[RalenGupp]

CPA license was issued very recently. Getting charged with DUI (NYS) for something that happened a couple months ago.

Has anyone else gone through this? I know that it is a reportable event to NYS CPA Board, which thus makes it reportable to AICPA, and firm handbook is unclear but I’m assuming it would be wise to report to the partners to.

So is my life and career 100% over or can I just make it through with lots of fines, a suspension, and probably not getting promoted for awhile?

pls help

[Valar Dohaeris]

I doubt a DUI is an act discreditable to the profession. I would make an anonymous call to your state board to inquire about the repercussions, if any.

I would not tell your employer/partners. If you're close with these people, then use your judgment. I mean, if your driver's license is revoked due to the DUI and you are having trouble getting to work, then you might want to have that conversation. If your employer doesn't need to know, don't tell them.

AUD - 81
BEC - 83
FAR - 83
REG - 84

CPA

Finance Manager

Experienced in Big 4 audit, regional audit, and technical accounting consulting

BEC - 85
AUD - 81
REG - 84
FAR - 7/24/16

[Substantive Testing]

I am not sure how close you are with your manager, but if I were you I would talk with my manager then depending on his reaction I would decide to talk with partner or not. I do not think first time offense for DUI is very severe, but we also have to consider how drunk you were when u got caught. I am not sure how good are DUI lawyers now, but before I used to heard good stories from my friends. Good luck

AUD - 75
BEC - 75
FAR - 81
REG - 78

 

CPA ex-auditor

 

[RalenGupp]

In NYS we get a conditional license to go to work and back. But since CPA license will most likely get suspended, I am guessing my firm will be notified.

[Valar Dohaeris]

We're talking about a misdemeanor, right?

I didn't realize your state's board knew which firm you were working for?

I'd really be surprised if your state board will do anything.

I'd consult a lawyer. I don't think a judge wants to ruin someone's professional career over a DUI. Maybe it could be reduced to a lesser offense.

AUD - 81
BEC - 83
FAR - 83
REG - 84

CPA

Finance Manager

Experienced in Big 4 audit, regional audit, and technical accounting consulting

BEC - 85
AUD - 81
REG - 84
FAR - 7/24/16

[Larry]

Read over your company policy regarding criminal charges. I don't know how big your firm is but if it's a big firm, I am pretty sure they will have a policy regarding disclosure. If they do not have a policy, I wouldn't tell them. Consult an attorney.

Is this your first DUI? If so, does your state allow for DUI to be expunged?

AUD - 83
BEC - 76
FAR - 78
REG - 82

Licensed in Florida

REG - 82
FAR - 78
BEC - 76
AUD - 8/27/16

[OhWilson10]

I do not believe I would tell anyone in the firm, unless the policy clearly states you must. Same with NYS. Before you disclose anything, I would make sure it is required. It is not a crime of dishonesty or fraud. I would also speak with an attorney and figure out if it can be expunged.

"The only rule is it begins"

[Anonymous]

I won't name names, but in some firms that would put you on the fast track to partner.

[SuckItUp]

Step one: Don't drink and drive.

Step two: Don't drink and drive.

Step three: Repeat previous two steps in no particular order.

[RalenGupp]

Valar Dohaeris: https://www.op.nysed.gov/title8/part29.htm Says a conviction of misdemeanor is a reportable event. I can't remember where but I saw somewhere else that the penalty is suspension of CPA license for 6 months and $500 fine. My mailing address with NYS is my firm, and my firm's policy states that employees must uphold professional ethics in accordance with NYS board and AICPA. AICPA says that if your CPA license is suspended by state board, you must report to AICPA. If my firm found out I got a misdemeanor without telling them that would be much worse than if I told them. Either way I probably face being fired.

Papogator24: First DUI, no expungement.

OhWilson10: I'm thinking I'll talk to my lawyer, then my state board, then AICPA, then my manager, then if it looks like I need to disclose to firm I will. Although if I have trouble getting hardship and conditional licenses and have to be driven to work by my roommate everyday it'll be obvious to everyone at the firm anyway.

4WG2WB: Can you forward them my resume pls and ty

SuckItUp: WOW great advice thank you so much!!

[Anonymous]

I live in NYS as well and received a misdemeanor DWI when i was 20. I am now in the process of taking the exam. I am still at the same public firm that I was with at the time that i received the DWI. Never told anyone at the firm and no one found out. I suggest not saying anything to anyone unless someone asks.

I sent a letter to NYS state board when I applied to take the exam stating the charges and got a copy from the county clerk of the report which I sent to NYS board as well. Couple weeks later I received an email from the state board saying I was eligible to take the exam.

No problems ever since.

DWI is not something that will ruin your life as a CPA. Although, if you make the same mistake again it will no longer be a mistake and then you should expect more serious reprecussions.

[RalenGupp]

Biggie103092: Thank you for your story! I'm glad you didn't have any problems. I will say I think it is different when you already have your CPA license as opposed to before you apply for the exam. Were you full time with the firm when you were convicted?

[Anonymous]

Its possible that it is different. Since it is not theft or anything to do with the accounting profession I highly doubt they would do anything to your license. I would disclose it though if I were you just to show them your honest.

And no I was an intern at the time. Got full time offer within the next year. Not sure if they performed a background check when they gave me my offer but it is a top 15 public accounting firm in NYS so I would think they did something.

[Author]

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