Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Helping You Fight Fraud Charges
Fraud crimes involve making intentional misrepresentations for financial gain. Although fraud is a nonviolent, white-collar offense, it is punished harshly by the criminal justice system. Many fraud cases are investigated by law enforcement for weeks, months, or even years. If you suspect that you are the subject of a fraud investigation, contact The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi. Our experienced attorney will protect your rights and defend you against fraud charges.
Fraud is often perceived as a crime committed by corporate executives, but in reality, anyone can be charged with fraud. State and federal authorities take these offenses very seriously. If convicted of fraud, you could face severe penalties including significant fines and lengthy prison sentences.
You might be charged with fraud if you:
- Deceive others for financial or personal gain.
- Cause financial loss or damage to another person or entity.
Examples of fraud include:
- Falsifying information on loan applications.
- Using another person’s credit card without permission.
- Creating counterfeit documents or currency.
- Engaging in fraudulent online schemes.
Federal authorities can also prosecute fraud crimes, leading to potential charges at both the state and federal levels. This dual jurisdiction increases the complexity and severity of potential penalties.
Contact us at (310) 448-1529 or online to schedule a consultation. Our office is located in the Westside Towers in Los Angeles, minutes from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Westwood, and steps away from the Expo/Bundy Station. We offer flexible hours, weekend appointments, and jail visits to discuss your case.
Definition of Fraud Crimes
Fraud crimes involve deceitful practices or false representations to gain an unlawful advantage, typically financial. These offenses require intentional acts of deception that result in harm or loss to another party.
They can be prosecuted under both state and federal laws. The specific charges and applicable laws depend on the nature and scope of the fraudulent activity. In California, fraud charges can be brought under various sections of the Penal Code, while federal fraud charges might involve statutes like the Wire Fraud Act or the Mail Fraud Act.
Potential Penalties
The penalties for fraud convictions in Los Angeles can be severe, including:
- Fines: Financial penalties based on the amount of money involved in the fraud.
- Restitution: Repayment to victims for their losses.
- Imprisonment: Prison sentences, especially for large-scale or repeated offenses.
Types of Fraud Crimes We Defend
Bank Fraud
Involves knowingly using a scheme or artifice to defraud a financial institution or to obtain money or property under the custody of a financial institution by false pretenses. Common examples include check kiting, phishing, credit card fraud, and accounting fraud.
Penalties for Bank Fraud
- Up to 30 years in federal prison
- Fines up to $1 million
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is the act of wrongfully taking or misappropriating funds or property entrusted to one’s care, typically by an employee or public official. This involves a breach of trust and unauthorized use of assets for personal gain.
Penalties for Embezzlement
- Up to 10 years in prison for amounts exceeding $950
- Fines and restitution to the victims
Defenses Against Embezzlement Charges
- Lack of intent to steal
- Rightful ownership or claim to the property
- False accusations or insufficient evidence
Mail Fraud
Involves using the postal service to carry out a scheme to defraud another party of money or property. This crime requires proof of specific intent to defraud, a deliberate scheme to defraud, and the use of the mail to further the scheme.
Elements of Mail Fraud
- Specific intent to commit fraud
- A scheme to commit fraud
- Use of the mail to further the scheme
Penalties for Mail Fraud
- Up to 20 years in federal prison
- Fines up to $250,000
Credit Card Fraud
Involves the unauthorized use of a credit card to obtain money, goods, or services. This includes using stolen credit card information, creating counterfeit credit cards, or using someone else’s credit card without consent.
Penalties for Credit Card Fraud
- Up to 15 years in prison for first offenses involving fraud over $1,000
- Fines and restitution to the victims
Internet Fraud
Internet fraud encompasses various fraudulent activities conducted online, such as phishing scams, online auction fraud, and unauthorized use of credit card information.
Penalties for Internet Fraud
- Up to 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud
- Fines and restitution to the victims
Identity Theft
Involves unlawfully obtaining and using someone else’s personal information, such as Social Security numbers or bank account details, typically for financial gain.
Penalties for Identity Theft
- Up to 15 years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft
- Fines and restitution to the victims
Medicare Fraud
Medicare fraud involves submitting false or misleading information to Medicare to receive unauthorized benefits or payments. This can include billing for services not provided, using incorrect billing codes, or inflating the cost of services.
