Are You Facing the Threat of Merchant Mariner Credential Suspension or Revocation?

Your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) is your professional lifeline, essential for your career at sea. The stakes are undeniably high when it’s under threat due to a Coast Guard investigation or formal charges. The repercussions of losing your MMC can be devastating, impacting your livelihood and financial stability.

That’s Where National Security Law Firm comes in.

Our team of Merchant Mariner lawyers have extensive experience in defending merchant mariners facing MMC suspension or revocation proceedings. With a deep understanding of maritime law, Coast Guard regulations, the intricacies of administrative law, and a history of proven results, we are equipped to provide the aggressive representation you need to protect your career.

Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) Suspensions and Revocations (S&R) Guide

What Are Merchant Mariner Credential Suspension & Revocation (S&R) Proceedings?

As Merchant Mariner Credential lawyers, we understand the critical importance of your MMC to your future. Merchant Mariner Credential Suspension and revocation (S&R) proceedings are serious legal actions initiated by the U.S. Coast Guard to suspend or revoke a mariner’s MMC.

Brett O’Brien

The U.S. Coast Guard initiates approximately 400 to 600 S&R cases annually, targeting mariners for various infractions

Common reasons for MMC suspension or revocation include:

  • Violations of mariner safety regulations
  • Breaches of Mariner Conduct Standards
  • Misconduct, incompetence, or negligence while operating under your MMC
  • Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol
  • Violations of specific motor vehicle laws
  • Positive drug test results
  • Criminal convictions

S&R hearings are similar to civil trials but with streamlined discovery rules. Unlike typical court cases, however, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) presides over S&R hearings instead of a jury.

While S&R proceedings can devastate your professional life, as a merchant mariner, due process protects you. That means you have a fair opportunity to dispute your MMV suspension or revocation.

An experienced and skilled Merchant Mariner Credential lawyer from the National Security Law Firm can fight to restore your MMC.

The S&R Process: A Guide to Your MMC Defense

The complaint: initiating the proceedings

The S&R process begins when a U.S. Coast Guard Investigating Officer files a formal complaint. This document outlines the specific maritime regulations or statutes allegedly violated by the mariner. As the foundation of the case against you, the Complaint warrants careful analysis.

A skilled MMC attorney can help you interpret its implications and formulate an effective response strategy.

Assignment of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

Upon filing, your case is assigned to an Administrative Law Judge specializing in maritime law. ALJs are stationed in major coastal cities, with oversight from the Chief ALJ at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC.

Responding to the Complaint

Upon receiving the Complaint, you have 20 days to file a written Answer. This deadline is non-negotiable; failure to respond can result in automatic license action and forfeiture of your hearing rights.

Facing such a dire prospect and short deadline can be frightening and overwhelming, but hope exists. Contact an experienced MMC lawyer with the National Security Law Firm without delay to safeguard your interests strategically and promptly.

Pre-hearing settlement opportunities

Before proceeding to a formal hearing, there may be opportunities to resolve the matter through settlement negotiations. This phase allows for potential resolution without a full hearing. Your Merchant Mariner lawyer can work with the Coast Guard to explore favorable outcomes, potentially mitigating the impact on your MMC and your career.

Preparing for the S&R hearing

If the case proceeds to a hearing, thorough preparation is essential. Pre-hearing conferences with the ALJ establish timelines for evidence exchange and address procedural matters. This phase sets the stage for your defense, requiring meticulous attention to detail and strategic planning.

The S&R hearing

The hearing allows you to present evidence, challenge the Coast Guard’s assertions, and defend your MMC. While most hearings conclude within a day, some may extend longer. From opening statements to witness examinations, each element requires careful execution. An experienced and skilled MMC Lawyer can effectively communicate and defend your position.

The ALJ’s decision

Following the hearing, parties may submit closing briefs and proposed findings. The ALJ then reviews all evidence before rendering a decision. Potential outcomes range from dismissal of the case to various sanctions, including suspension or revocation of your MMC. Understanding the possible results helps in preparing for the next steps.

The appeals process: exploring further action

You may appeal the decision, first to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, then to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) if needed, and potentially through the federal court system.

