Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

My friend is an attorney from CA who was recently arrested (Oct. 09) by the FBI for forging a judges signature on a court order. He subsequently resigned from the CA state bar, with charges pending. I haven't had luck in getting in touch with him, but I'm wondering how serious this is for him? Is he done practicing law for good? Will he see jail time?

Thanks for your thoughts. You might be thinking this person is me, but actually it's not. I was never smart enough to pass the bar exam!


Asked on 1/26/10, 6:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Your friend will be able to apply for re-admission to the bar, but the bar will not admit him unless and until he can show that he has been rehabilitated. It will be years before he can credibly even begin that process, and then it will be years more -- if ever -- before he re-gains his license. Applying in another state is unlikely to help him, since the bar association or licensing agency in any other jurisdiction will ask him about his disciplinary history. If he tries to conceal these events he will be found out; that denial would be reason enough by itself to turn him down.

Whether your friend will be prosecuted and potentially jailed will depend upon the type of order he signed and the circumstances under which he did it. Without those facts I can't assess his chances.

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Answered on 1/31/10, 7:08 pm


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