In California, a person who is not an active licensee of the State Bar and is “advertising or holding himself or herself out as practicing or entitled to practice law” is guilty of a misdemeanor. The penalty is up to one year in a county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
The title of certified public accountant is protected in the same way. Washington State law says: “No individuals may hold themselves out to the public or assume or use the designation” “certified public accountant” or “CPA” without a license.