Los Angeles Fraud Defense Lawyer

At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles fraud defense attorney is a strong, experienced, and results-driven advocate for our clients. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with any type of fraud offense, we are here to help. Contact our Los Angeles law office today to arrange your strictly confidential consultation with a top California fraud defense lawyer.

We Handle the Full Range of Fraud Charges in California

El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers is a full-service law firm that defends the full range of white-collar criminal charges, including many different types of fraud charges. No matter the situation that you are dealing with, we are more than ready to help you find the best solution. Along with other types of fraud charges in California, our Los Angeles defense lawyers have the experience to take on:

• Accounting Fraud: Accounting fraud involves the intentional manipulation of financial statements to create a false representation of a company’s finances.
• Auto Insurance Fraud: This happens when an individual or entity deceives an auto insurance company in order to receive benefits that they are not entitled to.
• Bankruptcy Fraud: Bankruptcy fraud includes filing false bankruptcy documents or hiding assets to avoid paying debts.
• Computer Fraud: Computer fraud involves using computers or the internet to deceive others for personal gain.
• Consumer Fraud: Broadly defined, consumer fraud refers to unfair or deceptive practices that mislead consumers, often leading to financial loss.
• Contractor Number Fraud: Contractors are typically required to be licensed and carry a unique contractor number. Contractor number fraud occurs when an unlicensed contractor uses a false or another contractor’s number to deceive clients.
• DMV Fraud: DMV fraud refers to any illegal act involving the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Fraudulent Transfer of Business Assets: This occurs when business assets are transferred or sold under false pretenses or with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors’ claims.
• Identity Fraud: Identity fraud involves impersonating someone else by using their personal information, like Social Security numbers or credit card details, without permission, often to commit financial fraud or steal money.
• Insurance Fraud: Insurance fraud encompasses acts where individuals or entities make false insurance claims to obtain improper payment or benefits.
• Loan Fraud: Loan fraud involves falsifying information on a loan application in order to receive funds one would not otherwise be eligible for.
• Prescription Fraud: Prescription fraud involves obtaining prescription medication through fraudulent means such as forging or altering prescriptions.
• Securities Fraud: Securities fraud involves deceptive practices in the stock or commodities markets, and often involves misleading investors through false information.
• Tax Fraud: Tax fraud involves willful acts to evade tax laws, such as underreporting income, inflating deductions, or hiding money in offshore accounts.

Penalties for Fraud in California

The penalties for fraud in California can be substantial and vary widely depending on the type and severity of the fraud committed, as well as other factors such as the defendant’s criminal history. Here, we’ll delve into the potential penalties individuals may face when charged with fraud in the state.

1. Fines: Fraud convictions often come with significant fines. The amount of the fine can vary greatly based on the specific fraud offense, but it can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. In some cases, the court may impose fines as restitution to compensate victims for their losses.
2. Restitution: Courts may order individuals convicted of fraud to pay restitution to their victims. Restitution aims to compensate the victims for the financial losses they suffered due to the fraudulent activity. This can include repaying stolen funds, covering medical bills resulting from fraud-related injuries, or compensating for damaged property.
3. Probation: In less severe fraud cases, the court may opt for probation instead of imprisonment. Probation typically involves specific conditions, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, attending counseling or rehabilitation programs, and adhering to a strict set of rules. Violating probation terms can result in imprisonment.
4. Imprisonment: For more serious fraud offenses or repeat offenders, imprisonment is a real possibility. The length of imprisonment varies widely based on factors like the severity of the fraud, the amount of money involved, and the defendant’s prior criminal record. Sentences can range from a few months to several years or more.
5. Civil Penalties: In addition to criminal penalties, individuals convicted of fraud may face civil penalties. These penalties can include monetary fines imposed by regulatory agencies or private lawsuits filed by victims seeking damages. Civil penalties can add to the overall financial burden of a fraud conviction.
6. Professional Consequences: A fraud conviction can have lasting professional consequences. It may lead to the revocation of professional licenses or certifications, making it challenging for individuals to continue working in their chosen field. Certain industries, such as finance or law, have stringent ethical standards, and a fraud conviction can result in disqualification from practicing in those fields.
7. Collateral Consequences: Beyond the direct legal penalties, a fraud conviction can have far-reaching collateral consequences. These can include damage to one’s reputation, difficulty securing employment, and challenges in obtaining housing or loans. A criminal record can haunt individuals long after they have served their sentence.
8. Federal Charges: Some fraud cases may fall under federal jurisdiction, particularly if they involve activities that cross state lines or international borders. Federal penalties tend to be more severe, and individuals facing federal fraud charges may be subject to longer prison sentences and more substantial fines.

Get Help From a Fraud Charge Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles

At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles fraud defense attorney is standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you or your family member was arrested for fraud, we can help. Call us now at (213) 985-1120 or contact us online for your confidential case review. Our firm defends the full range of fraud charges in Los Angeles and throughout all of Southern California.