A client asks a notary public (who is not an attorney) which federal immigration visa category they should apply for based on their marital status. If the notary answers, what offense are they committing?

AI Explanation

Unauthorized practice of law. A notary public who is not an attorney cannot give legal advice, such as advising a person on which document or form to use, or the legal consequences of an action. Doing so constitutes the unauthorized practice of law, which can lead to commission revocation (Gov. Code 8214.1(g)).