Colorado · UPL
Unauthorized practice of law in Colorado
If a notario, immigration consultant, disbarred attorney, or unlicensed 'legal service' took your money in Colorado, you have real remedies under state law. Here's how it works — and how to recover.
Reviewed July 2026 by the FakeLawyerReport editorial team
The law in Colorado
Governing statute: Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 12-240-101 et seq.; C.R.C.P. 234–238
Colorado bars anyone not licensed by the Colorado Supreme Court from practicing law. The Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel investigates UPL and can seek civil contempt with fines and restitution.
Penalties in Colorado
Class 2 misdemeanor (up to 120 days and $750); civil fines up to $1,000 per violation plus restitution.
Notarios and immigration consultants
Colorado's Notaries Public Act (§ 24-21-525) forbids the use of 'notario' and advertising legal or immigration services.
Common hotspots
We see the highest concentration of UPL victims in Denver metro, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Greeley, and Pueblo. Scam operators often cluster near immigration offices, family courts, and low-income housing courts — anywhere people need legal help and can't easily afford a licensed attorney.
How to verify a Colorado lawyer
Before paying anyone who claims to be an attorney, look them up on Colorado Supreme Court — Attorney Search's official directory. If they aren't listed as active, they cannot legally represent you.
What you can recover in Colorado
- A refund of every dollar you paid.
- Statutory damages under Colorado's UPL and consumer-protection laws.
- Attorneys' fees in many cases — meaning it costs you nothing out of pocket.
- Referral to a licensed Colorado attorney to try to fix the underlying case.
How to report
- File a complaint with Colorado Supreme Court — Attorney Search — most state bars have a dedicated UPL committee.
- File a consumer complaint with the Colorado Attorney General.
- Submit your case on this site for a free, confidential review — we'll match you with a licensed attorney who handles UPL recovery in Colorado.
Related scam types
Frequently asked questions about UPL in Colorado
Is a notario a lawyer in Colorado?
No. In Colorado, only an active member of Colorado Supreme Court — Attorney Search may practice law. A notary public — even one who advertises as a 'notario' — cannot give legal advice, fill out immigration forms for you, or represent you.
How do I report a fake lawyer in Colorado?
File a complaint with Colorado Supreme Court — Attorney Search and the Colorado Attorney General's consumer protection division. You can also submit your case on this page for a free, confidential review with a licensed Colorado attorney.
What are the penalties for unauthorized practice of law in Colorado?
Class 2 misdemeanor (up to 120 days and $750); civil fines up to $1,000 per violation plus restitution.
Can I get my money back if a fake lawyer scammed me in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado law allows victims of UPL to recover a full refund of what they paid, plus statutory or civil damages, and in many cases attorneys' fees — meaning it can cost you nothing out of pocket.
How do I verify a Colorado attorney's license?
Search Colorado Supreme Court — Attorney Search's official public directory at https://www.coloradosupremecourt.com/Search/AttSearch.asp. If the person isn't listed as an active member, they cannot legally represent you in Colorado.
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