Sacramento Fraud Defense Lawyer
Facing any type of fraud charge can be daunting, especially since the consequences of such crimes can be severe. If you have been charged with any kind of fraud, you need support from a seasoned criminal defense lawyer with a deep knowledge of the law and years of practice in California courts. Sacramento fraud defense attorneys can support clients in the area in a number of ways, from getting the most optimal plea possible to fighting aggressively for them in court.
The Ward Firm is a dedicated law firm that assists clients in California in fighting criminal charges. With offices in Sacramento and Oakland, we represent clients in fraud cases and other criminal matters. We are committed to meeting our client’s individual legal needs and achieving the greatest possible result for their case.
Fraud in California Explained?
When a person is alleged to have committed fraud, they are suspected to have engaged in an act of intentional deception that led to loss for a person or entity for their own benefit, typically financial. The range of frauds that a person can commit is vast, but some of them include the following.
- Insurance Fraud: This includes filing a false claim or lying to obtain benefits. Insurance fraud can be committed when submitting claims with an automobile insurer, worker’s compensation, disability benefits, or life insurance, among other types.
- Tax Fraud: This type of fraud is committed when a person intentionally fails to report their income or attempts to claim deductions that do not apply to them. A person may also commit tax fraud by trying to evade paying taxes.
- Welfare Fraud: Welfare fraud is committed when a person who is not entitled to receive welfare benefits from the state requests and receives them by providing false information, for example, saying that a child is living in the home when they are not.
- Credit Card Fraud: When a person utilizes someone else’s credit card without their consent or permission to purchase goods or services, this constitutes fraud.
- Mortgage Fraud: The use of false information to obtain or help someone obtain or qualify for a mortgage.
These are only a few examples of different types of fraud cases a skilled criminal defense attorney can assist with. Other serious types of fraud may include embezzlement or being part of a Ponzi scheme.
Fraud is a broad category, and it is advised that you discuss your case with an attorney to get ahead of any potential charge you may face or if you have already been charged with fraud.
Having a Seasoned Sacramento Fraud Defense Attorney Is Essential
Due to the broad range of cases that fall under the category of fraud in California and the serious penalties associated with these crimes, working with a skilled fraud defense attorney with years of practice successfully defending fraud cases is essential to your success. Justin L. Ward and the legal team at The Ward Firm take every measure needed to understand all aspects of a complex fraud case and build the most robust defense possible for our clients.
A fraud conviction in California can mean substantial prison time and large fines, plus an order of restitution for the victims. It is essential to receive legal guidance from an adept attorney who understands fraud cases well and who is not afraid to go head-to-head with the prosecution to fight against fraud charges on behalf of their clients. To succeed in a fraud case in California, we can develop a strong defense by doing the following:
- Showing that there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that a crime was committed.
- Proving lack of intent to commit fraud.
- Demonstrating that the accused was coerced into committing fraud.
- Asserting that the client is being falsely accused or that they were not involved.
- It may also help to show there was no financial gain from the act committed.
A good defense strategy can poke holes in the evidence presented and demonstrate that there is not enough to prove your involvement or intent.
FAQs
Q: What Are the Consequences of Fraud in California?
A: The consequences of a fraud conviction in California vary depending on the type of fraud committed and the amount of loss endured by the victim(s) of the fraud. Penalties for fraud in California can be up to one year for misdemeanor fraud and up to three years for felony fraud. There may also be fines and restitution that need to be paid to the state and the victims of fraud, respectively. More serious crimes can carry longer prison sentences.
Q: Can a Conviction for Fraud Be Expunged in California?
A: It is not possible to completely expunge a fraud conviction from your record in California. However, there is a way to clean your record to help you apply for jobs or housing or to help you restore your gun rights following the completion of a sentence. You should speak with a seasoned attorney to learn more about this option.
Q: What Is the Right Defense Against Fraud in California?
A: The right defense against fraud charges in California depends on the unique circumstances of a case. Proving there was no intent to commit fraud or that you were not knowledgeable that you were committing fraud can be good defense strategies to employ. It may also be possible to demonstrate that you were coerced into committing fraud by a third party. Lastly, a legal defense team can argue that you are not the person who committed the fraud.
Q: What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need in a Fraud Case?
A: If you have been accused of any type of fraud, it is highly recommended that you work with a seasoned criminal defense attorney who has handled similar cases in the past, who has a deep understanding of California’s Penal Code, and who has years of practice defending clients in your area.
Speak With a Skilled Sacramento Fraud Defense Attorney Today
Understanding all aspects of a fraud case requires the assistance of a committed Sacramento criminal defense attorney. They can help you better understand your case and the potential consequences of a fraud conviction.
When you work with our legal team, you can feel confident that your case will be handled with the utmost care and dedication. Our legal team is ready to answer your questions and develop the most optimal defense strategy for your case. Contact our dedicated legal team today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.
Schedule a Free Consultation
At your free initial consultation, you will meet directly with Justin, and he will explain how he can best help you with your case. If you decide to work with us, we will immediately get started on creating a strategy that protects your interests.
To get more information, call our office at 916-443-2474 or send us an email using our contact form. We are available by phone 24 hours a day. Se habla español.