Costa Mesa Fraud Defense Lawyer

Costa Mesa Fraud Defense Attorney

It is common for many individuals to believe that fraud only occurs among white-collar businessmen. However, anyone can commit fraud, and the penalties are severe if you are convicted. Anything such as passing fake checks, applying fake registration stickers to your vehicle, or operating a telemarketing scheme is considered fraud, and Orange County, CA, takes these matters seriously.

If you are accused of committing fraud, it is crucial to have a lawyer who can fight for your rights and help you understand the complicated legal process. At Brown & Stedman LLP, we help clients in Orange County with the knowledge and expertise of our lawyers.

What Is Fraud?

Fraud is similar to theft, but fraud involves more planning than simply stealing. Fraud involves persuading someone to entrust you with their money or property. If you intend to deceive a victim into performing a fraudulent action and they get injured, you can be convicted of fraud and the victim will not be charged. If the case crosses state lines, such as in mail fraud cases, then the federal government can get involved, further complicating the entire process.

Fraud is a concept many do not understand. Hiring a criminal attorney can help you ensure that you receive the fairest results possible. There are a few specific types of fraud that are more common than others, and it is important to have an attorney to help you understand them.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement occurs when someone withholds assets to use them for unintended purposes. This is one of the most common examples of white-collar crime, and businesses lose billions of dollars per year due to this type of fraud. Anyone can be convicted of embezzlement, such as contractors, valet drivers, or caregivers.

Individuals accused of embezzlement can face severe charges. If you have a criminal record, and depending on how much money was embezzled, your case can go from a misdemeanor to a felony. If convicted of a misdemeanor, you could face at least a year in jail and be forced to pay a fine of $1,000. If convicted of a felony, your jail time can range from anywhere between 16 months and three years, and you may have to pay a fine of up to $10,000.

No matter what your case is classified as a criminal lawyer can assist you in reducing your penalties and fighting for your rights.

Insurance Fraud

Insurance companies are often the target of fraud schemes. People convicted of insurance fraud filed false claims, hoping their insurance provider would pay out without doing further research. At many insurance companies, a team of investigators is hired to detect any fraudulent activity that may be occurring.

This protects the company while building a case against the individual. All types of insurance, including auto, health, and worker’s compensation, can be involved in fraud. Any individual participating in this type of fraud can face strict charges.

Insurance fraud schemes are typically considered felonies, and you can face jail time if convicted. You could also have to pay restitution to the victim for any damages that may have occurred.

Forgery

Most fraud cases involve falsely signing documents or using fake documents altogether. Forgery can be as simple as falsifying a signature, but it can also be a much more elaborate scheme. If an individual is convicted of forgery against a senior citizen, this can meet the qualifications for elder abuse. Forgery is often connected with credit card and check fraud cases, as the defendant may have forged signatures on receipts or fabricated checks.

When one is arrested for forgery, the most common result is a felony charge, which can bring severe penalties.

Possible Defenses Against Fraud Charges

Fraud convictions can completely alter your life. If you have been falsely accused, you should seek a fraud defense attorney as soon as possible. False accusations can occur due to miscommunication or misrepresentation of statements, and they can impact an individual’s life just as much as someone who is rightfully charged. Fortunately, if you have been accused of fraud, you have options to protect yourself from the charges. There are four specific defenses you can use to defend yourself:

1. You had no intention of committing fraudulent acts.
2. You were a victim of mistaken identity.
3. Another party threatened you to commit fraud.
4. Law enforcement coerced you to engage in fraud.

No matter if you are innocent or guilty, if you are accused of any type of fraud, you must speak with an Orange County criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. This is to ensure that your lawyer can prove your innocence and fight for your rights. Likewise, if you are guilty of fraud, a lawyer can work to reduce your penalties and lower your sentence. While navigating fraud cases can be complicated, you have options to defend yourself.

Can You Go to Jail for Fraud in Orange County?

If you are convicted of fraud, you could face jail time. This is not always the case because no two cases are alike. However, depending on how severe your fraud actions were, you could be sent to jail for anywhere from one to three years. This also depends on whether your case is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, the latter of which can result in more jail time.

If you have been convicted of fraud, a criminal defense attorney can work with you to reduce the sentence as much as possible.

Costa Mesa Criminal Defense Attorneys, Brown & Stedman LLP

If you have been charged with fraud in Orange County, CA, seek legal representation immediately. At Brown & Stedman LLP, our attorneys are ready to provide the knowledge and expertise needed to defend you in your case.

While we can try to have you acquitted, if possible, we can also help reduce your sentence if you are guilty of fraud. Fraud cases, especially in California, are complex and include many facets. Our team of attorneys can help you make sense of it all. Contact us today, and we can be prepared to defend you.