California · Power of attorney abuse
Power of attorney abuse in California
If a non-lawyer took your money in California — under the guise of power of attorney abuse — California law is on your side. Here's how the claim works.
Reviewed July 2026 by the FakeLawyerReport editorial team
Why this is illegal in California
A POA drafted or sold by a non-lawyer — or misused by the agent — can drain savings and deed away homes. Victims can recover funds, and many states add double or treble damages.
California's UPL statute: Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 6125–6126, 6450 (paralegals)
California Business and Professions Code section 6125 limits the practice of law to active State Bar licensees. Section 6126 makes it a crime for an unlicensed person to practice law or claim the right to do so. Immigration consultants and legal document assistants are separately regulated and may provide only limited nonlegal services.
Penalties in California
A first conviction under Business and Professions Code section 6126 can carry up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. A second or later conviction generally carries at least 90 days in county jail unless the court states reasons for a lesser sentence.
What you can recover
- A full refund of every dollar you paid.
- Statutory or civil damages under California's consumer-protection laws.
- Attorneys' fees in most cases — often no out-of-pocket cost.
- Referral to a licensed California attorney to try to fix the underlying case.
How to report power of attorney abuse in California
- File with The State Bar of California — the state bar's UPL committee.
- File a consumer complaint with the California Attorney General.
- Submit your case on this site for a free confidential review with a licensed California attorney who handles UPL recovery.
Related resources
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