NY raising penalty for unlicensed lawyering

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NY raising penalty for unlicensed lawyering

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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The crime of practicing law without a license in New York will rise next November from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, after signing the new law Wednesday, says there's "no tolerance for scam artists" who pose as lawyers and dupe those needing legal help.

The Class E felony applies to violations that cause $1,000 or more in damages. The penalty is up to four years in prison.

Senator Charles Fuschillo, a Long Island Republican and bill sponsor, says scammers who jeopardize important personal business like buying a house or writing a will should face tougher penalties.

Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, a Queens Democrat, says there have been hundreds of complaints by immigrants victimized by fraudulent attorneys over the past several years.

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NY raising penalty for unlicensed lawyering - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

NY raising penalty for unlicensed lawyering

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Parishioners celebrate dedication of Saint Ann Catholic Church

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Assemblyman Vito lopez to resign before he's expelled from Legislature

Fallen heroes remembered during Albany motorcade

Fallen heroes remembered during Albany motorcade

Spring cleaning kicks off in Cohoes with Hazardous Waste Day

Spring cleaning kicks off in Cohoes with Hazardous Waste Day

NY Assembly seeks uncertain expulsion of Vito Lopez

NY Assembly seeks uncertain expulsion of Vito Lopez

Rensselaer County Clerk seals pistol permit records

Rensselaer County Clerk seals pistol permit records

Young crash survivor gets special day

Young crash survivor gets special day

Teen gets probation, community service in death of 21-year-old friend

Teen gets probation, community service in death of 21-year-old friend

Three women arrested in Schenectady prostitution sweep

Three women arrested in Schenectady prostitution sweep

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