Board of Psychology holds petition hearing for psychologist seeking early termination of probation

The California Board of Psychology on Feb. 27 heard a petition by William Brito, PhD, requesting early termination of a probationary term tied to criminal convictions from the early 1980s and a stipulated settlement he entered years ago.

An administrative law judge, Sean Gavin of the Office of Administrative Hearings, presided. The Office of the Attorney General was represented by Deputy Attorney General Matthew Fleming; counsel for the petitioner appeared as well. The hearing opened at 10:05 a.m. with the judge and hearing officers confirming exhibits and quorum of board members.

Why it matters: The petition asks the board to remove professional restrictions imposed after a long-ago criminal history. The board must weigh public protection against evidence of rehabilitation and decades of subsequent practice in other jurisdictions.

From the state: DAG Matthew Fleming summarized the licensing and disciplinary history and told the board he had concerns about whether the petitioner had supplied “clear and convincing evidence” of rehabilitation. Fleming pointed to gaps in the record the board relied on…