This is my next article in my series discussing contracting without a license in Phoenix, Arizona. My last article addressed the penalties an Arizona worker may face if engaged in unlicensed contracting. Penalties can include fines, jail time, restitution, a lasting criminal record, and other business-related difficulties. Another point I made is that it is essential to retain legal counsel if you have been cited for this offense as an attorney can provide invaluable help with these matters. In this article, I will discuss the ways in which doing this type of work unlicensed can make it difficult for contractors to obtain work in the future. The long-term consequences of unlicensed work can hurt your future, even if you go on to become licensed. Contact my office today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.
Unlicensed work can have a significant and negative impact on an Arizona worker’s career. Fellow contractors may be less willing to accept an individual’s bids due to prior violations, even if they become licensed. The reason for this is liability. Contractors share at least some level of responsibility for safety and compliance when they work together on a work site. Insurers, bonding companies, and even clients may dislike if a general contractor hires a subcontractor that has a history of performing contract work illegally. Trust and reputation matter a lot in the contracting industry. The reality is that many contractors will hire someone with no history of violations over someone with such a record. The risk may not be worth the quality of work.
Contractor license records are publicly accessible online through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). Complaints or citations for unlicensed work may be visible to potential clients. People who are looking for a good contractor may find someone’s business online. In an attempt to make sure they are hiring someone they can trust, they access the contractor’s ROC file. Discovering a past violation for unlicensed contracting may cast doubt in their minds about the contractor’s trustworthiness, credibility, and professionalism. They might cross the contractor off their list of possibilities, even if their license is now in good standing. A single violation can follow an individual throughout their entire career because we live in a digital world where information is easy to find.
Employers in the contracting industry may not want to hire someone with a history of unlicensed work as this could cause their insurance costs to increase and put their business’s reputation on the line. Again, accessing licensing history is a few clicks away for both potential clients and employers. A past violation may be a barrier that keeps a reputable employer from extending an employment offer. For example, consider a large construction firm that is preparing to bid on an upcoming project. They are reviewing applicants for a site supervisor position. One candidate has a solid resume and references, but a quick search reveals a violation for unlicensed contracting from years prior. The firm decides to hire a candidate with a clean record even though that person has a less impressive resume.
An attorney can help a worker who is facing an investigation or complaint in several ways such as:
- Responding to complaints from the ROC
- Resolving or mitigating fines and penalties
- Drafting settlement proposals
- Representing the worker’s interests in court
- Helping an individual meet compliance requirements to avoid future issues
An attorney can also offer advice on how to respond to licensing questions on applications or bids. If you are in need of assistance then Phoenix criminal defense lawyer. My office also services Maricopa County areas like Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Gilbert as well as Pima County residents in Tucson. I look forward to hearing from you.