Anaheim Contractor Licensing & CSLB Defense Lawyer

Anaheim Contractor Licensing & CSLB Defense Attorney

California contractors work in one of the nation’s most highly regulated industries. A complaint or CSLB investigation can put your license, your business, and your reputation on the line. If you are under investigation, an Anaheim contractor licensing & CSLB defense lawyer can help. We understand the complexity of contractor licensing & CSLB defense laws and can help contractors who need to respond to an investigation or defend their license.

About Engels-Janzen

The attorneys at Engels-Janzen bring a unique combination of real-world construction experience and comprehensive legal knowledge. Founding attorney Christopher Engels is a licensed contractor with over 25 years of experience in jobsite management, government compliance, and construction business operations. Partner Sean Janzen has significant experience in both state and federal litigation and at the appellate level.

Together, they provide clients with accurate, compassionate, and aggressive advocacy before the CSLB, whether the client is a responding party to a CSLB complaint or subject to an administrative action by the CSLB. The Engels-Janzen team regularly represents clients in Anaheim and throughout Orange County, including the Orange County Superior Court – Central Justice Center and the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach. 

Understanding Contractor Licensing Laws

Contractors, even licensed ones, can face a range of issues, such as paperwork mistakes to client issues, which can snowball into contractor licensing cases with the CSLB. Your most effective defense emerges from knowledge of contractor licensing laws and CSLB defense regulations, combined with an attorney who knows the local court system.

California law (Business & Professions Code §§7000–7191) states that any person who does construction work worth $500 or more must have a valid CSLB license. The Board authorizes licenses and reviews complaints against licensees to maintain industry standards and safeguard the public. Some common violations of licensing laws include:

• Performing work without a valid license
• Accepting a down payment over the legally allotted amount
• Not having proper permits
• Abandoning a project
• Breaching a contract

The CSLB 2024 Accomplishments and Activities Report states that the state has 285,120 licensed contractors. There were also 48 maintained licensing exams and 116,137 online renewals. 

What To Do When You Receive a Complaint

Getting a CSLB complaint served to you can be an extremely unnerving experience. The most important thing to do is to take action right away. Read the complaint carefully and gather any and all documents that pertain to the subject of the complaint. This includes contracts, invoices, correspondence, change orders, permits, and even photos of the job in question. 

Also, it is important that you do not talk to the person who has filed the complaint against you. Once the process is in motion, you do not want to give them any opportunity to make another statement that can be used to make your defense more difficult.

CSLB will give you a certain amount of time in which to respond to the complaint, usually between 15 and 30 days. It is critical that you respond in a timely manner. If you do not, CSLB will probably take a default against you or possibly even suspend your license. An experienced Anaheim Contractor Licensing & CSLB Defense Attorney can ensure your response is on time and accurate. 

Why Hire a Contractor Licensing & CSLB Defense Lawyer

Protecting your license involves more than construction experience. It requires a firm grasp of CSLB rules, administrative law, and local court procedures. An Anaheim contractor licensing & CSLB defense attorney can answer the complaint, represent you at the hearing, and guide you through the appeals process while ensuring all regulations are followed.

At Engels-Janzen, our attorneys combine years of construction experience with a proven track record of legal success. We can assist our clients in negotiating a settlement, fighting citations, defending against accusations, and preventing future violations. When you hire a contractor licensing & CSLB defense lawyer, you can protect your business, maintain your professional reputation, and have peace of mind knowing your defense is in good hands.

FAQs

Can My Son Take Over My California Contractor’s License?

No, a contractor’s license in California is not automatically transferable to a family member, including a son. The license is issued to a specific individual or business entity, and the holder must meet experience, exam, and bonding requirements. If a family member wants to take over the license, they have to apply for a new license and meet all CSLB requirements.

What Is the Biggest Complaint About Contractors?

The most frequent complaints that consumers file against contractors are abandonment of a project, shoddy workmanship, and financial issues. Homeowners frequently complain that contractors accept payment and do not perform the work or that the work performed is substandard. CSLB data shows that incomplete work and miscommunication are the primary causes of consumer complaints. 

How Long Is a Contractor Liable for His Work in California?

The California Contractor has four years of liability for patent defects, and as much as ten years of liability for latent structural defects, per California Code of Civil Procedure. This law allows a Contractor to have a claim filed against them for poor workmanship or unsafe construction for years after the project’s completion. If someone tries to file a claim outside of this time frame, the contractor may not be liable for work or any damages occurring as a result. 

What Is the New Independent Contractor Law in California?

One recent law for new independent contractors in California is the AB 5 law, enacted in 2020, which changed the standard for businesses classifying workers and made it more difficult to classify workers as independent contractors. 

The new law states that to be considered an independent contractor, a worker has to pass the ABC test by providing evidence that they are free from control and direction, performing work outside the usual course of business, and are independently established.

Contact Engels-Janzen Today

Contractor complaints and CSLB investigations in Anaheim can have a major impact on your license and your livelihood. At Engels-Janzen, we offer personalized legal strategies for contractors who are involved in licensing disputes, citations, or administrative hearings. Our team is ready to fight for you. Contact Engels-Janzen today to talk to an attorney.