[I should be studying]

I received a letter from the state board today which said that I am required to attend their bi-monthly meeting so they can assess my character. All I need for my license is their approval, so needless to say I’m kind of freaking out. Here’s what happened, any advice on what I can say and thoughts on how worried I should be will be appreciated.

8 years ago, when I was 17, I was arrested for breaking and entering. In my car they found some marijuana, alcohol, and brass knuckles, all of which I was charged with. In total I had 6 charges:

-possession of pot

-possession in a school zone

-possession w/ intent to distribute

-possession of brass knuckles

-possession of alcohol under 21

-breaking and entering at night (this one’s a felony)

I spent 2 years on probation and drug testing, and after it was over the charges settled as “continued without a finding.” I haven’t been arrested since, and since then I got my masters degree, passed the CPA exam and I’ve been working for a CPA firm for 2.5 years.

I know the charges seem serious but I was in high school when it happened and I’ve spent the better part of the last 8 years working towards getting this license.

REG - 80 (2/28/13)
AUD - 68 (5/24/13), 84 (7/11/13)
BEC - 83 (8/29/13)
FAR - 70 (12/04/13) 80 (2/10/14)

[Quinacridone]

I think that the state board is just following due diligence – once they know who you are and see how much you've grown, I think you will be fine. I would imagine this is probably a standard procedure for anyone with an arrest record that involves drugs or violence.

Wear a suit, lol! Does your current firm know about this? If so, I would also talk with them about getting some type of reference letter on your character to bring with you.

Maybe someone here has something in their background where they had to go through a similar process. They could provide some reassurance – I'm still thinking that you are going to be fine. Sometimes those who have overcome much are the most qualified to lead!

REG - Nov 4, 2013: 88
FAR - Feb 27, 2014: 86
AUD - April 5, 2014: 91
BEC - May 6, 2014: 83

Florida CPA 24 July 2014
(Done in seven months - thank you Jesus!!)

[mla1169]

I'm admittedly clueless about law but doesn't the fact that you were a minor at the time help? Either way take it as a good sign that they're still considering you, show up polished and prepared to explain your accomplishments in the last 8 years.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[acamp]

Eight year old stuff from when you were 17 years old which concluded with “continued without a finding” and they are hassling you?! So I assume you did not actually get a felony or misdemeanor your record? I don't know the best course of action, maybe just show up presentable and claim “stupid kid” which is what they should have concluded in the first place, maybe the brace knuckles put you over the top! LOL

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

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Guti]

Bring the brass knuckles to the interview just in case they want to give you a hard time. Are you in Colorado? You might be able to bring them something else if you are in that state.

FAR-84
AUD-
REG-
BEC-

[I should be studying]

I hope you guys are right. I plan on playing the “stupid kid” card as much as possible. And no, it was all continued without a finding, so I have no convictions, felony or misdemeanor on my record. I had 3 of the partners from my firm write character letters when I applied, so hopefully with everything together I'll be able to catch them in a good mood and they'll decide not to ruin my life

REG - 80 (2/28/13)
AUD - 68 (5/24/13), 84 (7/11/13)
BEC - 83 (8/29/13)
FAR - 70 (12/04/13) 80 (2/10/14)

[Marc]

Good luck, let us know how you celebrate when its all over 🙂

Passed And got my license too ..

[MintsRGood]

To look at the positive side…they want to hear your side of the story as opposed to flat out denying your license application. It sounds like you've been squeaky clean since that happened, so definitely play the “mixed up kid” card very very very hard. The letters that the partners wrote on your behalf should hold serious weight in your favor. Look sharp and be courteous and you'll be money. Best of luck!!!!!!!!!!

REG: 75 DONE 🙂
AUD: 61, 71, 68, 92 DONE 🙂
BEC: 76 DONE 🙂
FAR: 72, 74, 79 DONE 🙂
Licensed Michigan CPA 🙂
-Some people dream of success...others wake up and work hard for it!!!
-The cowards never start and the weak die along the way!
-You better work, b***h!
-Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.-JFK

[AGI]

After reading the story, I don't think things are as bad as you think. This is what I can tell you after working in a “very similar environment”:

The state board is just following the law / policy. In fact, I can tell you most of the “people” don't fully read your application before making a final decision. People kinda skim through your application for the first time to scan for any “critical problems”, of cause, when they see your application about your history immediately they call for interview. (Regular procedure.) (Not that they are particular interested in seeing you, but they probably need to write a report on “why should I give you a license” and file with your record.) Legally they need to write a paper, and plus, they will need the report to send it to the other “department” to get you the piece of paper call —> license.

This is how you should prepare yourself in case, if you really think it is going to be a big problem. Consider some of the following:

– Bring with you summary or paper of what happen 8 years ago. If possible, bring legal documentation.

– Bring any proof that shows you have no convictions, felony or misdemeanor on your record and the case was close

– Bring in proof of education, good working experience, good volunteer community outreach to show you are a good person

– If needed, consider ask for a good statement from any of your good co-worker indicate you are a good person and a good CPA candidate. Not a recommendation, but a statement reflecting your personality and your moral / conduct

(You can get it notarize but that's really unnecessary, as long as contact information is provided.)

Bring extra copies of everything! (Oh, you don't have to provide all of them, just some is fine.)

The above things should get you off the questionable list and you should be able to state yourself legally as a clear record person. This is as far as you will ever be asked. (Verbal and visual determination is rarely use.)

You might be require to sit for some lectures and some long wait of talking… prepare yourself. Dress nicely and appear to appointment early is very important!

-From daily working experience in the office

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[Anonymous]

I'm guessing you are worried over a formality. While I do not have a criminal record of any kind, I had a similar problem. I had a typo on my application! I apparently checked yes on the question “Have you ever been convicted…” I've never had a speeding ticket. Proving that you made a mistake 8 years ago and you have grown up since then is a whole lot easier to do than proving you have no criminal history. I called a friend who works for the sheriff's office to get him to run a background check on me and he said “No”. I was shocked! I asked him why not? He replied that you have to have a criminal history in order to run a criminal history. I felt like an idiot especially given that I met this friend while I WORKED THERE! DUH!!! Anyway I got letters from the DA and the sheriff stating that I had never been investigated, charged or arrested for anything. It will all work out. Trust me!

[Anonymous]

May I ask this: Did they run it? I was involved in a fight in college and had my battery expunged; I always say no and pass all background checks. I disclosed it to the board and it may cost a few thousand in legal fees.

[Author]

Replies