Teachers, professors, and school administrators hold positions built on trust and responsibility. Parents rely on K–12 educators to protect and guide their children, while college students depend on instructors for leadership and mentorship. When an educator is accused of a crime, that trust is shaken, and the consequences can extend far beyond the criminal courtroom. A criminal investigation involving a teacher or school employee often leads to a separate review by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). This state agency has the authority to investigate, suspend, or revoke teaching credentials based on certain arrests or convictions. As a result, a single allegation can threaten not only your freedom but also your career and livelihood. If you’re facing any allegation of misconduct or wrongdoing, please don’t hesitate to contact a dedicated school official & teacher criminal defense lawyer from Cohen Criminal Law today.
How Criminal Charges Affect a Teaching Credential
The CTC closely monitors arrests and convictions involving credentialed educators. Even before a criminal case concludes, the Commission may open an investigation into your fitness to teach. Certain offenses, particularly those involving sex crimes, drug charges, or acts of violence, carry automatic or mandatory consequences under California law.
Crimes That Can Lead to Automatic Revocation
- Sex offenses defined in Education Code §44010, including those requiring registration under Penal Code §290
- Drug-related convictions listed in Education Code §44011
- Serious or violent felonies under Education Code §44424
Conviction of any of these offenses can result in the immediate loss of your teaching credential and permanent disqualification from receiving another one.
Other Convictions and Discretionary Action
For other types of crimes, such as misdemeanors or nonviolent felonies, the CTC has discretion to suspend or revoke credentials if it finds that the offense makes the educator “unfit to teach.” This determination can depend on factors like the nature of the crime, the educator’s conduct since the offense, and the potential risk to students.
It’s also important to understand that the Commission can still take action even after a case is dismissed, expunged, or resolved through diversion.
Why Immediate Legal Representation Matters
If you’re a teacher or school employee facing criminal charges, it’s critical to speak with a Red Bluff criminal defense lawyer who understands both the criminal process and the CTC’s disciplinary system. The stakes are unique in these cases; your reputation, employment, and professional license are all on the line.
A “conviction” for disciplinary purposes isn’t limited to a guilty verdict. The CTC treats guilty pleas, no contest pleas, and verdicts by a judge or jury as grounds for disciplinary review. Even if you complete a diversion program or have your record cleared later, the CTC may still move forward with its own sanctions.
How Cohen Criminal Law Defends Educators
At Cohen Criminal Law, attorney Gregg Cohen represents teachers, administrators, and public employees across California who are under investigation or facing criminal prosecution. With decades of experience handling cases involving both criminal charges and parallel credentialing reviews, Gregg Cohen knows how to protect your rights at every stage. His approach includes:
- Managing both the court case and the CTC inquiry simultaneously
- Communicating proactively with investigators and licensing officials
- Building persuasive defenses that emphasize rehabilitation and professional integrity
- Seeking outcomes that safeguard your freedom, career, and teaching credentials
A skilled defense attorney doesn’t just fight in the courtroom; they help you present your best case before both the judge and the Commission, aiming for fairness and the chance to continue your professional life.
Speak With a California School Official & Teacher Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are an educator being investigated or charged with a crime, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Protect your career, your license, and your future by contacting Cohen Criminal Law today.
Call (530) 527-1972 to speak directly with Attorney Gregg Cohen about your case and learn how he can help defend your rights and your reputation.