Like other licensed professionals, certified public accountants and other tax professionals have considerable ethical obligations that can be difficult to navigate at times. Failing to spot potential ethical problems or making a simple mistake can lead to potential disciplinary action. If you are facing disciplinary action, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to work with a Maryland CPA and tax license defense attorney.
In other situations, issues that arise outside of your professional life can also jeopardize your license. And, of course, intentional ethical breaches can lead to a suspension or revocation of your license. Complaints are aggressively investigated, and the consequences can be severe. Unfortunately, the disciplinary process can be incredibly onerous, especially when you are trying to manage the demands of your daily professional obligations.
Our Maryland CPA and Tax License Defense Attorneys Handle All Types of Disciplinary Issues
Maryland CPA and tax license defense attorneys at J.W Stafford Law Firm understand the challenges you are facing if the Maryland Board of Public Accountancy is pursuing a case against you. From minor complaints to complex disputes, we can help you understand the issues and the potential consequences you may be facing. Some of the cases we have handled include the following:
- Actions arising from criminal charges and convictions
- Record-keeping violations
- Fee disputes
- Issues involving breaches of client confidentiality
- Negligence
- Issues involving conflicts of interest
- Licensing issues include practicing without a license or practicing on a suspended license
- Disciplinary proceedings involving other regulatory bodies such as FINRA and the IRS
Many enforcement actions involve both the Maryland board and federal agencies. The outcome in one case may determine the outcome in the other, and both should be taken seriously. An experienced Maryland CPA and tax license defense attorney can provide an aggressive defense at every level to ensure the best possible outcome.
How a Maryland CPA and Tax License Defense Attorney Can Help
Many accountants and tax professionals mistakenly assume that they only need a lawyer once they are facing a hearing before the board. Even worse, some people think that they don’t need a lawyer at all until the board has rendered an adverse decision and they wish to appeal. The bottom line is that the sooner you get a lawyer, the better your chances of getting a fair outcome in your case.
A Maryland CPA and tax license defense attorney can provide guidance and assistance at every stage of the disciplinary process, even if the process has yet to begin. We assist accountants and tax professionals in the following ways:
- Navigating the licensing and renewal process, appealing licensing denials
- Resolving compliance issues
- Responding to the initial complaint
- Responding to and cooperating with board investigations
- Providing advice and guidance regarding settlement options
- Handling all correspondence related to the process, including settlement discussions
- Representation at hearings before the board or regulatory agency
- Handling any necessary appeals
We also provide guidance to accountants and tax professionals regarding whatever questions they may have concerning their ethical obligations or other issues that could result in disciplinary action.
Understanding the Potential Consequences
If the Board takes action against you, there is a broad range of potential consequences you may face if it finds that you have acted contrary to the Code of Professional Conduct. Some of the consequences you may face include the following:
- Reprimand. This is the least serious penalty you face but can do considerable damage to your professional reputation.
- Probation. You are allowed to continue practicing but are subject to additional oversight and reporting requirements. You may also be ordered to take corrective action or complete additional ethical or other education courses.
- Suspension. Your license may be suspended for several months or years, meaning that you cannot practice as an accountant in the state of Maryland.
- Revocation. In cases where serious violations have occurred, the Board may permanently revoke your license to practice.
Any of these consequences can jeopardize your livelihood. Of course, every case has unique facts and circumstances that will shape the consequences you face, as well as how you proceed. Your personal and professional circumstances are perhaps just as important. We work closely with our clients to shape a fully personalized strategy to defend your license. Whether you want to resolve the matter as quickly as possible or wish to aggressively dispute any alleged wrongdoing, we work with you to develop a legal strategy that best meets what you are hoping to achieve.
Other Financial Professionals We Represent
Our Experienced Maryland CPA and tax license defense attorneys work with other professionals in the financial sector. Even if you are not a licensed CPA or tax professional, you may be subject to other regulatory oversight that can pursue disciplinary action against you that arise from the following situations:
- Allegations of fraudulent charging or billing for goods or services
- Allegations of misappropriation of funds
- Allegations involving inaccurate or fraudulent financial statements and tax returns
- Trust account violations
Depending on the sector you work in, you may be subject to licensing and ethical obligations that, when violated, can result in you being barred from engaging in your chosen profession. We represent professionals across the financial industry in protecting their licenses and certifications before both state and federal regulatory bodies. Some of the professionals we represent include the following:
- Financial advisors
- Real estate brokers
- Certified financial planners
- Banking professionals
- Insurance brokers and agents
- Stockbrokers and other investment professionals
Whatever profession you are a member of, we can work with you in handling the investigation, representing you before your board, and helping you find a fair resolution.
Contact a Maryland CPA and Tax License Defense Attorney at the Law Offices of J. W. Stafford Today
If you are worried about losing your license or facing other consequences, the sooner you get experienced legal representation, the better your chances of getting a fair outcome. We help CPAs, tax professionals, and other people in the financial sector protect their futures with an aggressive defense that focuses on results. Contact us today at 410-514-6099 to get started on putting your complaint behind you.