CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS (CPA)

Any CPA, or CPA applicant, must disclose details regarding an arrest, location of an arrest, the name of the court, and the details of the violation, sentencing, and/or any conditions of probation. Additional documentation will be furnished upon request by the California Board of Accountancy, which is in charge of discipline for CPAs and CPA Applicants.

As with other professional licensees, the California Department of Justice notifies the Board of any convictions within 30 days of conviction. Sometimes arrests are reported by virtue of the Live-Scan procedure that cross-references a CPA's license, thus notifying the Board of Accountancy more quickly. 

Upon notification, the Board will typically begin with an inquiry. The inquiry will require a member to disclose the facts and circumstances of the events leading to a conviction and require submission of Court documents and police reports. After an investigation, the Board determines appropriate disciplinary actions depending on the facts and circumstances of any given case. 

Discipline can run from no action to either a suspension or revocation of your CPA License. (B&P Sections 5000 et seq., and Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) sections 1 through 99.1. 

If a hearing is required, it will take place before an Administrative Law Judge and the cases are prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office. The Board has the authority to take action based on a criminal conviction that is substantially related to qualifications, functions or the duties of the licensee. Crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, and/or breach of fiduciary duty; and even assault and battery, domestic violence and criminal threats to even a simple DUI. Violations of the California Accountancy Act are equally problematic and can lead to additional disciplinary actions. 

We make every endeavor to avoid a criminal conviction that could lead to a disciplinary action; but if that is not possible, we will guide you in the best way possible to mitigate any damage to your licensing and your livelihood.