Penalties for Medicare Fraud
- Up to 10 years in federal prison for each false claim
- Fines and exclusion from Medicare programs
- Restitution to the government
Mortgage Fraud
Mortgage fraud involves providing false information on mortgage applications or manipulating the lending process to obtain loans under false pretenses. Examples include falsifying income statements or property appraisals.
Penalties for Mortgage Fraud
- Up to 30 years in federal prison
- Fines up to $1 million
- Restitution to the victims
Forgery
Forgery involves creating, altering, or using false documents with the intent to deceive others. Common examples include forging signatures on checks or contracts.
Penalties for Forgery
- Up to 3 years in state prison for felony forgery
- Fines up to $10,000
- Restitution to the victims
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud involves using electronic communications, such as phone calls, emails, or faxes, to carry out a scheme to defraud. Examples include phishing schemes and online investment scams.
Penalties for Wire Fraud
- Up to 20 years in federal prison
- Fines up to $250,000
- Restitution to the victims
Asset Forfeiture
Asset forfeiture is a legal process where law enforcement agencies seize assets connected to criminal activity. This penalty is often applied in fraud cases to deprive criminals of the tools and proceeds of their illegal activities. The purpose is to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises by confiscating their ill-gotten gains.
Examples of Items That May Be Seized
- Computers: Used to create fraudulent documents or execute schemes.
- Cellphones: Used for communication in carrying out the fraud.
- Printers: Used to produce counterfeit documents or checks.
- Bank Accounts: Containing funds obtained through fraudulent activities.
- Vehicles: Used in the commission of fraud.
- Real Estate: Purchased with proceeds from fraud.
Legal Defenses Against Fraud Charges
- Lack of Intent: Demonstrating that there was no intention to commit fraud. Fraud charges often require proof of intent to deceive or misrepresent.
- Mistaken Identity: Proving that the accused is not the person who committed the fraud. This can be crucial in cases involving identity theft or online fraud.
- Insufficient Evidence: Arguing that the prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove the fraud beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Entrapment: Showing that law enforcement induced the accused to commit the fraud, which they would not have otherwise committed.
- Consent: Proving that the alleged victim consented to the actions or transactions in question.
Importance of a Strong Defense Strategy
A strong defense strategy is vital in fraud cases due to the severe penalties and long-term consequences of a conviction. A well-prepared defense can:
- Challenge the prosecution’s evidence and witnesses.
- Present exculpatory evidence and alternative explanations.
- Negotiate plea deals to reduce charges or penalties.
- Aim for dismissal of charges based on procedural errors or lack of evidence.
Role of an Experienced Fraud Defense Attorney
- Analyze the details of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
- Develop a tailored defense strategy based on the specifics of the case.
- Advocate for the defendant’s rights in court and during negotiations.
- Provide expert guidance through the complexities of the legal system.
- Work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients.
If you are facing fraud charges, contact The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi for expert legal representation. Our experienced attorney is dedicated to defending your rights and providing the best possible defense.
Don’t Wait—Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer to Fight Your Fraud Charges
Facing fraud charges is a serious matter that can lead to significant penalties like heavy fines, restitution, and time in prison. Whether you’re accused of wire fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, or another form of fraud, the effects of a conviction can follow you for life, damaging your reputation and making it difficult to secure employment or financial stability.
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we have over 20 years of experience helping clients defend against fraud charges. We understand how stressful these situations can be and will work closely with you to build a strong defense. Our goal is to protect your rights, challenge the accusations, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
If you are facing fraud charges or are under investigation, contact us immediately at (310) 448-1529 or schedule a 15-minute consultation with Attorney Hashemi using our secure online system. We will take the time to explain your options and provide the guidance you need to navigate this difficult situation.
Schedule a Consultation:
- Phone: (310) 448-1529
- Email: Contact@hashemilaw.com
- Address: 11845 W Olympic Blvd #520, Los Angeles, CA 90064
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with flexible scheduling options available, including weekend appointments.
Our office is located in Westside Towers, serving clients throughout Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Westwood. Let us help you fight back against fraud charges and secure your future.
