Oconee County, South Carolina, has become the stage of an unusual case of legal impersonation. Daniel Johnson, a 36-year-old man from Seneca, was arrested on charges of practicing law without a license. As reported by WBTV, this arrest occurred on Thursday after Johnson allegedly represented a family member in civil court repeatedly between September 2023 and August 2024.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) spokesperson confirmed that Johnson has been charged with two counts related to his attempt to illegally practice law, with no legal background or membership in the state Bar. As reported by ABC17 News, "The warrant said Johnson is not and has never been an enrolled member of the South Carolina Bar." The investigation was initiated upon a request by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.
Following his arrest, Johnson was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center but has since been released on bond. Details on the bond amount or conditions have not been made immediately available, but WSNW Radio did confirm his release through jail records.
This case is to be prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office, which had originally requested the investigation leading to Johnson's charges. Observers note that practicing law without proper credentials undermines the judicial system and erodes public trust in legal processes.
