Tuesday, April 6, 2010

BILL WOULD MAKE UNAUTHORIZED LAW PRACTICE 3D-DEGREE CRIME

Legislation is on a fast track in the State of New Jersey Assembly would increase the level of criminality of practicing law without a license in New Jersey and create a civil cause of action for victimized clients. The bill, A-1050, backed by the State Bar Association and with no vocal opponents, would upgrade the unauthorized practice of law to a third-degree crime, punishable by a prison term of between three and five years and a $15,000 fine.

The Assembly Judiciary Committee voted 6-0 on March 8th to recommend passage of the bill, aimed largely at notaries public that offer legal services to Hispanic immigrants. In some Latin American and Caribbean countries, the term "notario" or "notario publico" signifies an attorney.

The civil-action provision would allow a court to award damages in an amount of $1,000 or three times the value of all costs incurred by the victim as a result of the criminal activity, whichever is greater, along with counsel fees and costs.


NACHMAN & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Immigration and Nationality Attorneys
VISASERVE PLAZA
487 Goffle Road
Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
Phone(201) 670-0006 (x100)
Facsimile (201) 670-0009
WWW.VISASERVE.COM

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