NC General Contractor Board Defense Attorney
Protecting a Career and Reputation
When your livelihood depends on your general contractor’s license, a complaint or investigation by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) can feel overwhelming. The consequences of even a minor disciplinary action can threaten your business, reputation, and future opportunities.
At Brooks Peterson PLLC, we help contractors across North Carolina defend their professional license and navigate the Board’s complex disciplinary process with confidence and discretion..
Understanding the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC)
\The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) regulates all general contractors who perform construction work exceeding certain cost thresholds under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 87-1 et seq. The Board ensures that contractors meet professional standards of competence and integrity. It investigates complaints from homeowners, subcontractors, competitors, and inspectors, and it has the power to impose significant disciplinary measures.
Understanding the Board’s authority and procedures is critical to mounting an effective defense. An experienced attorney can help you respond properly from the first point of contact with the Board’s investigators.
Common Reasons General Contractors Face Board Action
Contractors can find themselves before the Board for a variety of reasons—some serious, others the result of simple misunderstandings. Common allegations include unlicensed activity, project abandonment, substandard workmanship, violations of building codes, or misrepresentation in bids or license applications. The Board also frequently investigates improper supervision of subcontractors, failure to maintain insurance or bonds, or criminal convictions that may affect moral character. Regardless of the allegation, a prompt, strategic legal response can often prevent the matter from escalating into a formal hearing or license suspension.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve received notice of a complaint from the NC General Contracting Board, don’t face it alone. The earlier you involve experienced counsel, the better your options will be.
Schedule a confidential free consultation today. Call 919-616-3317 or fill out the consultation form.
How an Attorney Can Help Protect Your License
An experienced licensing defense attorney serves as your advocate throughout the entire Board process. At Brooks Peterson PLLC, we represent general contractors at every stage—from the initial notice of investigation to formal hearings and appeals.
We communicate directly with the Board on your behalf, prepare written responses and evidence, and negotiate consent agreements when appropriate. If your case proceeds to a hearing, we present your side clearly and persuasively, ensuring that your rights are protected.
We also help contractors challenge adverse Board decisions through judicial review in North Carolina’s Superior Courts.
Potential Outcomes of a Board Case
Board investigations can lead to a range of outcomes depending on the facts, evidence, and the contractor’s prior history. Some cases are dismissed with no disciplinary action if the Board finds insufficient evidence of a violation. In other cases, the Board may issue a reprimand, suspend or revoke a license, or place the contractor on probation with specific conditions.
The Board also has authority to impose civil penalties, require additional continuing education, or place restrictions or limitations on future practice. All formal disciplinary actions are public and become part of a contractor’s permanent record—something that can impact future bids, bonding, and professional reputation. Having an attorney guide your response and defense gives you the best opportunity to protect your license and minimize long-term consequences.
Appealing a Board Decision
If you disagree with the NCLBCG’s final decision, you have the right to appeal within 30 days to the Superior Court in your county or in Wake County (where the Board is located).
Our firm assists with:
Reviewing the administrative record for appealable issues
Drafting the written notice of appeal
Preparing court filings and arguments for review
Appeals are time-sensitive — missing the 30-day deadline can forfeit your right to challenge the Board’s decision.
What to Expect if You Receive a Complaint
The process begins when the Board receives a written complaint against you or your business. The Board may then assign an investigator to gather documents, interview witnesses, and request your response.
After reviewing the evidence, the matter may warrant a Consent Order or proceed to a formal disciplinary hearing before the Board. Many contractors make the mistake of responding on their own, unaware that statements or documents provided early on can later be used against them.
If you’ve received a notice of complaint or investigation, contact an attorney before responding—early intervention often makes the biggest difference in the outcome.
