Former lawyer stands trial for taking money from immigrants when he wasn't allowed to practice law

The trial began today for a former Birmingham attorney charged with taking money from Hispanic clients who thought he was helping them earn legal immigration status, although he had been disbarred and ordered not to practice.

Douglas Howard Cooner, 62, was indicted on 14 charges: three counts of second-degree theft by deception, two counts of first-degree perjury, three counts of third-degree perjury, four counts of unauthorized practice of law, and two counts of first-degree theft by deception. He is currently released on bond.

"The worst times in our lives, we go to lawyers," Deputy District Attorney Patrick Lamb said in his opening statement Tuesday morning. "The public should be allowed to rely on lawyers."

Lamb explained to the jury the different licensing procedures a lawyer must go through before he or she is allowed to practice law. One must be certified by a state supreme court and must pass an exam through an accredited bar association. In immigration court, a lawyer must disclose their standing to the board and be allowed to stay on a case if he or she has any disciplinary matters pending.

Read more: http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2017/04/former_birmingham_lawyer_stand.html