Unauthorized practice of law in Texas

The law in Texas

Governing statute: Tex. Gov't Code § 81.101; Tex. Penal Code § 38.123

Texas defines the practice of law broadly and makes falsely holding yourself out as a lawyer a criminal offense. The Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee (UPLC), appointed by the Texas Supreme Court, investigates and can sue for injunctions and restitution.

Penalties in Texas

Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine); state jail felony on a repeat offense.

Notarios and immigration consultants

Texas expressly prohibits notaries from using the title 'notario' or 'notario público' in advertising (Gov't Code § 406.017). Violations carry civil penalties up to $1,500 per act.

Common hotspots

We see the highest concentration of UPL victims in Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, and El Paso. 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 Texas lawyer

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

What you can recover in Texas

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

How to report

1. File a complaint with State Bar of Texas — most state bars have a dedicated UPL committee.
2. File a consumer complaint with the Texas 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 Texas.

Related scam types

• Notario fraud
• Immigration consultant scams
• Disbarred attorneys still 'practicing'
• Legal doc-prep mills