Indiana Teacher Licensing and Criminal Charges: Safeguarding Your Education Career
Introduction: Protecting Your Career and Reputation as an Indiana Educator
Even a single accusation or arrest can put years of hard work—and your future in education—on the line. Indiana educators deserve a fair process and a strong defense when their careers are at stake. If you're facing an investigation or disciplinary action, understanding how the Indiana Department of Education (DOE) handles these matters is essential to protecting your license and your livelihood.
I. Can Indiana Teachers Lose Their License Over Criminal Charges?
Yes. In Indiana, both arrests and formal complaints can lead to action against your teaching license—even if no conviction occurs. Indiana law allows the DOE to suspend, revoke, or place conditions on a license for a variety of reasons, including:
Certain felony or misdemeanor charges or convictions
Allegations of immorality, misconduct in office, or willful neglect of duty
Failing to report charges or discipline to the appropriate authorities
Violating district or DOE ethics policies
Criminal Offenses That Can Lead to License Revocation
Indiana law requires revocation or denial of a teaching license for serious criminal offenses, such as:
Sex crimes or crimes involving minors
Homicide, aggravated battery, or manslaughter
Kidnapping, criminal confinement, or robbery
Arson or burglary
Human trafficking
Dealing or manufacturing controlled substances
Public indecency or obscene performance
Attempts or conspiracy to commit any of the above
In many cases, even if charges are dropped or resolved without jail time, the DOE may still pursue discipline based on the allegations alone.
II. The DOE Investigation and Disciplinary Process
A. Complaint and Review
Any school administrator, parent, agency, or even anonymous individual can file a complaint. Once received, the DOE or the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency reviews the complaint and determines whether it warrants investigation.
B. Notification and Initial Response
If the DOE determines there’s enough to move forward, they send a formal notice of investigation. You may be asked to respond in writing or appear for an interview. How you respond at this early stage can impact the entire case.
C. Administrative Hearings and Orders
If the DOE pursues formal action, you’ll go through several steps:
Petition and preliminary hearing to determine whether the DOE can suspend your license before a full hearing.
A formal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), where evidence and testimony are presented.
A final order issued by the judge or DOE, determining if your license will be suspended, revoked, or subject to probation.
If the ALJ is employed directly by the DOE, that decision may be final without further internal appeal options.
D. Appeals and Judicial Review
In some cases, you may be able to appeal the decision to the DOE or pursue judicial review in court. The opportunity to appeal depends on who conducted your hearing and how the case was handled procedurally.
III. Why Telling the Truth Isn’t Always Enough
Many educators believe that simply explaining their side of the story will resolve the issue. Unfortunately, teacher license suspensions or revocations can happen even when no actual misconduct occurred. Common issues include:
The DOE relying on incomplete or one-sided reports
Investigators failing to fully review the facts or relevant evidence
Pressure to “show accountability” leading to overly harsh outcomes
Misinterpretation of vague standards like “immorality” or “neglect of duty”
Even when a complaint arises from a misunderstanding, the DOE can still impose discipline. That’s why having legal representation is critical—so that your side is presented effectively, your rights are preserved, and the DOE is held to a fair and thorough process.
IV. Building a Strong Defense for Your Teaching License
If you're facing a complaint or disciplinary investigation, these steps can help protect your license:
Don’t Ignore DOE Communication
Respond promptly to any formal notice or inquiry from the DOE or your school district. Ignoring deadlines or requests can result in immediate action against your license.
Don’t Resign Without Counsel
In some cases, school districts may suggest that resigning will “make the problem go away.” This is often not true, and resigning could be used as evidence against you in licensing proceedings.
Document Everything
Start gathering relevant materials immediately, such as:
Performance evaluations
Written communications
Policies or procedures involved in the incident
Character references or professional support
Hire an Attorney with Licensing Defense Experience
DOE investigations are not the same as criminal cases. You need an attorney familiar with both criminal defense and professional licensing procedures to build an effective strategy.
V. How Vining Legal Helps Protect Indiana Educators
At Vining Legal, we understand that being an educator isn’t just a job—it’s your passion and your profession. If your teaching license is under threat, we can help:
Respond to DOE investigations and notices
Represent you at administrative hearings
Challenge biased or incomplete findings
Negotiate settlements or informal resolutions
Help you comply with probationary conditions or reinstate your license
We serve teachers across Indiana—whether you're in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Bloomington, Evansville, South Bend, Lafayette, or any district in between.
Conclusion: Don’t Risk Your Career Alone
You’ve invested years into becoming a teacher. Don’t let a complaint or criminal charge derail everything you’ve built. The DOE process is complex, and without a strong defense, the consequences can be permanent.
If your license is under review or if you’ve been charged with a crime, contact Vining Legal immediately. We'll help you navigate the process, protect your license, and defend your right to keep teaching.
📞 Call us today at (317) 759-3225 or schedule a consultation.
Schedule a Consultation
