional negligence cases are conducted

The Office of Professional Discipline has several offices across the state. When a complaint is raised in the main office, it is usually referred to local offices located in different parts of the state. The office receives more than 10,000 cases yearly.

OPD has investigators who take up the matter once it reaches the office. It is also required to inform the person being investigated through an official letter or email about the case and can demand an interview or documents from the accused.

It is upon the investigators from the OPD to investigate the matter and decide whether to close the case or escalate move it further for prosecution. In case the prosecution fails to find adequate evidence on alleged negligence, the case will definitely be closed. However, if the investigators are able to get watertight evidence, the case will proceed to prosecution.

One member from the professional body together with the prosecuting attorney will be the once to decide whether to move on with the case or not. At this point, the accused person has two options that he or she can take.

The first option is to proceed to a full hearing and defend themselves against the accusations. The second one is to come into terms with the state and accept responsibility for the professional negligence which is similar to a plea bargain in a normal trial.

Deciding on which option to take might not be easy. It’s only an experienced OPD attorney that will be able to assess the situation and make an informed decision.

Potential penalties for professional misconduct

The most severe penalty one can get from professional misconduct is a revocation of their license. This might include conviction of serious crimes such as gross negligence or incompetence, sexual abuse and other serious crimes.

What should you do when being investigated by the OPD?

It is always recommended to hire an OPD lawyer immediately you receive a notification from the investigating officer. The person you choose to handle your case will play a crucial in determining the outcome of the whole case.

Ensure that you choose a lawyer who has enough experience with regard to professional negligence cases. Besides that, it is not enough just to check on their website – ensure that you call and arrange for a physical meeting to understand them better.