How Can a Criminal Conviction Impact a CPA License in Pennsylvania?

How do Criminal Convictions Impact CPA Licenses in Pennsylvania?

Name: The Peters Firm, PLLC
Price range: $$$

Obtaining a CPA license is an extremely challenging and arduous task; it is quite the achievement. Not only is majoring in Accounting difficult, the CPA exam is a monster and often takes numerous sittings to pass. After putting in all the time and sacrifice to obtaining your CPA license in Pennsylvania, the last thing you want to do is jeopardize that license or disqualify yourself for eligibility. The questions to be answered are: How Can a Criminal Conviction Impact a CPA License in Pennsylvania? Can you become a CPA in Pennsylvania with a Criminal Conviction?

If you find yourself under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Board of Accounting, you will need an experienced, trusted, and aggressive lawyer at your side to advocate on your behalf. Paul S. Peters III, Esq. will provide you with that need advocacy and legal defense. Call Paul S. Peters III, Esquire at 215-291-2944.

CPA License and DUI Conviction in Pennsylvania

The most common criminal charges professionals such as CPAs face in Pennsylvania is that of Driving Under the Influence.

Learn About PA DUIs and ARD

A DUI conviction may place your CPA license in jeopardy. The DUI arrest will not only result in a criminal conviction but damage to your reputation, wasting the years of hard work and dedication to become a CPA, and losing your livelihood, hurting yourself and your family.

If the circumstances of your DUI arrest result in a felony conviction, your CPA license will be in jeopardy of suspension. For DUI offenses that are misdemeanors, you must report the conviction to the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy or disclose it upon renewal of your CPA license. The conviction may lead to an investigation and hearing before the board, which you should not handle alone.

Learn More About Felonies and Misdemeanors

A Misdemeanor DUI conviction will not prevent obtaining your CPA license if you satisfy all other license requirements; however, you will have to disclose the conviction and possibly explain the situation to the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy. A Felony DUI will undoubtedly create a hurdle for obtaining your CPA license and ultimately deem you ineligible. Any felony conviction and certain misdemeanor convictions will produce the same issues.

If you are a CPA or planning to apply for your CPA license, immediately after a DUI arrest, you need experienced, trusted, and aggressive legal representation immediately. You will need representation for both the DUI and any charges faced before the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy. Paul S. Peters III, Esq. is that trusted, experienced, and aggressive legal partner to defend your rights and license in Criminal Court and before the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy.

CPA License and other Crimes

Section 9.1 of the Pennsylvania CPA licensing rules state the grounds for discipline relating to criminal charges and convictions. Specific criminal concerns of the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy are:

– Pleading guilty to, entering a plea of nolo contendere to or being found guilty of a felony under any Federal or State law or the laws of any foreign jurisdiction.

– Pleading guilty to, entering a plea of nolo contendere to or being found guilty of any crime, an element of which is dishonesty or fraud under any Federal or State law or the laws of any foreign jurisdiction.

– Pleading guilty to, entering a plea of nolo contendere to or being found guilty of violating any Federal or State revenue law or the revenue laws of any foreign jurisdiction.

The complications created by any of the above criminal convictions not only impact current CPAs but will pose a challenge to those actively seeking a CPA license.

The actions stated in Section 9.1 are any actions of fraud regarding obtaining a CPA license or preparation of any document connected with the practice of accounting, failure to follow professional standards, failure to cooperate with the board, or any actions taken against a CPA by the IRS.

Any serious felony offense such as Murder, Arson, Kidnapping, Burglary, or Rape, will undoubtedly prevent you from obtaining or result in a loss of your Insurance Agent License. As will any conviction for all levels of sexual offenses and offenses involving harm to children. Crimes for theft can also result in a license suspension. These crimes call into question a person’s morals, ethics, character, and judgment. The crimes also fall into the category of crimes of “MORAL TURPITUDE” requiring disclosure.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

If accused or suspected of substance or alcohol abuse, your job and license are in jeopardy. Substance and alcohol abuse issues are extremely concerning to the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountants for apparent reasons. If abuse is suspected, you can face an investigation and hearing before the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountants. The investigation can result in a requirement that you attend and complete drug and alcohol counseling, submitting to random drug screens, and having your position or license placed on probation, restrictions, or terminated and suspended.

How We Can Help

If you are a CPA in Pennsylvania and facing criminal charges, a professional disciplinary allegation, or both, you must immediately act and call the Trusted, Experienced, and Aggressive criminal and professional license defense lawyer, Paul S. Peters III, Esq.

Paul S. Peters III, Esq. handles matters in Pennsylvania arising in: Montgomery, Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, Chester, Lehigh, Lancaster, Northampton, and Berks, County, just to name a few.

Do not waste one minute, contact the Aggressive, Experienced, Trusted, and Compassionate Pennsylvania CPA License Defense Lawyer, Paul S. Peters III, Esq.