[Anonymous]

..so after it’s all said and done – you’ve acquired the minimum units, pass all 4 parts and ethics exam, gained your experience…has anyone been denied their license due to “ineptitude of moral character” or whatever legal terminology they use?

or know someone that has?

[Kenada]

Is there some kind of offense that you have committed in the past and the Board did a background check and found it ?

Good moral character is demonstrated by the lack of a history of dishonest or felonious acts. The Board considers several areas in evaluating an applicant's moral character. These include:

Responses to questions on the application relating to arrests, charges, convictions, probations and/or deferred adjudications of a felony or misdemeanor other than misdemeanor driving offenses such as moving violations (NOTE: DWIs are not considered misdemeanor driving offenses).

The Board will access the Texas Department of Public Safety – Crime Records Division using a computerized criminal history (CCH) verification check of each applicant who submits an Application of Intent and a second check on applicants who submit an application for the Issuance of the CPA Certificate. Additional Texas DPS checks may be conducted if warranted. The Texas DPS – Crime Records Department maintains records of arrests, charges, convictions, probations and deferred adjudications of misdemeanor and felony offenses that occur in Texas. Records of these activities are reported to the Board for further investigation. If an applicant was 17 years of age or older at the time of the arrest, it should be reported to the Board. You are not required to report criminal records that have been expunged or sealed by an order of the court. You are required to report criminal records subject to a non-disclosure order.

The Board also considers the status of any type of professional license and denial of examination privileges by any other state or federal agency.

FAR 05/27/14; 786/110 - Done !

[Gatorbates]

“Ineptitude of moral character??” I'd hate to be nosy, but I think only you will know what that was for.

I've never heard of anything like this … I take it the state board did some kind of background check? If so, and there's something in your past that you are not proud of, you should get an attorney, or try to appeal your case to the state, and present why you should be licensed.

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[Anonymous]

I have 2 DUIs. And I reside in CA. I've heard of people with 2 DUIs getting hired by Deloitte; I take this to suggest that the Board will not prevent you from getting a license for 2 DUIs. Or, maybe it's a case by case basis?

I just wanted to know if anyone knew of a person being denied a license — whether it be due to DUI, or any other misdemeanor. I imagine a felony would preclude one from being licensed, but a DUI is a misdemeanor in majority of the states (I believe).

[Guti]

Why dont you transfer your application to another state,but before doing that find out if they also have an issue with your DUIs. Certified party animal (CPA).

FAR-84
AUD-
REG-
BEC-

[Tncincy]

Wow, what a question.

I think a person should get clear of any questionable situations via attorney or etc, before going through this long application and testing journey. I would be so angry if a pass dui or misdemeanor kept me from getting my license.

So how can you know if stuff is on or still on a criminal record? I mean you would know if you are a criminal, but some people have done foolish things as young people, or in college, or even as adults. What would a person do in such cases?

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Anonymous]

I've never heard of this happening and if you think about it, it doesn't make any sense.

Barring you from becoming a CPA for a DUI or misdemeanor, come on, your telling me that NO CPA's have ever gotten a DUI or have been involved with a petty misdemeanor? Can't be.

I would be interested to hear about any instance where this has happened as I have not come across hearing about this ever happening.

[evesocal]

I don't think the DUI's will prevent you from getting a license. They are not felonies, they are not related to fraud or any kind of financial crime.

I don't have any experience with this or know of anyone who does, but it doesn't make sense this would stop you from getting your license.

FWIW, a coworker (who is now a partner) got a DUI a few years back. He didn't lose his CPA license. He did, however, stop drinking completely.

B: 75
R: 80
A: 77
F: 81
Ethics: 84, 92 and done!
Licensed in California

[acamp]

I'd be worried about the second one, courts, society as a whole, etc, tend to think the second one exhibits recklessness, irresponsibility and is likely the product of bigger issues.

So from that standpoint I would be concerned, will this impact licensing? No idea.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Guti]

For some weird reason, my memory works great the day after I drink Johnnie walker. I have been able to pass exams all my life drinking at least 7 shots of whiskie the night before.

FAR-84
AUD-
REG-
BEC-

[Anonymous]

I was worried about licensure in California because of my DUI, but had no issue.

DUI under the age of 21 in CA, blood alcohol was over .20. I did not mention my DUI during hiring process at my job and it never came up (work at a national firm that is top 10 on accounting today top 100 list). And yes they did a background check, during which they even called me related to my education background.

During the licensure process I did list the DUI on my application, and there were no issues.

Guy at my office got a DUI during employment, and almost got fired.

I actually joined just now to post this answer as my DUI caused me much mental anguish during both the hiring and licensure process, but surely YMMV.

[Newbe654]

I actually don't have the cleanest background as well. Two drug related misdemeanors that were both felonies before I plead down. Please don't judge me. I'm not going to let it stop me from trying to get a license however. From what I understand if they deny you, you can ask to have a hearing about it or something and go speak in front of representatives with your lawyer. They also give out probationary licenses as well if there skeptical about you.. I read about one person who got caught with pounds of heroin in Cali and served prison time getting a probationary license. (https://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/updates/update68.pdf —bottom of page 16) Pretty sure if its not fraud or theft kinda charges you should be all set.

[Gatorbates]

Wow. Just wow. Smuggled five pounds of heroin over the border. I saw that it was in 1997 … so maybe he spent his time in prison studying for the exam … which pretty much is what we are all doing.

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[evesocal]

*Attempted* to smuggle it:

>> De Simoni committed an act involving dishonesty,

fraud or deceit with the intent to substantially benefit

himself or others when he attempted to smuggle five (5)

pounds of heroin into the United States.

The CBA also alleged such acts, if done by a licentiate,

would be grounds for revocation or suspension of licensure.<<

Yes, that is hard to process on many levels! Notice that if you already have a license in California and smuggle drugs it does not necessarily mean you lose your license.

It's hard to reconcile drug smugglers with CPAs but I have to say, I do believe these rules are fair. The guy in this case could very well be an excellent accountant who saw the error of his ways and turned his life around, and if he can meet all the criteria for a license, why shouldn't he get one?

B: 75
R: 80
A: 77
F: 81
Ethics: 84, 92 and done!
Licensed in California

[x3cpa]

hi, if anyone has insite on this: a couple years ago, i was around 20, and i got charged with petty theft for less than $20 (stupid i know) and it was brought down to an infraction due to the amount. i am in the middle of my studying right now, and ive passed two exams. i dont remember filling out in the california application if i was ever charged with anything.

so my question: where would i have to report this? is it the application before i take the exams, or is it after i finish the exams? now i am super worried i will be denied, because i have forgotten about this charge. i have had background checks at 2 different work locations and everything turned out fine. i believe infractions dont show on background checks, but i dont know how far the review boards will look, esp since this is theft related. and if it was before, i don't remember disclosing, can we call them now and submit an amended one so i can disclose?

[acamp]

You disclose it as part of licensing, which is after the exams, ethics test and experience. Its when you ship off your $250 license application

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Author]

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