[Tr264]

Hi, I just finished my first year in accounting but want to be realistic before I really get into this degree. I have two DUI’s, both to the slightest degree meaning my BAC was under 0.08 but Arizona is a zero tolerance state. One is from 7 years ago, the other is 2 years ago so by the time I take my licensing exam it’d be almost 6 years old. My other problem is I also have a DV that was dismissed from 5 years ago, however I don’t know if that means I need to report it or in general the repercussions from that. Please don’t try to sugar coat it, I need real advice about whether this puts a stop to my ambitions of becoming a CPA with a decent company.

[Anonymous]

If you will be able to seal at least one them by the time you will be getting your internship (jr or sr year) you'll be fine

You might not believe me but I have a friend with 6 arrest on his records one of them not too after he got his internship at Grant Thornton. The catch is that he did very well in school. At least a 3.6 GPA.

[Demha]

I think they only care about financial misdemeanors and all felonies. Just don't get any more trouble and get the drinking under control. You want as much time to pass as possible between the last charge and your first job and applying for the CPA. You'll just have to prove to people that you changed and have it under control. It's not over for you trust me, just find something you can excel in that would make you more marketable than the next guy to help offset the past. Good luck man, I was in your shoes once.

Gleim baby!
Grand Valley State University - '15
Accounting & Finance
FAR - 2nd Window '16

[DTBird]

Wouldn't be worried about the DUI's. If they counted against us, half the CPA firms would be understaffed.

BEC - 77 (5/16)
AUD - TBD (8/16)
REG - 80 (1/16)
FAR - 76 (8/15)

[Son]

Tr264, ave you seen this article? https://arizonadui.com/im-a-cpa-and-i-got-a-dui/

“Can I Become a CPA if I have a DUI in my Past?

Maybe. The Board may refuse to grant you a CPA license if you have a felony conviction on your criminal record. In Arizona DUI, extreme DUI, and super extreme DUI are all misdemeanors. Aggravated DUI is a felony. If you are convicted of aggravated DUI, the Board might not give you a license. If you have a felony DUI on your record, the Board will review your file and make a determination based on your unique circumstances.”

The only problem I foresee is the fact that its a repeated offense, but if you manage to seal it as some have suggested I don't see it being a huge issue.

AUD - passed
REG - passed
BEC - passed
FAR - passed

[Hammer]

I have 3 underage drinking violations and a disorderly conduct charge. I graduated with a sub 3.0 GPA.

Still got licensed and a Big 4 gig. You're fine, you just have to work a little bit harder than everyone else and develop some very good people skills.

I had all the same fears and thoughts that you are probably having, I just put it behind me and basically told my self “well, there is no reason not to at least try”

FAR - 70, 81
AUD - 83
BEC - 77
REG - 70, 78

Licensed in Ohio.

Now what the hell do I do?

[Tr264]

Thank you. I feel a lot more confident now. I'll continue to get a high GPA and hope other opportunities come along so I can make myself stand out despite by past. I was starting to get really worried but I'm glad there's still hope

[Author]

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