Each level of appeal presents distinct considerations and requirements. Navigating this process effectively requires an experienced and skilled Merchant Mariner attorney.

At National Security Law Firm, we offer comprehensive support throughout these proceedings, and we work tirelessly to protect your maritime career and professional standing.

Nationwide Merchant Mariner Credential Lawyers

Carl Marrone

Don’t face a possible MMC suspension or revocation alone. As you can see, the S&R process is complex and tricky to navigate successfully without a qualified Merchant Mariner Credential suspension or revocation lawyer.

We know how much you have at stake, so we guarantee results or your money back.*

Our Money Back-Guarantee Includes:

Guaranteed Results or Your Money Back

We guarantee that you will obtain a reduction in the suspension or revocation of your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), or we return your money.

Knowledgeable and experienced legal professionals

When you hire the National Security Law Firm, you get the peace of mind knowing that attorneys with extensive experience in maritime law and Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issues have your back.

Our lawyers back you with:

  • A proven record of success
  • Thorough knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard procedures
  • Extensive experience in administrative hearings
  • Excellence in negotiations
  • Comprehensive legal support
  • Legal strategies customized to your unique situation

Our attorneys are recognized professionals in the field, ensuring you receive top-notch representation for your MMC suspension and revocation cases.

Timeliness

We understand you are eager to return to work as a merchant mariner as quickly as possible. We also recognize that you lose money every day you are out of work.

While government processing times are out of our control, we know that time is of the essence and we remain steadfastly committed to working as efficiently as possible to expedite your return to work.

Simple and streamlined onboarding

Your time is valuable. Our electronic onboarding process is simple and streamlined and takes less than 15 minutes to complete. Once finished, our team of Merchant Mariner Credential lawyers will get to work so that you can focus on more important matters.

Personalized and attentive service

You will be assigned a dedicated case manager to ensure personalized and attentive service. Your case manager will guide you through every step of the process so you will never feel left in the dark.

Satisfaction Guarantee

We have dedicated our careers to helping people just like you get their lives back on track. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work and our reputation, which is built on a long history of obtaining successful results for our clients.

We guarantee that you will be fully satisfied with the submissions we prepare on your behalf. We also offer unlimited revisions, if needed, until you are completely satisfied with your submission.

Flexible Monthly Payment Plans.

We understand that legal fees can be a barrier for many clients, which is why we offer flexible monthly installment plans through Pay Later by Affirm. Our installment options allow you to pay over 3, 6, 12, or 24 months, making top-notch legal representation accessible. The application process is quick and easy and does not affect your credit score.

All of this for a flat, all-inclusive fee of $9,995.00.

*The use of the word “guaranteed” in attorney advertisements specifically refers to a refund policy and does not imply a guarantee of any particular outcome in your legal case. Legal cases are inherently unpredictable, and the result of any legal matter cannot be assured. The National Security Law Firm guarantees that if you do not obtain the desired outcome, you will receive a refund in the specified amount, as detailed in our agreement. This guarantee applies solely to the refund and not to the success or outcome of your case. For more information and to discuss your specific legal situation, please consult with one of our experienced attorneys.

Get Back on Board Quickly with Your MMC Appeal

Each month without your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) could mean tens of thousands in lost income. An MMC lawyer more than pays for itself by helping you get back to work sooner, protect your career, and avoid the long-term costs of a suspended or revoked credential. Don’t let time slip away—book a consultation with an experienced MMC appeal lawyer today to take immediate action and get back on course.

At the National Security Law Firm, we’ve streamlined the process to make it fast and straightforward. One call with our dedicated team, and we’ll assess your case, outline your appeal strategy, and handle all the details so you can stay focused on your future.

The sooner you act, the quicker you can reclaim your ability to work and secure your career. Delays could cost more than lost wages—they could impact your reputation and livelihood long-term. With our affordable flat fee, money-back guarantee, and flexible payment options, there’s no reason to wait.

Book your consultation now, and let us fight to restore your MMC and secure your future.

Brett O’Brien, Merchant Mariner Attorney

Book a free consultation now to discuss your case with one of our MMC lawyers.