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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 3Ch. 4Art. 7§ 6128 Attorney Misconduct Penalties

§ 6128 Attorney Misconduct Penalties

Business and Professions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 6128 Attorney Misconduct Penalties

Key Takeaways

  • •Lawyers can't lie or trick the court or anyone involved in a case.
  • •Lawyers can't slow down a case on purpose just to make more money.
  • •Lawyers can't take money for things they didn't actually do or pay for.
  • •If a lawyer breaks these rules, they can go to jail for up to 6 months or pay a fine up to $2,500, or both.

Example

A lawyer takes $1,000 from a client to pay for expert witnesses but never hires them and keeps the money.

This is breaking the law because the lawyer took money for something they didn't do. They could be fined or even go to jail.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 6128 Attorney Misconduct Penalties

Every attorney is guilty of a misdemeanor who either: (a) Is guilty of any deceit or collusion, or consents to any deceit or collusion, with intent to deceive the court or any party. (b) Willfully delays his client’s suit with a view to his own gain. (c) Willfully receives any money or allowance for or on account of any money which he has not laid out or become answerable for. Any violation of the provisions of this section is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), or by both. (Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1125.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

allowanceimprisonmentfinemisdemeanorcrimelienbenefitpunishment

Related Statutes

  • § 6129 Attorney Debt Purchase Ban
  • § 4831 Violations And Penalties
  • § 8553 Violations And Penalties
  • § 17100 Penalties For Violations
  • § 6126 Unauthorized Law Practice Penalty

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 6128.
View Official Source