The California State Bar conducted a rare sting operation recently when it sent fake clients into the offices of Walter S. Martinez and L and M Services. The bar found that clients had no interaction with Martinez and that all of the works was being handled by non-lawyers in violation of state law. The bar went even further to secure an order from Orange County Superior Court Judge Frederick Horn Monday, giving the State Bar authority to assume jurisdiction over the Law Office of Walter S. Martinez and L and M Legal Services. What is curious is that the assistants are being criminally charged, but there are no charges of any kind made thus far against Martinez.

There is an on-going investigation by the the Orange County district attorney into allegations of illegal patient referral and insurance overbilling schemes. Thus far, the designated defendant appears to be non-attorney Lisa Marie Tran and some of office staff. However, there may be an effort to secure their cooperation if the prosecutors are really pursuing Martinez. She faces a maximum sentence of four years and eight months.

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