For attorneys and certified public accountants, a professional license is more than a credential. It’s the foundation of a career, a reputation, and often a business. In a community like Newport Coast, where many residents are established professionals, a criminal charge can feel like a threat to everything they’ve built. The good news is that an arrest doesn’t automatically mean losing your license. The bad news is that the criminal case and the licensing consequences are closely linked, and decisions made early in the criminal case can shape what happens with your license later.
The short answer: yes, a criminal charge can put a law or CPA license at risk, especially if it leads to a felony conviction or a conviction for a crime involving dishonesty. But the outcome often depends on the type of charge, how the case is resolved, and how well the licensing side is handled.
How the State Bar Treats Criminal Charges Against Attorneys
California attorneys are regulated by the State Bar. Under the Business and Professions Code, a conviction for a felony, or for a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, can be grounds for suspension or disbarment. Moral turpitude generally covers crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, or a serious lack of ethical character.
Attorneys also have self-reporting duties. Within 30 days, a lawyer must report to the State Bar if they’re formally charged with a felony or convicted of certain offenses, including felonies and misdemeanors connected to the practice of law, crimes where a client was the victim, or crimes involving dishonesty. Courts also send conviction records to the State Bar, so failing to report can create a second problem on top of the first.
In serious cases, the State Bar can seek an interim suspension while the disciplinary process plays out.
How the California Board of Accountancy Treats Criminal Charges Against CPAs
CPAs answer to the California Board of Accountancy. The Board can discipline a licensee for a conviction that is substantially related to the duties of a CPA, as well as for felony convictions. Because accounting work depends on trust and accuracy, crimes involving theft, embezzlement, tax offenses, or fraud are especially likely to be treated as substantially related.
Like attorneys, CPAs have a 30-day reporting requirement for certain convictions, including felonies and crimes involving dishonesty or financial misconduct. Convictions must also be disclosed at license renewal.
Which Charges Cause the Most Concern?
Not every criminal case leads to discipline, but some charges come up often:
- Fraud, embezzlement, or tax-related crimes
- Theft and other offenses involving dishonesty
- Domestic violence
- Drug offenses
- DUI, particularly repeat offenses or cases involving aggravating factors
Even a single DUI can raise questions with a licensing board, and multiple DUIs can be viewed as a pattern. You can learn more about how these cases are defended on our DUI defense page.
Why the Way Your Criminal Case Ends Matters So Much
Licensing boards look closely at the exact offense you’re convicted of, not just the incident that led to the arrest. A charge reduced to a different offense, a dismissal, or entry into a diversion program can make a meaningful difference in how a board views the case. That’s why the criminal defense strategy should always account for licensing consequences from the beginning, not as an afterthought.
If the matter does reach a licensing board, you have the right to respond, present evidence of rehabilitation, and argue that the offense isn’t substantially related to your work. More information about this process is available on our professional crimes page.
Protecting Your License Starts Now
If you’re an attorney or CPA in Newport Coast, Newport Beach, or elsewhere in Orange County and you’ve been arrested or are under investigation, it’s important to get guidance before you speak with investigators or file any reports with your licensing board. Law Office of Michael L. Fell helps licensed professionals defend the criminal case while keeping their careers in mind. Call (949) 585-9055 for a confidential consultation.