State Bar Requests 1-Year Suspension, $280K In Restitution From Lawyer Who Allegedly Disguised His Loan Modification Racket As "Foreclosure Defense Litigation"

In Los Angeles, California, the Northern California Record reports:

• Pasadena attorney Stephen Rawliegh Golden face a year of suspension and an order to pay restitution in what he allegedly called foreclosure defense litigation that turned out to be an illegal loan modification services, according to a recent California State Bar filing.
  
  Golden allegedly charged and collected upfront fees for loan modification services, which is a violation of California's civil code, according to the 31-page decision filed June 28 by the state bar. In addition to the suspension, Golden must pay nearly $280,000 in restitution plus interest, according to the decision.
  
  Golden was charged with 26 counts of professional misconduct in 11 client matters, according to the decision. The state bar's court found Golden culpable of all but one of those counts.
  
  The state bar's decision is pending final action by the California Supreme Court, an appeal before the state bar's Review Department or expiration of time in which parties to may request further review within the State Bar Court.

Source: Pasadena attorney faces suspension for allegedly providing illegal loan modification services. ripoff reimbursement