Unauthorized Practice of Law, N.J.S.A. 2c:21-22

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office recently charged an elderly art dealer with Theft By Deception, Forgery, and Unauthorized Practice Of Law. Last December, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit received a complaint from a victim who hired the defendant to represent him in an estate settlement. Indeed, the victim claimed that he paid $15,500.00 in legal and professional fees for the estate work. Later, however, he learned of the defendant’s disbarment. Additionally, the investigation revealed the New Jersey Supreme Court had disbarred the defendant from the practice of law in 1998. The investigation further revealed that the defendant had deposited the monies from the victim into his personal bank account and used them for his own purposes. The defendant also forged the victim’s signature on multiple checks amounting to $21,500.00 for a total loss of $37,000.00. Consequently, the authorities charged the defendant with two counts of Theft By Deception, one count of Forgery, and one count of Unauthorized Practice Of Law. The charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.