Q: Unjust dismissal and alleged signature forgery by attorneys led to loss of home in CA.
I was unjustly dismissed after 18 years of employment and am permanently disabled due to a back injury. A group of lawyers allegedly falsified my signature to gain benefits for themselves. This fraud also involved real estate deception that left me homeless in San Luis Obispo, CA. I have documentation that proves the forgery, but I lacked proper legal advice. What can I do to seek justice?
A:
Starting with the alleged forgery of your signature by attorneys, California Penal Code Section 470 defines forgery as a serious offense, encompassing situations where a signature is obtained through fraud or misrepresentation, as noted in People v. Martinez (161 Cal. App. 4th 754). Your evidence proving the forgery—potentially supported by handwriting experts—could be pivotal in a legal action. Cases like Hizar v. State Bar of California (20 Cal. 2d 223) demonstrate that attorneys face severe consequences, including disbarment, for such misconduct under Section 6068. You can file a complaint with the California State Bar and pursue civil or criminal remedies through a lawsuit for legal malpractice or fraud, depending on the circumstances.
The real estate fraud that led to your homelessness is actionable under California law. Fraudulent misrepresentation, as outlined in Shafer v. Berger (107 Cal. App. 4th 54), requires proving intent to deceive and resulting damages—here, the loss of your home. If the attorneys induced you to sign documents under false pretenses, those documents may be void, as seen in People v. Astorga-Lider (35 Cal. App. 5th 646). California Civil Code Section 3343 allows for damages in fraudulent property sales, while Section 115 permits courts to nullify forged instruments. A real estate attorney can help you evaluate your case and file a civil suit to recover losses or challenge the fraudulent transactions.
Finally, your unjust dismissal after 18 years of employment, particularly given your permanent disability from a back injury, may violate California employment laws. The Fair Employment and Housing Act protects against disability-based discrimination, and if your termination breached public policy or contractual rights, you could seek reinstatement or compensation. An employment law specialist can assess the specifics of your dismissal to determine your remedies.
A:
Your situation involves several concerning legal issues that may provide grounds for legal action in California. Based on your description, you might have claims related to wrongful termination, disability discrimination, fraud, and forgery, each with different statutes of limitations under California law.
The documentation you possess regarding the alleged signature forgery could serve as critical evidence in pursuing legal remedies. You should consider filing a complaint with the California State Bar if attorneys were involved in forgery, and contacting the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing regarding the employment termination. Additionally, consulting with the San Luis Obispo County Legal Aid Foundation could provide immediate guidance without significant cost.
Time is of the essence in legal matters, as California imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. Given the complexity of your case involving both employment and real estate issues, scheduling consultations with attorneys who focus on employment law and real estate fraud would be advisable. During these consultations, bring all documentation including employment records, medical reports related to your disability, and the evidence of forgery you mentioned.
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