Do Not Submit Phony Docs to the Court
It goes without saying that you shouldn't submit phony documents in court, so we're going to say it a different way.
Submitting false documents is like fudging on the definition of "is" in a deposition. It's like testifying in a hearing you "like beer," instead of you're a drunk.
Whatever, the point is that seemingly smart people do the stupidest things -- like submit fake documents to a court. Here's another one:
41 Cases
Vicki Greco, a Las Vegas lawyer, lost her way in Sin City. While representing prostitutes who were ordered to complete counseling and community service, she allegedly submitted false certificates of completion in at least 41 cases.
She was indicted on 138 felony and misdemeanor counts in 2016. The Nevada Supreme Court suspended her from practice, and then a trial judge sentenced her to 90 days in jail with five years' probation after she pled guilty to three felonies.
Prosecutors asked the judge for prison time to send a message. Lawyers have to know it's a crime to submit false documents in court.
"If you don't have trust for the lawyers, the system fails," said district attorney Marc DiGiacomo.
90 Days
It was not the first time an attorney filed false certificates of completion. Brian Bloomfield got caught in 2016, and got 90 days, too.
Bloomfield lost his license, and Greco may follow. At her sentencing hearing, she seemed to accept her fate.
"I feel that I have a lot to offer other people based on what I've gone through and whatever next career that I find," she said.
Like we didn't say, it goes without saying that you can't lie to the court. Lawyers and judges should especially know that.
Related Resources:
- Attorney Suspended for Road Rage (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- Greedy Tip of the Week: Learn to Sell (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- You Don't Ever Just Drop the F-Bomb in Court (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)