Thread: CA-S.J. non-profit giving legal help to immigrants

S.J. non-profit giving legal help to immigrants
CASES STALLED AFTER EX-LAWYER'S ARREST
By Jessie Mangaliman
Mercury News
Article Launched: 08/02/2008 01:32:41 AM PDT



Dozens of immigrants who were represented by a disbarred attorney recently charged with practicing law without a license will gather in downtown San Jose today to get help from a non-profit group.

Two weeks ago, James C. Lopez, 50, was arrested at his office and charged with multiple felony counts of giving legal advice to immigrants even though he did not have a state license to practice law.

Lopez, facing incompetency charges, lost his law license in 2002. He's accused of continuing to practice law and charge legal fees.

Lopez is out on bond and awaiting a court hearing.

His arrest left in disarray the cases of more than 100 immigrants, most of them Latinos who have applied for U.S. citizenship and green cards.

"A lot of people are really worried: Is my lawyer really a lawyer?" said Herminia Arroyo, a staff attorney with the Center for Employment and Training's immigration and citizenship program.

After Lopez was arrested and charged, the center received 100 calls. An immigration attorney with Catholic Charities in San Jose met with former clients Thursday to talk about their cases. More meetings are scheduled next week, according to Robert Yabes, director of the immigration program at Catholic Charities.

"There are a lot of people who are in need of information," Arroyo said, "so they can proceed with their cases."

Arroyo will meet with clients from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. at the center's office at 701 Vine
St. in San Jose.

http://www.mercurynews.com/valley/ci_10 ... ck_check=1

WHAT TO DO? ILLEGAL CRIMINAL ALIENS DEPORT