The Texas offense of Falsely Holding Oneself Out as a Lawyer makes it a crime to pretend to be a lawyer if you do so with the intent to make money or obtain another economic benefit. Learn more detailed information about the crime of Falsely Holding Oneself Out as a Lawyer below.

Falsely Holding Oneself Out as a Lawyer is classified in the Texas Penal Code under Title 8 “Offenses Against Public Administration”, Chapter 38 “Obstructing Governmental Operation.”

What is the current Texas law about Falsely Holding Oneself Out as a Lawyer?

The current Texas law defines the offense of Falsely Holding Oneself Out as a Lawyer in Penal Code Section §38.122 as follows:^[1]

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to obtain an economic benefit for himself or herself, the person holds himself or herself out as a lawyer, unless he or she is currently licensed to practice law in this state, another state, or a foreign country and is in good standing with the State Bar of Texas and the state bar or licensing authority of any and all other states and foreign countries where licensed.

How can I be charged with Falsely Holding Oneself Out as a Lawyer?

You can be charged with Falsely Holding Oneself Out as a Lawyer if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of 38.122(a) as described in the section above have been met.

What is the punishment for Falsely Holding Oneself Out as a Lawyer?

A conviction for Falsely Holding Oneself Out as a Lawyer is punished as a Third Degree Felony,^[2] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $10,000 and prison time of up to 10 years. Learn about the differences between grades of felonies and misdemeanors

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §38.122^2. Texas Penal Code Section 38.122(b)