In what situation may the Commissioner deny a license without a hearing?

The Commissioner may deny a license without a hearing if the applicant has a past suspension. This situation is significant because it indicates a prior disciplinary action that suggests the individual may not meet the necessary standards for licensure. A history of past suspensions often reflects serious issues related to compliance with the law or professional conduct, which justifies the Commissioner's decision to deny the application outright. In such cases, the severity of the prior suspension can lead to a presumption that the applicant is unfit for licensure, thus eliminating the need for a hearing to reassess the individual's qualifications.

Other factors such as insufficient experience, neglecting to attend a hearing, or having a minor criminal record typically do not meet the threshold for immediate denial without the opportunity for the applicant to present their case. Insufficient experience may lead to queries and requests for additional information, while failing to attend a hearing might simply result in rescheduling rather than outright denial. Conversely, a minor criminal record can sometimes be addressed or mitigated within the context of a hearing to assess its relevance to the applicant's qualifications.