Fraud Attorney In Southern California
Ready to Defend Your Reputation and Future
If you’ve been accused of fraud, it’s completely understandable to feel as though your entire life is hanging in the balance. Your reputation, your source of income, and your entire professional life may all be on the line, creating an overwhelming sense of urgency and anxiety. Whether you truly had no knowledge of certain financial activities, made an inadvertent mistake, or found yourself ensnared in a complicated misunderstanding, it is crucial that you seek out and obtain strong legal representation.
A dedicated California fraud lawyer from Shield Law, APC, can provide you with the knowledge necessary to navigate the intricacies of the legal defense process, ensuring that your rights and interests are not only protected but vigorously advocated for.
If these fraud charges are not handled appropriately, they can lead to significant penalties, extensive fines, and long-lasting consequences that could affect various aspects of your life. The knowledgeable legal team at Shield Law, APC, fully understands the gravity of such situations and is committed to assisting you in launching a disciplined and robust criminal defense strategy.
We are fully prepared to carefully scrutinize every detail of your case, analyze the evidence presented by the prosecution, and fight tenaciously on your behalf. Our objective is to secure the most favorable case outcome possible, whether that results in minimized charges, dismissal of the case entirely, or even an acquittal. You don’t have to face this challenge alone; let us stand by your side and help you through this difficult time.
Call Shield Law, APC at 323-310-4636 to schedule a free 30 minute consultation with a lawyer today.
What You Should Know About Fraud Charges in Southern California
Fraud is a legal term that refers to the intentional deception of an individual for financial or personal gain. In California, fraud crimes can be categorized as a misdemeanor or felony, which is dependent on the crime severity, the financial amount involved in the case, and the defendant’s criminal history.
Common charges our firm can help you defend against include:
- Mortgage fraud. Giving information that is false to get mortgage benefits or a loan for a home
- Insurance fraud. Providing false information to get a payoff from an insurance company
- Credit card fraud. Using a fraudulent or stolen credit card to make purchases
- Identity theft. Utilizing someone else’s information without their consent for financial gain
- Securities frauds. Engaging in insider trading practices or giving false information to investors to mislead them
- Check fraud. Writing or passing false checks with the intention of defrauding an institution
- Welfare or unemployment fraud. Falsely representing facts or information to obtain benefits from the government
- Forgery. Making fake documents or signatures to gain a financial advantage
Penalties for a fraud conviction in the state can be extremely severe, including time in prison or jail, tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, thousands to millions of dollars in restitution, and probation or parole. Furthermore, having a permanent criminal record can negatively impact a defendant’s personal license and job opportunities.
Fraud cases involving substantial financial losses, a myriad of victims, or a classification as a federal offense can come with even more severe penalties.
A Southern California Fraud Lawyer Can Help You
Although you may feel overwhelmed by the potential repercussions of fraud charges, it’s important to note that they don’t always lead to convictions. By working with an empathetic and knowledgeable attorney from Shield Law, APC, you can successfully defend your reputation and future.
An attorney from our firm can work tirelessly to challenge the evidence against you, pointing out the inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s argument. If you did not commit the offense intentionally, we can assert a lack of intent or leverage other key defense strategies. Championing your case strategy, we can work to negotiate optimal plea deals on your behalf or defend you fiercely in court.
FAQS
What Is Fraud In Legal Terms?
In legal terms, fraud involves intentionally deceiving or misrepresenting for personal or financial gain. Fraud can involve actions that are misleading, statements of a false nature, or intentional concealing of facts to deceive another individual or organization. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, fraud charges can be prosecuted as civil or criminal and on the state or federal level. Examples include insurance fraud, securities fraud, and mortgage fraud.
What Are The Potential Penalties For Fraud Convictions In California?
The potential penalties for fraud convictions in California are dependent on various factors, including the financial damages involved, the type of fraud in question, and whether the crime was charged as a felony or misdemeanor. Punishments could include thousands or even millions of dollars in fines and restitution to victims, community service, probation, and incarceration.
An experienced attorney can help you understand the potential penalties you face and leverage tactics to get them minimized.
What Should I Do If I'm Under Investigation For Fraud?
If you are under investigation for fraud, it’s crucial to avoid talking to law enforcement without having your attorney present. As soon as possible, get in contact with a fraud defense attorney who can help you build a strong criminal defense strategy and ensure your rights are protected. It is important to avoid talking about your case even with friends and family because any statements you make can be held against you in a court of law.
How Can A Fraud Defense Lawyer Help Me?
A fraud defense lawyer can assist you with going over all of the evidence the prosecution has against you and leveraging strong criminal defense tactics to call into question the prosecution’s case. They can also work to find any weaknesses or inconsistencies in the charges against you and, if necessary, negotiate an optimal plea deal on your behalf. Finally, they can advocate fiercely on your behalf in the courtroom.
What Are Possible Defenses Against Fraud Charges?
Possible defenses against fraud charges include showing that you have been mistaken for somebody else who actually committed the crime, showing that you did not intend to commit fraud, demonstrating that evidence is weak or insufficient, and proving that there was a miscommunication or misunderstanding. Another possible defense includes showing that law enforcement coerced or tricked you into committing the crime.
Facing Criminal Charges?
At Shield Law, APC, we understand that legal issues can arise at any hour, and time is often critical. Call us 24/7 at 323-310-4636 to speak with a criminal defense attorney who will listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
Don’t wait—reach out now to protect your rights and your future.
