SAN DIEGO -- Sentencing was delayed Thursday for a man convicted of defrauding homeowners by falsely telling them that for a price, he could provide them with "land patents" that would protect their properties from foreclosure.

Larry Smith, 62, was found guilty in June of 21 felony counts, including grand theft and unlawful practices by a foreclosure consultant.

After the trial, Smith fired his attorney and hired another to consider seeking a new trial, according to Deputy District Attorney Marlene Coyne.

A status conference is scheduled Sept. 13 before Judge Laura Halgren.

Smith -- who has prior convictions for second-degree murder, robbery and burglary -- faces a "very lengthy" prison term when he is ultimately sentenced, the prosecutor said.

Smith and others tricked homeowners into paying them thousands of dollars for land patents that in fact did not stop their homes from being foreclosed on.