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.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 510, Sec. 85. (SB 887) Effective January 1, 2024.)

Terms Used In California Business and Professions Code 5121

  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • State: means the State of California, unless applied to the different parts of the United States. See California Business and Professions Code 21