You might think so, but in my experience, it is not always the case. Even when suspended sentences of imprisonment are imposed, as in a recent case, where my client had been convicted of a drink drive offence and assaulting a police officer

It's hell in the NMC hearing centre in East London at the moment. The other London hearing centre at Aldwych has closed permanently, meaning that all hearings are being squeezed into the Stratford centre.

Today I had a hearing at the NMC representing a client in their application for restoration. They had been struck off the register almost 7 years ago for defrauding the NHS of over £100,000, through dishonest claims for bursaries and working when they were not entitled to do so.

We did attend the second hearing and after hearing my submissions and evidence from my client, the panel agreed that a 12 month suspension order was appropriate and that my client should not be struck off.

This was a very interesting case, because the NMC got an interim conditions of practice order against the nurse, and this made it very difficult for her to find work as a nurse and thus remedy her failings.

This afternoon the panel told us that the restraint used by my client was reasonable and proportionate, that the registration issue was a genuine error and that my client's appeal succeeded.

When you are struck off, you have to wait 5 years until you can apply to be restored to the register. There is the possibility of appealing the strike off order, but it is a high hurdle to get over in order to be successful.

Just under two weeks ago, I was at the NMC defending a nurse given a police caution for theft of opiates from their employer and for possession of Class A drugs.

I have just returned from the NMC, where after a 4 day hearing into allegations of neglect and inadequate contact.

It's tempting to give in to anger and frustration, but these negative emotions do not assist in achieving what you want, which is unrestricted practice. Instead put that energy into doing more to resolve your situation

I got to visit the Edinburgh location for the first time. What a lovely city! Unfortunately, there was little time for sight-seeing,

It was a disappointing day at the NMC today for my client in their registration appeal. Having been accused of behaving criminally towards patients in their care.

In order to stand a fair chance, you need someone on whose list of priorities you are first and foremost. If it is not your union's list, then find someone else who will fight for you.

I called him was similar to that National Lottery representatives get when they call up jackpot winners - astounded, emotional and overjoyed.

I often get asked how long it takes for a referral to be completed. There are a number of stages in the referral process, and the 'halfway' stage is when the Case Examiners consider whether there is a case to answer

This was a client who had contacted me immediately upon referral Following early written representations by me.

A referral for possession of Class A drugs was successfully defended in both the Crown Court (I have colleagues who specialise in criminal court representation) and at the NMC, where the Case Examiners decided that there was no case to answer.

When you get struck off, this means you cannot work as a nurse or midwife, unless you succeed in an appeal or review, for at least 5 years. You’ll have to find some other way of paying your bills.

They came to me at the earliest possible stage, and I was able to advise them on the correct steps to take, with a view to defending themselves throughout the NMC investigation.