Engineering Disciplinary Actions in Arkansas: Real Cases and Lessons for Licensed PEs

Written by: Jordan Ellis

As a licensed professional engineer who has practiced for years in Arkansas and held licenses in multiple states, I’ve learned that technical skill isn’t the only thing that protects your career, your license is just as important. Yet too often, engineers overlook how easily they can end up on the wrong side of a disciplinary order. Whether through oversight, misunderstanding, or poor judgment, many engineers find themselves facing complaints, fines, or even license revocation by the Arkansas State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors.

In this article, I’ll walk you through actual disciplinary cases from Arkansas, explain what went wrong, and share the key lessons every engineer, whether newly licensed or decades into practice, should take seriously. These aren’t hypothetical scenarios or academic discussions. They’re real situations involving real engineers who made decisions that led to board action. If you practice in Arkansas or maintain multi-state licensure, this matters to you.

Check out my article What are the Most Common Ethics Violations for Professional Engineers.

Ethics Course for Arkansas Engineers

Why Disciplinary Actions Matter

As engineers, we take pride in our technical expertise, but our professional license is what gives us the legal authority to practice. It is more than just a credential; it is a public trust. When the state issues us a license, it is saying we have the knowledge, experience, and ethical judgment to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare.

Disciplinary actions exist to uphold that trust. When an engineer violates board rules or state law, the Arkansas State Board of Licensure has a duty to act. This may include issuing fines, placing an engineer on probation, or in serious cases, suspending or revoking their license.

Some engineers see board action as something that only happens to bad actors. The truth is, most disciplinary cases involve people who were trying to do the right thing but failed to follow the rules. Maybe they used the wrong title, signed off on work outside their area of competence, or let their license lapse without realizing the consequences. Even honest mistakes can lead to formal charges.

What makes this especially important is that disciplinary action in one state can trigger action in others. If you are licensed in multiple states, a violation in Arkansas may put all of your licenses at risk. Many states require you to report disciplinary proceedings, and failing to do so can lead to further penalties.

The bottom line is this, disciplinary actions are not just about punishment. They are about protecting the public, preserving the integrity of our profession, and making sure all of us understand and meet the responsibilities that come with the PE title.

Engineering Rules and Ethics Violations in Arkansas

The following table lists the violations for PE’s in Arkansas for the past 10 years.

Arkansas PE Disciplinary Cases

Case Number	Violation Summary	Penalty	Fines
2021 – Hall	Misrepresented qualifications, practiced outside area of competence, signed/stamped unqualified work	License revoked (PE and firm), ethics course required (TX)	$7,500
2011 – Fureigh	Used PE title after license lapsed, misrepresented status, unlicensed firm	None stated beyond fines	$19,500
2023 – Appel	Copied approval stamps from ADH and utility without consent	Complete 6 hours ethics training	$500
2024 – Bice	Stamped engineering report prepared by another engineer under license restriction	6-month probation, ethics course	$5,000
2014 – Brown	Offered engineering services before licensure, unlicensed firm	None stated beyond fines	$500
2013 – Burroughs	Offered survey services without license, unauthorized use of another surveyor’s seal, misleading advertising	Letter of reprimand	$2,000
2012 – Cantrell	Practiced before licensure, firm lacked certificate of authorization	None stated beyond fines	$50
2008 – Cotton	Used PE title without being licensed	None stated beyond fines	$2,000
2006 – Dabney	19 survey standard violations including missing boundary info, monuments, and documentation	1-year probation, file all plats with State Surveyor	$2,850
2024 – Doyle	Pled guilty to 5 felony charges (child exploitation material)	License revoked	None stated
2010 – Fischer	Stamped drawings not prepared or supervised by him	Voluntary license surrender	$100
2010 – Fuqua	Firm advertised engineering services without certificate of authorization	None to individual, firm sanctioned	$500

 

Common Violations in Arkansas

In my years working with and within the Arkansas engineering community, I have seen a recurring set of violations that lead to disciplinary action. These fall into five main categories:

1. Practicing Without a License

One of the most frequent infractions arises when individuals offer or perform engineering services without a current Arkansas license. Common examples include:

• Allowing a friend or firm from another state to practice in Arkansas via a nonlicensed engineer.
• Forgetting to renew a license and continuing to sign or seal documents.

2. Practicing Outside Your Area of Competence

Many engineers are experts in one field—say civil, structural, mechanical, or electrical. Problems arise when someone stamps and approves work in an unfamiliar discipline. In Arkansas:

• A civil engineer sealing structural or electrical plans may be disciplined.
• Firms may also face action if they offer services in areas for which they are not properly qualified.

Practicing outside one’s area of competence is a serious breach of public trust, and boards in other states take it just as seriously, as shown in recent Kentucky PE disciplinary actions where an engineer was suspended for this violation.

