[Anonymous]

I have passes all four sections and my ethics exam and going through the process of the application and having some difficulties with some of the questions and disclosures, as I want to be 100% honest about my past.

I have been arrested before and have some misdemeanor charges on my record (disorderly conduct & 3rd degree trespassing) . The application questions regarding criminal history does not specifically ask about these charges, however there is a memo on the application page regarding licensure and criminal history, talking about full disclosure of past actions. My question is, should I provide additional/supporting information on the arrest and misdemeanor charges even though the application doesn’t’ specifically ask the question? Obviously VERY nervous about the application process, as I don’t want some past bad judgement situations to effect the rest of life. Especially after working almost 2 years to pass the tests! I am trying to get licensed in the state of CO.

AUD: 76

FAR: 73, 77

REG: 72, 79

BEC: 59, 75

[Anonymous]

Contact your state board and ask them to clarify what you should disclose and don't have to disclose. They will be your best bet in giving you advice.

[y_u_no_pass]

I have a prior misdemeanor for not paying a fine that was dropped once the fine was paid. I read all of those questions carefully and determined I could put no. I received my license in approximately one week after sending in my application, so this didn't seem to hold me up at all. But a more conservative measure would be to contact the state board, just to be sure.

Florida CPA!
Took final exam 2/25/15.
Sent in Application 3/12/15.
Issued License 3/20/15.
Used CPA Excel solely for all exams.

[KBinMN]

Probably depends on your state but I have 2 misdemeanors on my record, disclosed both, and received my license. I didn't contact the board in advance because I didn't want to know and thought it would be harder to reject someone after they passed all their exams. Probably not great logic but I am now a CPA so I guess it worked.

[Anonymous]

I'd suggest that if you want to appear like someone who has the integrity and maturity to be a good CPA, don't call and ask your state board if they really mean it when they ask you for FULL DISCLOSURE of your criminal history.

If you don't have a copy of your record, get one. If these incidents are on your record, put them on the form.

[Anonymous]

Also, get an expungement, so this question won't have to come up anymore.

[KBinMN]

Some things cannot be expunged and some will still show up after being expunged. You can't make background check companies remove them. It isn't a bad idea, and depends on state law, but it isn't a guarantee either.

[Author]

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