Carson City District Attorney Rombardo investigating man practicing without law license
After receiving numerous complaints, the Carson City District Attorney's Office is investigating a local man who has allegedly defrauded several people in the Hispanic community by telling them he is a credentialed lawyer.
The suspect is practicing law without a license and has been telling people he is a paralegal or a lawyer, said Carson City District Attorney Neil A. Rombardo. He is believed to have taken hundreds if not thousands of dollars from unknowing members of the community.
“In many instances, the suspect takes hundreds of dollars from his victims and the victim receives nothing in return. I am concerned that Carson City’s residents are being defrauded by this scam, which is resulting in unnecessary expense and heartache,” said Rombardo.
In one instance a citizen ended up paying more than $1,000 for nothing, he said. Rombardo said Carson City citizens to check the credentials of a person attempting to practice law on their behalf through the Nevada State Bar, nvbar.org or call (800) 254-2797.
“I encourage all Carson City residents to make sure to avoid scams by using licensed lawyers, and if they are unable to afford a lawyer, to contact Volunteer Attorneys of Rural Nevada (VARN) or the United Latino Community (ULC) office for assistance or a referral," he said. "Also, if a victim of violent crime needs assistance with a restraining order, he or she should contact the District Attorney’s Office or Advocates to End Domestic Violence.”
In a news release District Attorney Rombardo provided steps people should remember when hiring a lawyer. They are:
In order to practice law in Nevada, a person must be admitted by the State Bar of Nevada;
The practice of law is more than just trial appearances, it is:
Providing any legal advice for compensation,
All actions or proceedings pending before a court in this state,
All actions or proceedings pending before an administrative agency or governmental body,
All arbitrations, mediations, or alternative dispute resolutions, and
All services incident to any of the above proceedings including, but not limited to, discovery and settlement negotiations.
A paralegal does not have the right to practice law in the State of Nevada;
A paralegal may assist a licensed attorney with the practice of law;
It is a crime to practice law without a license; and
VARN can be reached at (775) 841-4730, ULC at (775) 883-8278, the D.A.’s Office at (775) 887-2268, and/or Advocates to End Domestic Violence at (775) 883-7654.
If a Carson City resident meets someone offering to provide legal services without such licensing, do not hire them or give them any cash for services and report them immediately to the Carson City Sheriff’s Office or the District Attorney’s Office.
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