These summaries were prepared by McGuireWoods LLP lawyer Thomas E. Spahn. They are based on the letter opinions issued by the Virginia State Bar. Any editorial comments reflect Mr. Spahn's current personal views, and not the opinions of the Virginia State Bar, McGuireWoods or its clients. 
 
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ABA-469

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27-Litigation Tactics (Including Misrepresentations, Tape Recordings)

49-Lawyers - Miscellaneous

51-Government Attorneys

Prosecutors who allow private debt collection companies to use their stationery to explicitly or implicitly threaten prosecution of delinquent debtors violate: (1) ABA Model Rule 8.4(c)'s anti-deception provision; (2) ABA Model Rule 5.5(a)'s prohibition on assisting nonlawyer's unauthorized practice of law, because such conduct necessarily involves nonlawyers analyzing whether a crime has been committed and a prosecution would be justified.

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn