FakeLawyerReport

Indiana · UPL

Unauthorized practice of law in Indiana

If a notario, immigration consultant, disbarred attorney, or unlicensed 'legal service' took your money in Indiana, 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 Indiana

Governing statute: Ind. Code § 33-43-2-1; Ind. Admission & Discipline R. 24

Indiana makes UPL a Class B misdemeanor, and the Indiana Supreme Court's Disciplinary Commission can seek injunctions and civil penalties against non-lawyers who provide legal services.

Penalties in Indiana

Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days and $1,000) for a first offense; Class A misdemeanor for subsequent violations.

Notarios and immigration consultants

Indiana's Notary Public Modernization Act bars notaries from using 'notario' or advertising legal or immigration services.

Common hotspots

We see the highest concentration of UPL victims in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, and Gary. 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 Indiana lawyer

Before paying anyone who claims to be an attorney, look them up on Indiana Roll of Attorneys's official directory. If they aren't listed as active, they cannot legally represent you.

What you can recover in Indiana

  • A refund of every dollar you paid.
  • Statutory damages under Indiana's UPL and consumer-protection laws.
  • Attorneys' fees in many cases — meaning it costs you nothing out of pocket.
  • Referral to a licensed Indiana attorney to try to fix the underlying case.

How to report

  1. File a complaint with Indiana Roll of Attorneys — most state bars have a dedicated UPL committee.
  2. File a consumer complaint with the Indiana Attorney General.
  3. Submit your case on this site for a free, confidential review — we'll match you with a licensed attorney who handles UPL recovery in Indiana.

Related scam types

Frequently asked questions about UPL in Indiana

Is a notario a lawyer in Indiana?

No. In Indiana, only an active member of Indiana Roll of Attorneys 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 Indiana?

File a complaint with Indiana Roll of Attorneys and the Indiana Attorney General's consumer protection division. You can also submit your case on this page for a free, confidential review with a licensed Indiana attorney.

What are the penalties for unauthorized practice of law in Indiana?

Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days and $1,000) for a first offense; Class A misdemeanor for subsequent violations.

Can I get my money back if a fake lawyer scammed me in Indiana?

Yes. Indiana 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 Indiana attorney's license?

Search Indiana Roll of Attorneys's official public directory at https://courtapps.in.gov/rollofattorneys. If the person isn't listed as an active member, they cannot legally represent you in Indiana.

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