Former Laywer is Sentenced for Forgery, Contempt of Court and Misapplication of Entrusted Funds
Tuesday, October 06, 2009Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. announces the sentencing of Paul J. Hirsh, Esq. who was previously indicted for Forgery, Uttering, Contempt of Court, and Misapplication of Entrusted Funds.
Mr. Hirsh has been licensed to practice law in New Jersey since 1974, is currently 61 years of age and is now living in Washington, DC (he was formerly a resident of Mendham, NJ) he had previously maintained law offices in Morristown and Parsippany, NJ
Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. stated "The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Investigation commenced as a result of a referral from the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics following a financial audit. This resolution sends a clear message that those entrusted with the legal care of the citizens will be made to answer when they commit a crime. Mr. Hirsh will now have a criminal record and he will lose his privilege of practicing law, as he has proven himself unworthy of the trust needed to fulfill his duties as an attorney. As a result of this conviction, Mr. Hirsh was disbarred by Order of the New Jersey Supreme Court on September 9, 2009."
Hirsh entered a guilty plea on August 12, 2009 to 2 counts of Forgery (third degree), 1 count of Contempt Of Court (fourth degree) and 2 counts of Misapplication of Entrusted Funds (third degree).
The crime dates were between May 2004 and July 2005
Mr. Hirsh fraudulently endorsed 2 checks ($15,000.00; $24,998.17) made payable to his clients.
The Contempt of Court charge relates to Mr. Hirsh's deposit of a settlement check into his personal bank account in violation of a court order directing that the money be deposited with the Surrogate of Essex County on behalf of a minor client.
The Misapplication of Entrusted Funds charge relates to Mr. Hirsh's deposit of two settlement checks ($24,998.17; $7,500.00) into his personal bank account, as opposed to his trust account (in violation of New Jersey Supreme Court Rules) which resulted in the exposure of those funds to a substantial risk of loss.
Mr. Hirsh was sentenced before Judge Thomas Manahan to three years probation along with 180 days in the Morris County Correctional Facility which was suspended, 250 hours of Community Service and $1,500 in fines.