Orange County Fraud Attorneys

California Fraud Laws

If you’re here, you need to speak with a Orange County fraud lawyer as soon as possible. Being accused of fraud in California can mean several things. Fraud occurs when a person makes false claims for monetary gain. Allegations can arise from offenses involving fraudulent bankruptcies, securities, identity theft, and several other criminal offenses. It is known as a “wobbler” offense. This means that, depending upon their circumstances, defendants can be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor.

If you have been charged with fraud offenses, you can expect prosecutors to treat you and your offense very seriously. California fraud laws and penalties may require a skilled legal professional to properly evaluate your case and identify the best possible defense strategies to help prove your innocence.

Call our Orange County fraud lawyers at (844) 285-9559 to receive a free case evaluation to help make informed decisions about your future.

California Fraud Charges and Penalties

Most fraud crimes stem from the intent to gain something financially or as a way to elude criminal penalties.

Fraudulent crimes are distinguished by two actions:

• Conducting an illegal activity such to benefit oneself
• Performing an activity that is detrimental to a victim

To prosecute fraud, the state has the burden to prove certain elements beyond a reasonable doubt.

For instance, in the case of forgery by signing someone else’s name, the state must prove that:

• The defendant signed someone else’s or a false name to a document
• The defendant did not have the authority to sign that name
• The defendant knew they did not have that authority
• When the defendant committed the act, it was their intention to defraud

In cases of forgery by counterfeiting or forging another person’s signature, the state must prove that:

• The accused forged or counterfeited the handwriting of another person on a document
• When the accused acted, they intended to defraud

In California, forging documents can be a misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the defendant’s criminal past.

In cases where a person is accused of falsifying a will or other legal document, the state must prove that:

• The accused corrupted, altered, or falsified a document
• The document was a legal writing that the law accepted as evidence
• When the accused modified the document, they were intending to defraud

In cases of health care fraud against a medical professional, the state will need to provide evidence that the defendant:

• Had knowledge of a fraudulent or false claim
• Committed a fraudulent act with the intention to defraud

Misdemeanor offenses are punishable by:

• Incarceration at a state prison or county jail for up to 1 year (CPC 473)
• Fines of up to $1,000

Felony offenses are punishable by:

• Incarceration at a state prison for 16 months to 3 years
• Fines of up to $10,000

Medical professionals who are found guilty in court can lose their license to practice medicine as well as spend time in jail. There are several other types of fraudulent offenses for which we regularly assist defendants.

Contact our Orange County fraud defense lawyers to receive more information about your specific criminal charge during a free consultation.

Retain Legal Representation for Fraud Cases in CA

If you or a loved one are facing charges for fraud, such as embezzlement, shoplifting, grand theft auto, you may benefit greatly by obtaining legal counsel. Our Orange County fraud charges lawyers will work tirelessly in your defense to aid you during this challenging time.

At the Law Offices of Randy Collins, we offer a free initial consultation for all first-time offenders. There is no obligation to retain our services. Call our Orange County fraud attorneys at (844) 285-9559 or contact us online today.