Criminal proceedings against licensees; appearances by department representatives.

A representative of the department may voluntarily appear in a criminal proceeding brought against a person licensed by the department to practice a profession regulated by the state. The department’s representative is authorized to furnish pertinent information, make recommendations regarding specific conditions of probation, and provide other assistance to the court necessary to promote justice or protect the public. The court may order a representative of the department to appear in a criminal proceeding if the crime charged is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee regulated by the department.