California · Business and Professions Code - BPC

BPC §5121: The display or uttering by a person of a card, sign, advertisement or other printed, engraved or written instrument or device, bearing a person’s name in conjunction with the words “certified public a

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Displaying or using cards, signs, or advertisements bearing a person's name with 'certified public accountant' or 'public accountant' titles creates evidence of fraudulent representation. A single prohibited act is sufficient for conviction.

Read the full statutory text

The display or uttering by a person of a card, sign, advertisement or other printed, engraved or written instrument or device, bearing a person’s name in conjunction with the words “certified public accountant” or any abbreviation thereof or the words “public accountant” or any abbreviation thereof shall be prima facie evidence in any prosecution, proceeding or hearing brought under this article that the person whose name is so displayed caused or procured the display or uttering of such card, sign, advertisement or other printed, engraved or written instrument or device. Any such display or uttering shall be prima facie evidence that the person whose name is so displayed holds themselves out as a certified public accountant, or a public accountant holding a permit to practice public accountancy in this state under the provisions of this chapter. In any prosecution or hearing under this chapter, evidence of the commission of a single act prohibited by this chapter shall be sufficient to justify a conviction without evidence of a general course of conduct.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.