[thomas1234]

Hi guys, sorry to bother everyone with yet another record questions. So I am in the process of finishing my master in accounting, I am looking to obtain my CPA license in Texas, but I am worrying that my petty theft record 5 years ago could be an issue when it comes to that. Is there anyone that has similar experience and how you guys ended up consequently? thanks for everyone’s help!

[Anonymous]

Was it any kind of finacial crime? If money was involved in any way u may have to explain in detail and hope for the best. Also, if it was a crime of passion it will not look good. U may also be able to get it expunged with the help of a lawyer.

[livealittle]

it may be helpful to you

BEC - 8/8/16
REG - 66, 77
AUD - 81
FAR - 9/8/16

[Anonymous]

thomas1234,

Petty theft is only a misdemeanor not a felony afaik. Grand theft is a felony.

[Anonymous]

Maybe this will help. https://www.tsbpa.state.tx.us/exam-qualification/moral-character-investigations.html

[Anonymous]

Get the misdemeanor expunged from your record. You will need to file some paperwork with the county you were convicted in. Or, you can spend a few hundred dollars and have an attorney file the expungement paperwork for you. Unless you stole money you should have nothing to worry about. The Board is mostly concerned with convicted felonies.

[Skynet]

Stealing another guy's girlfriend will not hurt your chances of becoming a CPA.

[Anonymous]

@Skynet

Very unethical and violates the CPA Code of Conduct… Jk!

[thomas1234]

Thanks for y'all's replies! to clarify, I stolen some clothes out of a retail store back when I was in High School, i know its very unwise and stupid, but it was an action due to stress and not managing it right. I was given a misdemeanor B theft charge in court. got an deferred adjudication afterwards, completed 24 hours of community service and 6 months of probation. I got the case sealed through non-disclosure in May 2014. I learned that non-disclosure has to be reported when you are applying to be a CPA. Would this be a very slim chance of obtaining my CPA? or should I consult a lawyer when I file my application for the CPA? Thank you guys for the comments! I am kind of worried, but i know I deserved this because of my action of course.

[nadroj]

Honestly, I very much doubt the board will have a problem with one-time shoplifting as a teen. You will have to disclose the deferred adjudication (unless you have it expunged) and provide details. So it's a bit of a hassle but I don't think you need a lawyer, assuming your record since then is clean.

[Anonymous]

Some states have different rules as to what is “non-disclosure”. I had something similar as you and it was covered under something called HYDA… when applying for the cpa exam application I called to get clarification and was told I didn't have to disclosure it. So I'm going to assume the same goes for the cpa license. It doesn't come up when employers run background checks either. I think it only comes up if I were to apply for a government job. If I remember what my attorney said correctly 10 years ago lol. Again, many people have blemishes on the record and have a cpa license.

[nadroj]

Rather than assuming, I think it makes sense to see what, if anything, the board says.

In the case of Texas, they clearly say “You are required to report criminal records subject to a non-disclosure order.”
https://www.tsbpa.state.tx.us/exam-qualification/moral-character-statement.html

I think its much safer to disclose as required and let the board decide materiality, than to make a false statement on the application. There are CPAs with drunk driving convictions. I doubt the board will deny somebody for a childhood shoplifting incident.

[Anonymous]

You should be fine. Just be sure to disclose the charge if you are required by your State. Get it expunged if possible. Follow @ nadroj ^ instructions and check with your state. Worst case you would be given some kind of probationary license, but you probably have less than 5% chance of that happening. Just my opinion though

[Author]

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