Fraud Charges There's No Alternative

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.

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Over the years our firm has earned numerous awards and accolades for delivering outstanding legal representation. Some of our awards include: Admission to The National Top Trial Lawyers Association since 2014, AVVO Rating 10.0 Superb Rating, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys Award "10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction" in 2018, Nationally Ranked Top 100 Under 40 in California Attorney Award in 2017, Member of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce since 2018, Martindale-Hubbell Accredited Law Firm, Distinguished in Orange County Metro "Top Attorneys" section, and Featured in Orange Coast Magazine in April 2010 as one of "Orange County's Best Criminal Defense Attorneys".

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At Law Offices of Randy Collins, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Handled my case in record time with the best possible outcome."
    Randy is awesome! I called so many attorneys and in all honesty he is such an incredible person. All of his office staff is friendly, professional and knowledgeable. He really cares about the welfare of his clients and takes time to discuss your needs in person. I highly recommend him. He handled my case in record time with the best possible outcome.
    Staci
    "Man of his word - got the issue resolved."
    I hired Randy after my previous attorney failed to give me proper information and caused me to violate my probation. Randy appeared in court for got the issue resolved without any head aches. He was a man of his word and I highly recommend him.
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    Oh man, I thank my lucky stars for attorney Randy and his team. I was able to get a great deal and the best advice!
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    There’s no words to describe Mr. Collins, not just as an attorney but a Super and Great Human Being. He has been an “Angel” and “Life Saver” for one of my family members.

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    In life you need a good mechanic, a good Doctor, and a Super Lawyer. Trust him, believe in him and you become one of the “Winners” by hitting “Jackpot” with your legal needs:)

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    "Caring and Genuine Attorney"
    I called the office and right off the bat, I was super impressed at how much help I was receiving without even meeting in person. Chris (the guy who answered my call) is extremely nice and he explains everything so well. He told me how he used to work at the courts for many years (that gave me relief that he knew what he was talking about). Randy (the attorney) is delightful as well and put my worries to rest with his expertise and knowledge. You can tell by his demeanor and how passionate he speaks, that he is genuine and he cares about his clients. This office handles everything from DUI cases to just about anything criminal related.
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    "He went above and beyond!"
    Mr. Collins is highly recommended. He really takes the time to listen and answer all your questions. He went above and beyond on helping me out with an issue that was never my fault.
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    "An Attorney I Could Trust"
    I called to inquire about a case I was facing, this was one of the many attorneys I was speaking with during a free consult about my next steps. The future was looking more and more alarming as the implications of what I was facing were becoming clear. Halfway through explaining my situation, he interrupted me and asked some basic information, put me on hold for one second and came back telling me he had called around and found out that my case was not proceeding. Four other attorneys I had spoken to did not do this, and in fact had used scare tactics and worst case scenarios to try and hard sell me into signing a retainer. (unfortunately, the evening before I HAD with another attorney signed a retainer but thats for another review) Although I did not need to retain the services of this office, I believe that single action speaks worlds about the integrity, helpfulness, intelligence and capabilities of this office. In a world that is so difficult for the uninitiated, such as the legal system, it seems people are taking advantage of you at every turn. It was a welcome and uplifting experience to see the opposite of that with this law office and I am so grateful I was able to find them and know I could call them if anything were to ever happen to me later in life and know I could trust this team.
    Chris
    "All my friends' cases either dismissed or reduced significantly."
    Randy is a great attorney that has helped me out of a bad situation. I refer all of my friends that get in trouble and he has gotten all of their cases either dismissed or reduced significantly. You definitely get what you pay for when you hire this firm.
    Chris H.