Georgia Real Estate Commission

Under Georgia law, real estate licenses are granted "only to persons who bear a good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, and competence to transact the business of a licensee in such manner as to safeguard the interest of the public."

This means that almost any felony conviction in an applicant's past can result in a denial of a real estate license as Georgia court have held that all felonies are crimes of "moral turpitude." The Real Estate Commission also will deny a license to applicants who report misdemeanor convictions such as forgery, embezzlement, obtaining money under false pretenses, theft, extortion or conspiracy to defraud. Even a conviction for writing bad checks or shoplifting can result in the denial of a license. In the licensing context, the law defines the word "conviction" to include not only guilty pleas but also nolo contendere pleas and first offender sentencing.

Approximately 10-15% of applicants for a real estate license report a criminal conviction or a past licensing sanction. For about 85% of such applicants, an appeal in which additional documentation is provided will satisfy the Real Estate Commission that despite the prior record, the applicant possess the requisite good reputation. These appeals involve an administrative hearing before the Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH), which follow legal rules of evidence. In successful cases, a real estate license is issued.

Frances Cullen, P.C.'s extensive knowledge of the rules and procedures of the Georgia Real Estate Commission allows us to provide you with competent assistance and guidance prior to submitting your real estate application.

Contact Frances Cullen, P.C. for assistance in challenging the denial of your real estate license. Experience with an agency's procedures is the first step to successful representation. You have invested time and money earning your education degree, and you need an aggressive and qualified attorney advocating for you and protecting your interests before the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Frances Cullen, P.C.

The Candler Building
127 Peachtree Street, Suite 905
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-523-2044
Fax: 404-523-1684
E-mail

From her offices in Atlanta, Georgia, attorney Fran Cullen serves clients throughout the region, including Albany, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Savannah, Cobb County, DeKalb County, Fulton County, Athens-Clark County, Bibb County, Chatham County, Columbia County, Columbus County, Muscogee County, Doherty County, Forsyth County, and Gwinnett County.