ICRC – Disciplinary Hearing Committee Defence Lawyers Representing Medical Professionals across Ontario.
Your Professional College will also have a lawyer to prosecute the case against you. An experienced lawyer representing you will be able to speak with the prosecuting lawyer in advance of a Discipline Hearing in order to determine whether a negotiated resolution is possible. The earlier this is done, the better. The timing of a resolution can impact any financial penalty or costs ordered against you. You are also entitled to have a Pre-Hearing Conference, where you and your lawyer can meet with the College’s lawyer before one member of the Discipline Committee to discuss the potential issues and prospects of resolving your case. It is crucial you obtain legal assistance for these matters to deal directly with the College and do everything possible to negotiate the best outcome.
Should your matter proceed to a contested hearing, it will be before the Discipline Committee, which is made up of members of your profession, as well as members of the general public. Discipline hearings are generally open to the public. The Discipline Committee hears opening and closing statements and testimony from witnesses and arguments from lawyers, just like a trial. The Discipline Committee then makes findings of both fact and law.
The Discipline Committee has to decide, on a balance of probabilities, whether the College has proven the allegations of professional misconduct against you
A Discipline Committee has the power to:
- Revoke your licence;
- Suspend your licence;
- Imposed terms, conditions or limitations on your licence;
- Issue a reprimand;
- Order you to pay a fine; and
- Order you to pay costs of the investigation and hearing
Like any other trial, you should have a lawyer representing you as soon as you are notified that your matter is being referred to the Discipline Committee. The lawyers at Damien Frost & Associates LLP have extensive experience representing clients before Discipline Committees. Whether you want to resolve or fight the allegations made against you, the lawyers at Damien Frost & Associates LLP are here to help.
If you have received a Notice of Hearing or believe you may be the subject of Disciplinary Proceedings at your Professional College, click here to contact our firm for a free consultation..
