Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens After A Complaint Is Filed Against Your CPA License?
Once a complaint is filed, the licensing board will assess if it falls within its authority. Afterward, they may initiate an investigation and demand evidence in writing to dispute the allegation. Moreover, the panel could call forth documents or witness statements as part of their inquiry.
If the board has sufficient evidence to prove your guilt, they may suggest you sign a consent order which essentially implies that you accept their punishment. However, if they deem it necessary, they have the right to summon and call for a formal hearing in which case you will be expected to provide an argument as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against you. Ultimately, at the end of the hearing procedure and upon evaluation of all presented facts and arguments by both sides-the Board reserves full authority when determining what action is appropriate for this situation; including revoking your CPA license altogether.
Though you may be permitted to maintain your accounting license with a lesser penalty, such as fines or probation, any disciplinary action taken against you will reflect on your professional reputation due to the public record. You can limit this damage by recruiting an experienced CPA license defense attorney. The Spartacus Law Firm is well-versed in negotiating resolutions with boards that could lead to dismissed complaints and help keep other potentially damaging penalties at bay!
Can I Be A CPA With A Criminal Record In Nevada?
The Nevada State Board of Accountancy (NSBA) has the authority to deny CPA certificates if you have been convicted of a felony in Nevada or any other state. Additionally, should your criminal history include acts involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, such as:
If you have a criminal past, it is highly recommended that you seek advice from a Las Vegas accountant license defense attorney regarding your options. Sealing your records or demonstrating complete rehabilitation may make the NSBA more likely to confer certification upon you.
What Are Common Causes Of Disciplinary Action Against CPA Professionals?
The National Society of Business Accountants is authorized to launch disciplinary proceedings against CPAs who are found guilty of any criminal offenses such as:
- Any felony relating to the practice of public accounting
- Any crime involving moral turpitude
- Any crime that has dishonesty or fraud as an element
Be aware that disciplinary action could be taken if any of the following misdeeds occur:
- Fraud or deceit in obtaining a CPA certificate or a permit to practice public accounting
- Dishonesty, fraud, or gross negligence
- Violation of any of the provisions of NRS 628 or of the rules of professional conduct adopted by the NSBA
- Failing to retain an annual permit
- Conduct discreditable to the profession of public accounting or which reflects adversely upon your fitness to engage in the practice of public accounting
What Happens At Accountancy Disciplinary Hearings?
NSBA disciplinary hearings provide an opportunity for the Nevada Attorney General’s Office (on behalf of the NSBA) and you to come together in order to reach a resolution. The following are events that are likely to occur at an accountancy disciplinary hearing:
- Present evidence,
- Call witnesses, and
- Cross-examine each other’s witnesses
Once the court hearing is complete, NSBA members will carefully examine the evidence and decide by majority vote what – if any – punishments to assign you.
It is important to remember that engaging the services of a Las Vegas CPA license defense attorney who has experience in administrative proceedings is highly recommended. Moreover, if you choose not to respond or appear at the hearing, it will still occur without your presence and a decision may be rendered by the Board. Some examples of disciplinary action which could potentially be ordered by NSBA include:
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Public reprimand
- Pre-release work reviews
- Probation
- Suspension of your CPA certificate
- revocation of your CPA certificate
Can I Go To Jail For Lying About Being A CPA In Nevada?
Violating the law and falsely claiming to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Nevada comes with serious consequences. Those who recklessly use terms such as “certified public accountant” or “CPA” without being officially certified may face gross misdemeanor charges, along with accompanying penalties like jail time and hefty fines, including:
- Up to $2,000 in fines, and/or
- Up to 364 days in jail
Contact Our Las Vegas Accountant License Defense Attorney Today
If you receive notification of a claim against your accounting license, do not wait to be summoned to a hearing and instead hire an experienced Las Vegas accountant license defense attorney immediately. Having legal representation at the onset offers you a greater opportunity for resolution without having to go through with a hearing – plus, if it comes down to that, having counsel will increase the likelihood of achieving a positive result. Contact the Spartacus Law Firm today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help you fight the allegations.