If you are considering applying for a professional license in Wisconsin but have a conviction in your past, you may be wondering whether it will prevent you from getting licensed. You may not have to wait until you submit your full license application to find out.
Wisconsin offers an optional predetermination review that allows certain applicants to have their conviction record reviewed before formally applying for a credential. This can give you valuable information about a potential licensing issue before you invest more time into the application process.
While the application for predetermination may look straightforward, what you submit can matter. If you are concerned about how your background could affect your ability to get licensed, Callahan Law can help you prepare your predetermination request and supporting documentation.
What Is a Wisconsin Predetermination Review?
A Wisconsin predetermination review is an optional step available before applying for certain professional credentials through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The process allows someone with a conviction record to ask whether that record would disqualify them from receiving a specific credential.
In other words, you can address the conviction issue before submitting your full professional license application. This can be particularly useful if you are planning a career that requires a Wisconsin credential and are concerned that something in your past could create a licensing problem.
Why Request a Predetermination Before Applying for a Wisconsin License?
Going through school, training, examinations and the licensing process can require a significant investment of time and money. If you already know that a past conviction could become an issue, a predetermination review gives you an opportunity to address that concern earlier. Wisconsin generally looks at whether the circumstances of a conviction are substantially related to the circumstances of the licensed activity. Certain professions can also have different or additional standards for convictions.
A predetermination gives DSPS the opportunity to review your conviction record in relation to the specific credential you are considering. It can give you a clearer picture of where you stand before moving forward with the full application.
What Do You Need for a Wisconsin Predetermination Application?
A predetermination request involves more than simply telling DSPS that you have a conviction. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide certified court records and other documentation related to the offense. DSPS materials indicate that these records may include a judgment of conviction, criminal complaint, police or incident report, court-ordered assessment records and other relevant documents.
Older cases can create another challenge. You may discover that records are no longer available because of how much time has passed. DSPS provides a process for addressing unavailable records, which can include a personal statement and confirmation from the appropriate agency or records custodian.
Callahan Law Can Help Prepare Your Wisconsin Predetermination Review
If you are unsure what records you need, how to obtain them or how to address your conviction, Callahan Law can help you prepare your Wisconsin predetermination request. Our team can review your background and the credential you are seeking, help gather the necessary records and prepare explanations and supporting documentation for your submission.
Rather than approaching a sensitive part of your background without knowing what information is important, you can have an attorney help you put together a complete request that addresses the issues DSPS will be reviewing.
Does a Favorable Wisconsin Predetermination Guarantee a License?
A favorable predetermination is not the same as receiving a professional license. If DSPS determines that your conviction record would not disqualify you from the specific credential, you will still need to complete the actual credential application and meet the other licensing requirements.
You will also still need to disclose the required conviction information as part of that process. A predetermination addresses the potential impact of your conviction record. It does not replace the professional licensing process itself.
Get Help With a Wisconsin License Predetermination
A past conviction does not always mean you should give up on pursuing a professional license in Wisconsin. The predetermination process gives eligible applicants a way to address that issue before submitting their full licensing application.
Callahan Law helps professionals prepare Wisconsin predetermination applications and address licensing concerns involving their backgrounds. If you are considering applying for a Wisconsin professional license and are worried that a conviction could stand in your way, contact our team for a free consultation about your situation.
