Judge finds Fort Smith couple guilty of posing as lawyers to exploit car accident victims

FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Sebastian County District Court Judge Amy Grimes delivered a guilty verdict on March 26 against a Fort Smith couple for posing as lawyers to exploit car accident victims.

According to a press release from Fort Smith lawyer Joey McCutchin, Leigh Ann “Annie” Saffer and David Saffer were found guilty of the unauthorized practice of law.

The release says charges stem from the Saffers misrepresenting themselves as “accident specialists” and exploiting victims seeking assistance after car accidents.

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According to the release, the Saffers frequently solicited business for “Arkansas Chiropractic Group.” The Saffers office is located across the street from the chiropractic group’s office.

The release says several victims testified in the trial that they were repeatedly solicited by the Saffers, who offered them unauthorized legal advice on how to handle their injury claims.

According to the release, Grimes ruled that the Saffers actions constituted the unauthorized practice of law. They face a class D felony if they practice law in the future.

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