Lawyer Steals $115,000 from Clearwater Law Firm

John Smitter, a 47-year-old lawyer, was arrested on Tuesday on charges stemming from an investigation of grand theft. The lawyer is under investigation from the Florida Bar and was found to deposit $115,500 in cash into his personal bank.

The investigation found Smitten stole the money from 82 clients of the McGuire Law Offices between 2012 and 2014.

Smitten's downfall began when he was confronted by John McGuire over a $25 check that Smitten didn't give to the firm's bookkeeper. McGuire confronted Smitten about the check numerous times before stating that the bookkeeper would be auditing Smitten's accounts.

According to McGuire, Smitten fessed up to his wrongdoings, stating that he misappropriated funds. He promised to repay the firm.

The investigation into the theft led to Smitten denying allegations to local police. An email found that Smitten denied the claims, stating the funds were divided appropriately among McGuire and himself. McGuire presented evidence showing a voicemail from Smitten asking to resolve the matters.

Smitten signed an agreement to repay the firm $500,000.

The lawyer is said to have stolen as much as $500,000 from the law firm between 2006 and 2014. Reports show that Smitten paid back $1,330 of the funds he had stolen. He planned to pay back the stolen wages from his paycheck.

Smitten is a licensed attorney of 20 years and maintains an 8.4 out of 10 rating on Avvo.

Grand theft in the State of Florida is a serious offense. Smitten may face up to 30 years in jail and as much as a $10,000 fine if he is found guilty of grand theft in the first degree. The state defines grand theft as a theft exceeding $100,000. If found guilty of grand theft in the second degree, Smitten faces imprisonment of up to 15 years and a $10,000 fine.

McGuire Law Offices markets itself as a firm practicing personal injury, family and criminal law. Estate planning and bankruptcy are also listed by the firm.

Robert Graham, an attorney that made headlines in December, is in hot water, too. The lawyer is charged with stealing $2.1 million from clients, but the figure may be grossly undervalued, according to the Nevada State Bar Association.

Officials at the Bar suggest that the true value of the theft may be in excess of $15 million.

The number of clients that he may have stolen from is estimated to be 100 or more. The true extent of Graham's misdeeds remains unknown. Investigations into the matter are still ongoing. Graham stole money from clients that deposited funds into a lawyer trust account.

Graham, a probate lawyer, is being charged with the largest account of theft by the Nevada State Bar. His insurance company states that they don't have to pay any money to the 400 clients seeking compensation against Graham.

The insurer states that the insurance policy was falsified.

The alleged policy covered up to $2 million in claims against the lawyer. Graham filed for insurance in December 2015, well after a criminal indictment against the attorney from July 2013. The insurer suggests that Graham knew that a potential lawsuit may be in the works.

If found guilty, he faces 30 years in prison.