A  woman  accused of  practicing law without a license in Nevada County will spend 180 days in Jail and pay $20,000 restitution.  Assistant Nevada County District Attorney Anna Ferguson  explains the  sentence handed down this morning to 49 year old Sarah O’Neal.
click to hear Anna Ferguson

O’Neal operated “law” offices in downtown Nevada City and in Colfax . One of her offices , ironically was across the street from the District Attorney’s  office in Nevada City.
A citizen complaint in April 2012 prompted District Attorney Investigators  to examine O’Neal’s  State Bar status.  It was determined that she never graduated from law school and was practicing under the assumed identities of two lawyers with similar names that had either retired or move out of state.  Assistant DA Ferguson says as a convicted Felon, O’Neal will be prohibited from owning a firearm. Ferguson says  she was pleased with one other condition of sentencing.
click to hear Anna Ferguson
Ten victims of O’Neal’s illegal law  practice were represented in the criminal case  and will receive restitution, but the Assistant DA says she is concerned for the other victims.
click to hear Anna Ferguson
Ferguson says O’Neal was tearful as her sentence was read by Judge Tom Anderson which may be an indication of remorse.