Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

what to do?

I am a california notary and I inadvertely left my notary book and stamp at my brother's office. My broker is a broker and I just found out he used my notary seal to notarized one his clients. He said he was running out time to find a notary to do and decided to use mine seal without my permissiion. When I found out I was extremely mad to say the least but he assured me that he knew the clients and there would be no issues or else he would have not done it. Now I get a letter form the police to call them. I called my brother to see if he could advised me about it and I found out that there is a problem with another file loan in which one of his agents was involved and now the parties he knew got involved in the other issue and mentioned to the investigator they never signed in from of the notary trying to help the other party with their situation. Now my questions is what do I do? Do I call the police? What would be the consequences for me? Do I need to hire an attorney?


Asked on 6/04/07, 3:55 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys
Joshua Hale Hale Law Group

Re: what to do?

You should consider hiring an attorney. Notaries have specialized rules which the general public do not have. If you have further questions, please contact my office at your earliest convenience.

JDH

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Answered on 6/04/07, 4:14 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: what to do?

Get a lawyer. You may or may not be at risk, but it's better to err on the side of caution before you start talking to the police.

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Answered on 6/04/07, 4:39 pm
Daniel J. Mangan III JuryTrialJustice

Re: what to do?

Hire counsel ASAP. Notary license issues exist even if you " did nothing wrong"

DJM

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Answered on 6/04/07, 4:49 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: what to do?

You face potential arrest and criminal charges against you, potential administrative action and loss of notary license, plus likely civil action against you for participation in fraud by the parties in the case. You decide whether you need an attorney.

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Answered on 6/04/07, 7:04 pm


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