Some attorneys take advantage of their elderly clients. One of those who did so, will serve 16 to 40 years in prison.
There is a popular image of attorneys as shifty liars who will do or say anything. It is not an accurate portrayal of most lawyers.
Almost all attorneys know they have responsibilities to their clients. Attorneys are also aware they have more legal knowledge than their clients and cannot use that knowledge for their own benefit at the expense of their clients.
When clients give their money to attorneys to handle, the attorneys must act as faithful fiduciaries. This is especially true when the clients are vulnerable, such as is often the case with the disabled and the elderly.
When an attorney violates these principles, it damages the reputations of everyone in the profession.
It is good to see that justice has been served on one such violator, as Las Vegas Now reports in “Disgraced Las Vegas lawyer sentenced to the maximum.”
Robert Graham was accused of stealing $16 million from his clients. His excuse was that he needed the money to pay his staff but the judge was not amused with that idea.
Graham was convicted on two counts of theft and three counts of exploitation of an older/vulnerable person. The judge sentenced Graham to the maximum sentence, which is 16 to 40 years in prison.
If you know an elderly person who you think is being taken advantage of, then report it to the appropriate authorities.
Reference: Las Vegas Now (Dec. 8, 2017) “Disgraced Las Vegas lawyer sentenced to the maximum.”
For more information on elder law and estate planning, please visit my estate planning website.
