Irvine Contractor Licensing & CSLB Defense Lawyer

Irvine Contractor Licensing & CSLB Defense Attorney

A contractor’s license is one of the most valuable assets you own as a construction professional. A complaint or investigation that puts your license in jeopardy is serious business. Charges of unlicensed activity, unfinished work, and CSLB rule violations can damage your business, reputation, and future if you don’t have a seasoned Irvine contractor licensing & CSLB defense lawyer on your side.

About Engels-Janzen

At Engels-Janzen, we understand the importance of the work you do. Chris Engels, a founding attorney at Engels-Janzen, was a licensed construction contractor for over 25 years before he became an attorney. This real-world experience has given him the ability to handle cases with a unique perspective on job-site conditions, business pressures, and contractor regulations.

His civil litigation partner, Sean Janzen, has years of experience representing clients at the state, federal, and appellate levels. Together, we provide an approach that is both compassionate and tenacious. When your case involves hearings or civil litigation in our area, we often represent clients at the Orange County Superior Court – Harbor Justice Center in nearby Newport Beach or the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.

Understanding Contractor Licensing & CSLB Defense Laws

California’s construction laws are complicated, with more changes and updates coming out on a regular basis. Honest contractors sometimes end up getting penalized for technical mistakes, paperwork malfunctions, or innocent misunderstandings that have been blown out of proportion.

California law, under the California Business and Professions Code, requires anyone engaging in construction work with $500 or more in labor and materials to hold an active contractor’s license. Licensing is regulated by the Contractors’ State License Board, known as the CSLB. The CSLB also investigates consumer complaints and can issue disciplinary actions.

California has significant penalties for those who violate its construction-related laws. It is a misdemeanor offense to operate as a contractor without a valid license. Penalties include a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment. Contractors who are already licensed can also be disciplined, even for what seem like minor offenses, such as doing business under a different name than the one registered with the CSLB.

The CSLB 2024 Accomplishments and Activities Report showed the state now has around 285,000 active licensed contractors. The CSLB website performed over 23 million license checks in 2024 and received 38,200 license applications.

What to Do if You Receive a CSLB Complaint

Getting a notice from the CSLB can be a scary experience. Your primary action should be to calmly take immediate steps. Many contractors make the error of either ignoring or informally responding to the complaint, thereby escalating the problem. However, if you receive a complaint, it is essential to follow these steps:

• Examine and make sure you understand the complaint. To comprehend the specific accusations, go over the complaint in detail. You could be charged by the CSLB with contract violations, unlicensed work, or poor performance.
• Obtain evidence and documentation. Compile project-related correspondence and supporting documentation. The difference between disciplinary action and dismissal is frequently determined by proper documentation.
• Do not contact the person or party that filed the complaint against you. Direct communication may result in misinterpretations or remarks that undermine your defense. Leave all correspondence to your lawyer.
• Respond before your deadline is up. You will have a brief window of time to reply, as provided by the CSLB. License suspension or default judgments may follow failure to meet that deadline.
• Hire a contractor licensing & CSLB defense lawyer right away. You can negotiate on your behalf, represent yourself in hearings, and draft a formal response with the assistance of an experienced Irvine contractor licensing & CSLB defense attorney.

Hire a Contractor Licensing & CSLB Defense Lawyer

In addition to defending you, our lawyers provide proactive legal advice. We can review your contracts, classification of employees and subcontractors, and sales and marketing activities, with an eye toward preventing future complaints to the CSLB. Many complaints are the result not of deliberate misconduct but of ambiguities in communications or technical missteps.

Clients can often avoid complete investigations through the implementation of preventive legal advice. We have experience in contractor licensing cases and can help you protect your license.

FAQs

How Do I Win a Breach of Contract Case?

In order to prevail in a California breach of contract case, you need to demonstrate four things: that there was a legitimate contract, that the other party broke it, that you carried out your end of the bargain, and that you were harmed as a result. Written contracts, emails, and invoices are examples of documentation that are essential.

In Orange County Superior Court, a skilled Irvine contractor licensing & CSLB defense attorney can assist in assembling evidence.

Can a Contractor File a Claim Against a Homeowner in California?

Yes. A contractor may file a claim against a homeowner to recover amounts on unpaid invoices, for breach of contract, or for wrongful termination of a project. The contractor, however, must have been a valid CSLB licensee at the time the work was performed. California law deems an unlicensed contractor to have waived the right to file a claim for payment, so legal representation is critical before filing any claim.

What Happens if a Contractor Breaches a Contract?

If a contractor materially breaches a contract in Irvine, such as by abandoning the work, not completing it, or delivering faulty work, violating the contract, or breaching a warranty, the client may be entitled to receive damages from a court or file a complaint against the contractor with the CSLB. The CSLB may impose penalties against a contractor up to and including suspension of the contractor’s license and other civil penalties and fees.

Can I Settle a CSLB Complaint Without a Hearing?

Yes. The majority of CSLB complaints settle through mediation or negotiated settlements without ever going to a hearing. In fact, contractors who are cooperative early in the process and act in good faith often obtain a quicker and better result. An attorney can speak to the CSLB for you and may be able to avoid disciplinary action and help you maintain your professional reputation.

Contact Engels-Janzen Today

If you are facing complaints regarding your contractor licensing, Engels-Janzen can help you fight for your rights and your license. Contact us today for a consultation.