On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, The Florida Bar filed a petition against attorney Rafael Moreno in the Supreme Court of Florida, accusing him of unauthorized practice of law.
The case is entitled “The Florida Bar v. Rafael Moreno,” with case no. 20244003(11D).
According to the petition, Moreno held himself out as an attorney to Nerelys Ramos Ballestero when she sought his help for a July 2023 immigration court hearing. Ramos Ballestero paid Moreno $300 for legal representation but did not attend her hearing on his advice. She later learned she was ordered removed from the country in absentia.
The petition states that Ramos Ballestero had met with Moreno at his Hialeah office in May and July to discuss her case and provide documentation. It is alleged that Moreno advised her she did not need to attend the hearing and told her afterward that everything went well. However, Ramos Ballestero was issued a removal order and only found out through a motion to reopen her case filed in October 2023.
The Florida Bar is requesting a permanent injunction preventing Moreno from engaging in any practices that could be seen as providing legal advice or services. They are also seeking a judgment of $300 in restitution for Ramos Ballestero.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
