Stayed Suspensions Explained: What They Mean and Why They Matter for Contractors, Electricians, Plumbers, and HVAC License Holders
Many licensed professionals in North Carolina—general contractors, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC licensees—find themselves confused when a licensing board offers a Consent Order as part of resolving a complaint. Seeing the word “suspension” in black and white often triggers panic: Will I lose my license and my livelihood?
In reality, not every “suspension” is the same. Understanding the difference between an active suspension and a stayed suspension can make all the difference for your business and career.
What Is an Active Suspension?
An active suspension is exactly what it sounds like: the board formally suspends your license, and you cannot practice for a set period of time.
Impact: You must stop working or operating under that license during the suspension.
Revenue loss: No new contracts, no permits pulled, and employees may be sidelined.
Public record: The suspension appears on the board’s disciplinary records, which can affect future bidding or employment opportunities.
This is the harshest form of suspension and can be devastating for business owners and tradespeople alike.
What Is a Stayed Suspension?
A stayed suspension is essentially a suspension that’s been put on hold as long as you meet certain conditions laid out by the board. Think of it like probation for your license:
You keep working: You’re allowed to continue practicing or running your business under your license.
Conditions apply: The board may require additional education, fines, monitoring, or compliance reports.
Conditional risk: If you meet all the conditions during the stay period, the suspension never becomes active. If you violate them, the suspension can “activate” soon after.
For most professionals, a stayed suspension is far preferable to an active suspension because it allows you to continue earning a living while satisfying the board’s concerns.
Why Stayed Suspensions Matter for Contractors, Electricians, Plumbers, and HVAC License Holders
Business continuity: You can finish projects, keep staff employed, and maintain your client base.
Licensing reputation: Although a stayed suspension is still public discipline, it signals to customers and agencies that you’ve taken corrective action and are allowed to keep working.
Negotiation leverage: Stayed suspensions can be negotiated into a consent order instead of an active suspension, or combined with lesser sanctions like education or fines.
How an Attorney Can Help
Boards don’t hand out stayed suspensions automatically. They’re usually the product of negotiation and strategic positioning. An attorney experienced in licensing defense can:
Respond effectively to complaints and investigations before they escalate.
Highlight mitigating factors such as your compliance history, corrective actions, or training.
Negotiate consent orders that favor stayed suspensions over active suspensions.
Structure conditions you can realistically meet (e.g., education instead of heavy fines).
Protect your rights if a hearing becomes necessary.
In short, the right legal counsel can turn a potentially devastating active suspension into a manageable stayed suspension—or even avoid suspension altogether.
Protect Your License and Livelihood
If you’re a general contractor, electrician, plumber, or HVAC license holder facing disciplinary action in North Carolina, don’t assume every “suspension” means you have to shut down. Understanding the difference between an active suspension and a stayed suspension—and getting skilled legal help early—can be the key to keeping your business open and your reputation intact.
Brooks Peterson PLLC helps licensed professionals navigate board complaints, negotiate consent orders, and work toward the least-severe outcome possible. Contact us today to discuss your options and safeguard your license.
This is not legal advice. If you do need legal representation call the office at: 919-616-3317