Luís Rufo is the defendant being tried in Braga for having practiced as a lawyer for almost three decades without possessing the necessary qualifications. The trial began this week and the defendant chose to remain silent during the initial phase of the proceedings.
Rufo is accused of 141 crimes of usurpation of functions, related to the practice of acts typical of a lawyer without being legally qualified to do so. The authorities state that the illegal activity took place over a period of approximately 29 years, between 1993 and 2022.
According to the prosecution, Luís Rufo never completed his law degree, which means he did not meet the minimum academic requirements to practice law. This situation allegedly allowed the defendant to act as a lawyer before courts and clients for almost three decades.
The case is being followed with interest, given the long period of time involved and the high number of crimes attributed to him. The defendant's initial silence may continue, as it is an option available to him throughout the proceedings.
