Your CPA has become a means of obtaining your livelihood, and you may even plan to use it in your chosen field of accounting until you retire. However, if a threat to your CPA license has arisen due to an allegation of wrongdoing on your part, you’re going to need to consult with an experienced CPA license defense attorney who can answer your questions and provide you with strong representation throughout the pendency of your case.

Has the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy notified you that you are under investigation and/or facing the possible suspension or revocation of your CPA license? If so, our team at Fienman Defense can provide you with a comprehensive license defense and fight vigorously to successfully resolve the complaints and charges against you at both the administrative hearing and criminal court levels.

For a case evaluation, call our office today at (215) 839-9529.

DUI and Your Accounting License

As an accounting professional in Pennsylvania, it’s important for you to understand that your license may be placed in jeopardy if you are convicted of a criminal charge such as driving under the influence (DUI). The major risks you face with such a conviction are threefold: incurring severe criminal penalties, suffering a damaged reputation, and potentially losing your livelihood – i.e., your means of income.

If your DUI is a felony level offense, your CPA license may be vulnerable to suspension or revocation. If your DUI offense is a misdemeanor, you may be required to report your conviction to the State Board. Or, at a minimum – you may have to reveal your criminal conviction at the time you renew your license.

Keep in mind that if you are arrested for DUI but never convicted, you may have no need to report anything to the Board.

Can you become a CPA with a DUI? The answer is “yes,” if your DUI conviction is a misdemeanor. However, you may run into roadblocks accessing the opportunity to become a licensed CPA if your DUI conviction is a felony.

From the moment you are arrested for DUI, it is important to retain the legal counsel of an experienced CPA license defense attorney in order to ensure your rights are protected, and that you are more than adequately defended for the charges you face.

Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy

The Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy take a violation of the rules and regulations related to professional CPA licensure seriously. In conjunction with the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA), the State Board of Accountancy performs investigations into professional accountants whose practices and capabilities are brought into question or criticized. In some instances, the issues related to these questions involve an accountant’s alleged or substantiated criminal activity, chemical dependency, or mental impairment.

If these allegations exist, a complaint may be filed against the accountant with a subsequent notification made to the Professional Health Monitoring Program (PHMP). Once the complaint is filed, the PHMP may send you an application to join their program. It’s important to understand that filling out the application and any other related forms may have the potential to limit your rights. It’s important to receive legal counsel from an experienced CPA license defense lawyer before agreeing to participate in any such program.

Substantiated Allegations Initiating Possible Disciplinary Action

Various substantiated allegations made against you have the potential to get you in trouble with the PA State Board of Accountancy. The Board may conduct an investigation or take disciplinary action against you for occurrences of misconduct that include, but are not limited to::

  • Felony conviction
  • Practicing deceit or fraud to obtain a license or permit connected with the practice of accounting
  • Using a false or fraudulent statement in a document connected with the practice of accounting
  • Failure to follow professional standards
  • Failure to cooperate in a Board investigation
  • Failure to respond to requests for information by the Board
  • Engaging in false or misleading advertising
  • Practicing accounting after failing to renew your registration or license

Depending on the particular facts of your case, the PA State Board of Accountancy may impose certain disciplinary actions upon you for any of the offenses mentioned above. These penalties include the possible suspension or revocation of your license.

Why You Need an Attorney

As an accounting professional, you may feel that you can handle a PA State Board of Accountancy investigation on your own. However, this is not necessarily the case. Refrain from speaking to an investigator from the Board until you have retained experienced counsel. The safest and most effective way to defend your rights and help secure your livelihood is to use the professional services of a Pennsylvania CPA license defense attorney.

Get the Experienced CPA License Defense You Need

At Fienman Defense, we understand the process involved regarding the PA Board of Accountancy and its investigations into practicing CPAs accused of wrongdoing. Regardless of whether you have CPA licensing with DUI concerns or you need a trusted advocate to fight for your rights and freedom in criminal court, we have you covered with highly competent and aggressive representation.

Call us today at (215) 839-9529 to set up a consultation.