Newport Beach Contractor Licensing & CSLB Defense Lawyer

Newport Beach Contractor Licensing & CSLB Defense Attorney

If you’re involved in the construction industry in California, chances are good your license is the most important asset you have. If the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is looking into whether you’ve been compliant with California law, a single transgression can threaten to undo years or even decades of hard work and business success. A Newport Beach contractor licensing & CSLB defense lawyer can help protect your license and your future.

About Engels-Janzen

Attorney Christopher Engels has more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry. Before becoming a lawyer, Chris was a construction contractor, running his own business. His extensive experience working at ground level with construction businesses enables Chris to understand the challenges contractors face when dealing with regulatory agencies or resolving business disputes.

Partner Sean Janzen is an experienced civil litigator who has argued cases in state, federal, and appellate courts. Contractor disputes and CSLB-related hearings in Newport Beach are heard at the Harbor Justice Center, which is part of the Orange County Superior Court system. Our attorneys have extensive experience arguing cases there and make sure that every defense is tailored to fit the court’s procedures and meet its expectations.

Understanding Contractor Licensing & CSLB Defense Laws

California contractor licensing law is in the Business and Professions Code §§ 7000–7191 and is enforced by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB must issue a license to any person or business that does construction work that costs $500 or more, including labor and materials. The Board also enforces the law, investigates consumer complaints, and enforces advertising and contract law violations. It can suspend or revoke a contractor’s license for legal violations.

According to the CSLB 2024 Accomplishments and Activities Report, there are currently about 285,000 licensed contractors in the state. The CSLB website processed more than 23 million license checks throughout 2024 and accepted 38,200 license applications.

Common Contractor Licensing Violations

CSLB frequently files complaints against Newport Beach contractors for preventable errors. Among the most frequent infractions of contractor licenses are:

• Using a license that has expired or been suspended
• Taking excessive down payments (10% or more than $1,000)
• Operating beyond the parameters of a license classification
• Not obtaining the required building permits
• Inadequate construction or project termination
• Deception in advertisements or contracts

Fines, license suspension, or criminal charges may result from even minor infractions. To prevent harm to your company and reputation, you must be aware of and abide by California contractor licensing and CSLB defense laws.

Avoiding Contractor Licensing & CSLB Violations

The most effective way to avoid a CSLB complaint or audit is to prevent them from happening in the first place. The vast majority of contractor problems involve paperwork mistakes, miscommunication, or a misunderstanding of California’s contractor licensing and CSLB defense laws. To avoid these issues, be sure to maintain an active, valid license by renewing your license before it expires and filing relevant changes with the CSLB in a timely manner.

In addition, all contracts should be written with terms clearly defining the scope of the project, payment schedule, and estimated time frame. Contractors should also be cautious when collecting down payments since California law restricts the amount of money a contractor can collect as an initial deposit. Finally, contractors must also ensure that their subcontractors are licensed and that the proper building permits are in place before beginning any work.

The earlier a Newport Beach contractor licensing & CSLB defense lawyer is involved in your case, the better. An experienced lawyer can review your contracts, inform you of changes in the law, and represent you in any matters before the CSLB, protecting your license and reputation long before problems start.

Hire a Contractor Licensing & CSLB Defense Lawyer

When you hire a contractor licensing & CSLB defense lawyer, your rights and your livelihood are in good hands. Skilled attorneys know the CSLB investigation and administrative process inside and out.

They can work hard to challenge the accusations against you, negotiate a favorable settlement, and represent you at your Harbor Justice Center or CSLB office hearings. Perhaps most importantly, they provide proactive advice to avoid future violations, maintain your license in good standing, and protect the reputation you have built up over the years.

FAQs

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need if I Have a Claim Filed Against Me as a Contractor?

When a claim has been filed against you, you need a contractor licensing & CSLB defense lawyer who is knowledgeable in construction law and administrative defense. These attorneys represent contractors throughout the CSLB investigative and disciplinary hearing process as well as in civil litigation matters.

In Newport Beach, an attorney familiar with the Harbor Justice Center and California contractor licensing laws and regulations will aggressively protect your rights, license, and reputation.

Can a Contractor Go to Jail for Not Finishing a Job?

Yes, in some cases, a contractor can be charged with a crime if he or she willfully misappropriates funds without performing the work, if he or she practices unlicensed contracting, or if he or she commits fraud. Violations of the Contractors License Law are a misdemeanor punishable by fine and/or jail in cases of serious or repeated violations.

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

Contractors in California have a general liability period up to 10 years for latent undiscoverable structural defects and four years for patent discoverable defects according to California Code of Civil Procedure §337.15. Claims can be filed by homeowners if problems occur within the liability period. Accurate record keeping and completing work in compliance with the code should protect contractors from future liability or civil claims.

What Happens When You File a Complaint With CSLB?

After a complaint is filed with the CSLB, the agency screens it to determine if it has jurisdiction. If so, the CSLB investigator may interview the parties, collect evidence, and attempt to mediate a solution. In severe cases, the CSLB can issue citations and fines to a contractor or suspend or revoke the contractor’s license. The CSLB can send certain cases forward for criminal prosecution as well as civil litigation.

Contact Engels-Janzen Today

If you are facing an investigation or a citation, Engels-Janzen can help you protect your license, reputation, and future. We understand contractor licensing cases and can help you. Contact us today to get started.