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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    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.
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