3. Misuse of Engineering Seals and Titles

The engineer’s seal and licensure titles—PE, Professional Engineer—carry authority and obligation. Misuse includes:

• Stamping work you did not review or supervise.
• Allowing someone else to use your seal.
• Listing “P.E.” in correspondence when your license has lapsed.

4. False or Misleading Representations

Engineers may unintentionally mislead clients through marketing, proposals, or resumes. For example:

• Advertising services in plumbing or surveying without proper licensure.
• Claiming to be a forensic engineer without the necessary credentials.

5. Criminal Conduct and Moral Turpitude

Finally, engineers are held to a high standard of moral conduct. Arkansas law recognizes that certain criminal convictions, especially felonies, are grounds for disciplinary action.

Summary of Engineering Violation Types in Arkansas

Violation Type	Number of Cases	Typical Penalty	Fine Range
Unlicensed Practice / Title Misuse	3	None stated beyond fines	$500 – $19,500
Practicing Outside Area of Competence	2	License revoked (PE and firm), ethics course required	$5,000 – $7,500
Sealing Work Not Prepared or Supervised	1	Voluntary license surrender	$100 – $100
Improper Advertising or Misrepresentation	2	License revoked (PE and firm), ethics course required	$2,000 – $7,500
Survey Standard Violations	1	1-year probation, file all plats with State Surveyor	$2,850 – $2,850

 

Real Disciplinary Cases: Lessons Learned

The Arkansas State Board publishes the outcomes of its disciplinary actions, and these real cases provide valuable insight into what can go wrong. As someone who studies these decisions closely, I believe that reviewing actual examples is one of the best ways to understand what the Board expects, and what it will not tolerate.

Here are four real scenarios that led to formal discipline. Each highlights a different type of violation and the consequences that followed.

Signing and Sealing Work You Didn’t Prepare

In one case, a professional engineer stamped a full set of engineering drawings for a restaurant project in Jonesboro. The plans included structural, electrical, and mechanical drawings, none of which the engineer had prepared or supervised. When questioned, he explained that engineers sometimes stamp entire sets even if they did not do every component themselves.

The Board disagreed. They accepted his voluntary license surrender and imposed a civil penalty. The lesson is clear: your seal should only appear on work you prepared or directly supervised. Using it to cover someone else’s design is a violation, even if you trust their work.

Advertising Services You’re Not Authorized to Perform

Another case involved a firm advertising structural and forensic engineering services through multiple websites. The engineer in charge held a mechanical PE license but had never taken or passed the structural PE exam. He described himself as an expert in explosion forensics and a licensed structural engineer, neither of which was accurate.

After multiple complaints and a review of his reports, the Board revoked both his license and the firm’s certificate of authorization. He was also fined $7,500. Advertising services beyond your qualifications or licensure is considered unethical and unprofessional conduct.

Ensuring a firm holds a valid Certificate of Authorization is as crucial as individual licensure, and failure to do so is a common violation seen in the enforcement actions of the Ohio PE board.

Outdated Surveys and Substandard Work

One licensed surveyor was disciplined for preparing a boundary survey that failed to meet almost every requirement of Arkansas’s minimum standards. His plat lacked monument descriptions, boundary directions, and even a proper legend or date. In total, the Board identified 19 separate violations.

He was fined $2,850 and placed on probation for one year. During that time, he was required to submit all future surveys to the State Surveyor for review. The takeaway here is that familiarity with technical standards is not optional. Producing substandard work, even if unintentionally, is a serious offense.

Misrepresentation of Licensure or Experience

In another case, a former PE who had let his Arkansas license lapse continued to use the “P.E.” title in emails, business cards, and public communications. He represented himself as a licensed engineer to clients, employers, and even city officials. His firm also did not hold a certificate of authorization.

The Board found him guilty of multiple violations and imposed a $15,000 fine. His firm was fined an additional $4,500. Even if you were once licensed, using the PE title after your license expires is considered practicing without a license and is subject to significant penalties.

Using the “P.E.” title after a license has expired is considered unlicensed practice and can lead to significant penalties, a recurring theme in the Minnesota board’s recent disciplinary cases.

Penalties You Can Expect

The Arkansas State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors has a wide range of enforcement tools at its disposal. Penalties are not one-size-fits-all—they are scaled based on the nature and severity of the violation, whether it was intentional, and whether it posed a risk to public safety.

Based on my review of real cases and how the Board has handled past violations, here are the most common types of penalties you can expect if you find yourself facing disciplinary action.

Fines

Fines are the most frequently issued penalty and are often used in combination with other disciplinary measures. The amount depends on the number and seriousness of violations. For example:

• Misrepresenting your license status may result in a $2,000 fine.
• Substandard survey work with multiple deficiencies has led to fines over $2,800.
• Offering engineering services through an unlicensed firm can result in fines for both the individual and the business.

