Riverside Superior Judge Kira Klatchko was correct in dismissing a case against the State Bar of California, the Court of Appeal ruled April 13.
The case argued that Cathedral City’s contract with Data Ticket, a company that processes citations, violates state law by allowing an unlawful lawyer referral service.
The agreement between Cathedral City and Data Ticket allows for Data Ticket to engage subcontractors, including lawyers, for adjudication services.
Businesses cannot refer clients to lawyers, and lawyers cannot accept referrals from businesses, unless the business is registered with the Bar of California and meets certain standards, under Business Code Section 6155.
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