Did you commit a real estate fraud related crime and are afraid you’ll lose your real estate license when you go to jail?  If it’s a California real estate license, then don’t worry.  Apparently lots of agents convicted of crimes still have their license and are legally permitted to still practice real estate.  That’s right, the California agent you hire may be convicted of stealing from his previous client.  Furthermore, he may currently be on probation.  Technically, he could also be in jail and legally practice real estate in California.  So, what does the State of California say?  Basically they say “Who cares?”  When you hear the Real Estate Department spokesman, Tom Pool, say things like, “If the person is headed to jail, it doesn’t necessarily make sense to use the department’s limited resources to revoke a license,” and refer to the problem as “a resource issue.”  He added, “We’re very busy and very involved.” Continue reading →