In one case, an engineer and his firm were fined a combined $19,500 for advertising unauthorized services and issuing reports outside their area of expertise.

Probation

Probation is often imposed when the Board believes a licensee should be allowed to continue practicing, but under close supervision or with additional conditions. A licensee on probation may be required to:

• Submit future work for review by the Board or a designated reviewer.
  
  Complete remedial ethics or technical training.
  
  Avoid further violations during the probation period, usually lasting from 6 to 12 months.

Suspension or Revocation of License

Suspension and revocation are the most serious actions the Board can take. They are typically reserved for cases where:

• The violation shows gross negligence or willful misconduct.
• Public safety was endangered.
• There is evidence of criminal activity, fraud, or dishonesty.

Suspension means you are temporarily barred from practicing in Arkansas. Revocation is permanent, although some engineers may apply for reinstatement after a set number of years and proof of rehabilitation.

Avoiding Disciplinary Action

Having reviewed what can go wrong and the penalties that follow, I want to share practical steps you can take right now to safeguard your license and reputation. These measures are straightforward and well within every licensed engineer’s reach.

Know and Follow the Law

Begin by familiarizing yourself with Arkansas’s engineering statutes and board rules. Key provisions include definitions of the practice of engineering, requirements for seals, continuing education obligations, and standards of professional conduct.

Periodically review the Arkansas Code and the Board’s published regulations. Ignorance is never an excuse once you hold a license.

Keep Your Credentials Current

Set reminders for your renewal deadlines. Arkansas requires license renewal every two years and proof of continuing education hours. If you practice in multiple states, track each state’s renewal schedule and education requirements separately. Lapses in licensure create vulnerability, you might inadvertently practice without a valid license if you are not vigilant.

Stick to Your Discipline

Practice only in areas where your education, training, and experience qualify you. If you are a civil engineer, do not stamp structural or electrical plans unless you have the appropriate credentials. If you wish to expand your practice into a new discipline, pursue the necessary exam or credential first.

Be Transparent and Ethical

Maintain honesty in all professional communications. When advertising services or preparing resumes and proposals, present only the credentials you hold. Do not embellish your expertise or use seals and titles on work you did not personally review. If you must decline a project because it falls outside your competence, do so without hesitation.

By following these four principles, you greatly reduce the risk of a complaint or formal investigation. A proactive approach—staying informed, organized, and honest—protects not only your license but also your clients and the public. Maintaining those safeguards is an essential part of our duty as professional engineers.

Overview of the Arkansas State Board’s Authority

As a licensed engineer in Arkansas, it is crucial to understand the powers of the Arkansas State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors. This board was established by law to protect public safety and welfare by regulating the practice of engineering and surveying across the state.

The board has several key responsibilities:

1. Licensing and Regulation
   
   The board establishes the standards for licensure. These include the education, examination, experience and character requirements that all applicants must meet. Once an engineer is licensed, the board enforces continuing education criteria and ensures licenses remain active and in good standing.
2. Investigation of Violations
   
   The board reviews complaints against licensees. These may arise from members of the public, clients, employers or other engineers. When a complaint is filed, the board investigates whether there has been a breach of state licensing law, board regulations or the ethical rules of professional practice.
3. Disciplinary Hearings
   
   If an investigation uncovers potential violations, the board has the authority to hold formal hearings. Licensees must be given notice and the opportunity to present evidence. These hearings follow administrative law procedures and ensure fairness and due process.
4. Penalties and Enforcement
   
   Following a hearing or consent order, the board can impose a range of penalties based on the severity of the violation. These penalties include:

• Monetary fines
• Issuance of reprimands
• Probation with conditions
• Suspension of licensure for a specified period
• Permanent revocation of licensure

The board may also require corrective actions such as ethics training or additional continuing education and may require reporting of these on renewal applications.

5. Legal Powers
   
   The board can enforce orders through court intervention. If a licensee ignores or fails to comply with board sanctions, the board can seek enforcement through state court. Violations of board orders may also result in criminal penalties under state law.
6. Multistate Coordination
   
   Arkansas participates in information sharing with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Disciplinary actions taken by the Arkansas board are reported through NCEES and may be visible to other state boards. That means a serious violation here can affect your licensure status in other states.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your License and Reputation

Your PE license is more than a credential. It represents the trust placed in you to protect public safety and uphold the integrity of the profession. Disciplinary actions in Arkansas show that even small mistakes, like using the wrong title or practicing outside your area—can have serious consequences.

Protecting your license comes down to a few simple habits: stay current with board rules, practice only within your area of competence, and be honest in your communications. When in doubt, ask questions or consult the Board. Taking small precautions now can prevent much bigger problems later.