DA warns of lawyer scam

After receiving several complaints, the Carson City District Attorney's Office is warning Carson City residents about a local man practicing law without a license.According to District Attorney Neil Rombardo, the complaints stem primarily from the local Hispanic community.“In many instances, the suspect takes hundreds of dollars from his victims, and the victim receives nothing in return,” Rombardo said. “I am concerned that Carson City's residents are being defrauded by this scam, which is resulting in unnecessary expense and heartache.” He said one victim paid more than $1,000 for nothing. He warned Carson City residents to check the credentials of a person attempting to practice law on their behalf through the Nevada State Bar, nvbar.org or call 1-800-254-2797.“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,” Rombardo said. “Also, if a victim of violent crime needs assistance with a restraining order, he or she should contact the D.A.'s Office or Advocates to End Domestic Violence.”The District Attorney's Office is working with local and state law enforcement to investigate these allegations. In order to practice law in Nevada, a person must be admitted by the State Bar of Nevada. 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.Volunteer Attorneys of Rural Nevada can be reached at 775-883-8278, United Latino Community at 775-841-4730, the D.A.'s Office at 775-887-2072, and/or Advocates to End Domestic Violence at 775-883-7654.