Consumers who have filed complaints against a Nashville man, suspended for practicing law without a license, may be eligible for restitution, Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper and Gary Cordell, director of the Division of Consumer Affairs announced today.

Michael H. Sneed of Nashville, who has been found liable for the unauthorized practice of law and violations of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, has been ordered by the Davidson County Circuit Court to pay $18,372 to eligible consumers who used his services. The Tennessee Supreme Court ordered Sneed suspended from the practice of law on Feb. 24, 2009 for 18 months. He was later found to have continued representing multiple consumers acting as an attorney during his suspension...read the Michael Sneed release or the Sneed release in Spanish.

The State has filed suit against a woman alleged to be engaging in legal services without a license, Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper and Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs Director Gary Cordell announced today. Today’s announcement is part of a national immigration services initiative by state Attorneys General and the Federal Trade Commission.

Martha Salazar, doing business as Comunidad Hispana on Nolensville Road, is named in the lawsuit, alleging she is providing legal services without being licensed as an attorney. The State alleges that she has prepared immigration petitions, custody agreements and contracts and provided other legal services for primarily Spanish-speaking consumers. Salazar is not licensed as an attorney, nor has she worked under the supervision of an attorney, and therefore she is not authorized to engage in the practice of law, the lawsuit contends...read the Salazar press release or the Salazar press release in Spanish.

Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced today it has reached an agreement with a woman alleged to have provided legal services without a license.

Charlene Carter doing business as Carter’s Paralegal Service located in Gallatin is alleged to have advertised her legal services on craigslist and through business cards. Carter has agreed to pay restitution to consumers who paid for legal services because she is not a licensed attorney in addition to stopping the alleged illegal activity...read the Charlene Carter press release.

Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper and Division of Consumer Affairs Director Mary Clement announced today that a man and his companies alleged to have provided legal services without a license to members of the Hispanic immigrant community have agreed to stop the alleged unlawful conduct.

Additionally, TPS Tax Professional Services, Inc., and Office Professional Services, Inc. have agreed to pay restitution to consumers that paid money for legal or marriage services totaling approximately $25,000. Ten consumers who previously came forward will receive a refund within 60 days. Additional eligible consumers who come forward within a year from today’s date will also be awarded restitution and will be paid within 60 days of notification to the defendants. The agreement also calls for the defendants to pay $10,000 to the State in attorneys’ fees, costs and civil penalties. Circuit Judge Hamilton Gayden, Jr. approved the settlement, which also provides for additional attorneys’ fees, costs and civil penalties of $60,000 that will be paid if the defendants violate the settlement...read the Elmer Virula press release.

Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper has filed suit against a woman and her business previously located in Nashville for allegedly using misleading advertisements promoting the sale of “international driver’s licenses,” and using the term “notario publico” without the required disclaimer.

Attorney General Cooper filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Division of Consumer Affairs, naming Mirella Garcia, individually and doing business as Centro de Apoyo al Immigrante. The lawsuit alleges she violated the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act and the Notaries Public statute. The business was previously located at 2517 Nolensville Pike in Nashville...read the full Mirella Garcia, Centro de Apoyo al Inmigrante press release.