Bill Would Target Fake Attorneys Who Prey On Immigrants

DENVER (CBS4)- A proposed bill would crack down on fake attorneys who prey on immigrants who need help with legal documents.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Dan Pabon, a Democrat representing northwest Denver. The measure would allow the state attorney general to seek civil penalties against scam artists.

Pabon said some of the fake lawyers have falsely promised immigrants a first place in line for citizenship in exchange for $10,000.

One victim said her family was financially and emotionally devastated, "The bad legal advice we received cost Jorge, my children and myself almost 12 years of heartache. The impact this has caused has been a living nightmare for all of us."

The bill has bipartisan support and passed its first committee on Thursday. The bill moves to the House floor for more debate.