Los Angeles Fraud Lawyer

Last Modified: October 18, 2024
Los Angeles fraud lawyer

The situation might seem overwhelming and frightening when facing fraud charges in Los Angeles. You need a legal team that knows the complexities of fraud law and has a proven track record of defending such cases effectively.

At Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers, our Los Angeles fraud lawyers specialize in navigating these challenging waters. We are here to help you understand the charges against you and to provide a strong defense.

Our law firm recognizes the critical nature of your situation and its impact on your life. A fraud accusation can damage your reputation, career, and personal relationships. That's why our lawyers dedicate themselves to your defense, ensuring you receive a fair trial.

With Perlman & Cohen, you gain a partner who will fight for your rights and aim to secure the best possible outcome.

Our Los Angeles Fraud Lawyer Is Here To Defend Your Rights

Our Los Angeles fraud lawyer is here to defend your rights

At Perlman & Cohen, our Los Angeles fraud lawyer knows that being accused of a fraud crime can be a stressful experience. We are committed to defending your rights and providing the strongest possible defense.

Our team will meticulously analyze the evidence, challenge any procedural errors, and question the credibility of the witnesses against you. We aim to dismantle the prosecution's case piece by piece.

Our approach is thorough and proactive. We begin working on your defense from the moment you engage us.

By knowing every detail of your case, we can craft a strategy that addresses the specific nuances of your situation. We aim to reduce or eliminate the charges against you, minimizing the impact on your future.

Definition of Fraud Los Angeles

Fraud in Los Angeles involves deceit or concealment to deprive someone else of their rights or property unlawfully or to secure an unfair advantage. The legal definition encompasses various activities requiring an intent to deceive. Fraud can be prosecuted under various statutes, depending on the nature of the fraudulent act and the values involved.

Fraud is a heavy offense that can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony in Los Angeles. The severity of the charges often depends on the amount of money involved and the case's specific circumstances. Fraud covers everything from check fraud to complex financial schemes.

Common Examples. Identity Theft, Credit Card Fraud, Mortgage Fraud, and Insurance Fraud

Identity theft is a major issue in Los Angeles. It involves using someone else's personal information without their permission, typically for financial gain.

Identity thieves might open new credit accounts, file fake claims for medical coverage, or obtain a job using the victim's information. The consequences for victims can be devastating, taking years to resolve fully.

Credit card fraud happens if someone unlawfully uses another person's credit card information to access cash or buy items. Criminals may obtain this information through lost or stolen cards, phishing scams, or data breaches. Once they have access, they can quickly rack up considerable charges before the fraud is even detected.

Insurance fraud includes any act committed to fraudulently obtain payment from an insurer. This might involve exaggerating claims, fabricating injuries, or causing intentional property damage. Los Angeles sees various insurance fraud cases, from staged automobile accidents to mail fraud to faked property theft. This includes automobile insurance fraud.

Mortgage fraud is particularly relevant in the real estate market in Los Angeles. It can involve falsifying income documents to secure loans or inflating property values to obtain larger mortgages. 

Both buyers and industry professionals can be implicated in mortgage fraud schemes. This includes foreclosure fraud.

Steps You Should Take If You Are Accused of Fraud

Steps you should take if you are accused of fraud

If you are accused of committing fraud, take these steps immediately:

  1. Do not discuss the case. Do not discuss the details of the case with anyone but your lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you.
  2. Contact a lawyer immediately. Engage a Los Angeles fraud lawyer as soon as possible to prepare your defense.
  3. Preserve evidence. Keep any documents, emails, or other materials related to the accusations. They might be needed for your defense.
  4. Document interactions. Write down all interactions you have regarding your case, including dates, times, and a summary of conversations.
  5. Follow legal advice. Always follow the advice of your lawyer. Their experience is your greatest asset in navigating the legal system.
  6. Stay off social media. Do not share anything regarding your case on social media platforms. This information can be misinterpreted and used against you.
  7. Prepare financially. Set aside funds for bail, if required, and for the costs associated with mounting a legal defense.

Do Not Wait Until Charged To Call Us

If you suspect you are under investigation for fraud, do not wait to get charged before seeking legal help. Contacting us early in the process can highly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

Our Los Angeles fraud lawyers can often intervene effectively before charges are even filed. Early action can sometimes prevent charges from being brought or considerably reduce the severity of the case against you.

Engaging our services early allows us more time to develop a comprehensive defense strategy. We can start gathering evidence, securing expert witnesses, and negotiating with prosecutors immediately. This proactive approach can be critical in fraud cases, where the amount of documentation and the complexity of the evidence can be overwhelming.

Penalties for Fraud Convictions

Penalties for fraud convictions

The penalties for a fraud conviction in federal court or in Los Angeles can be severe. They may include jail or prison time, substantial fines, and long probation periods. Moreover, a fraud conviction can carry considerable social stigma and long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life.

Under California Penal Code Section 186.11, if the fraud involves an amount over $100,000, the court may impose additional penalties, including longer prison sentences and larger fines.

This "aggravated white-collar crime enhancement" reflects the critical nature of major fraud offenses and the substantial impact they can have on victims. The exact nature of the sentence will hinge on a number of factors. Those convicted could face multiple years in federal prison.

Factors Influencing Sentencing

  • Amount involved. The total value of the fraudulently obtained assets highly impacts sentencing. Larger amounts typically lead to harsher penalties.
  • Victim impact. The impact on the victims can also influence sentencing. Severe emotional or financial harm to victims can result in stiffer penalties.
  • Defendant's history. A defendant with prior convictions may face harsher sentences compared to a first-time offender.
  • Cooperation with authorities. Defendants who cooperate with investigators and assist in resolving the fraud may receive more lenient sentences.
  • Mitigating circumstances. Any mitigating factors, such as the defendant's personal circumstances or the role in the offense, can influence sentencing.

Defenses Against Fraud Charges

  • Lack of intent. Proving that there was no intent to commit fraud is a powerful defense. Fraud requires intentional deception, so demonstrating a lack of fraudulent intent can negate the charges.
  • Mistake of fact. If the accused believed their actions were legal or based on incorrect information, this might be a valid defense.
  • Insufficient evidence. A defense may also focus on the insufficiency of the prosecution's evidence. If they cannot prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the charges should not stand.
  • Entrapment. If law enforcement induced the defendant to commit the offense, entrapment might be a viable defense.
  • Duress. This can be a defense if the defendant committed fraud under duress, such as being threatened with harm unless they participated.

Should You Go To Trial?

Deciding whether to go to trial for a fraud case is a major decision. This process can be lengthy and stressful, but it may be needed to clear your name fully. Our lawyers will help you know the implications of each path.

Should You Take a Plea?

Taking a plea deal can sometimes be the best strategic move. It might result in reduced charges or a lighter sentence. But making this decision with comprehensive legal advice is essential, considering all possible implications.

Can You Get My Case Dismissed?

Our goal is the best possible result for our clients, which can sometimes mean getting the case dismissed. We will explore every legal avenue to challenge the prosecution's case and argue for dismissal based on procedural errors, rights violations, or insufficient evidence.

Let Our Los Angeles Fraud Lawyer Fight for You

Let our Los Angeles fraud lawyer fight for you

When you choose Perlman & Cohen, you are not just getting a lawyer; you are getting an experienced lawyer and a dedicated advocate. Our Los Angeles fraud lawyer will stand by your side throughout the entire process. We have knowledge of the nuances of fraud defense and are prepared to use our knowledge to your advantage.

With Perlman & Cohen, you receive personalized attention and a tailored defense strategy intended to safeguard your rights and interests. We believe in a hands-on approach and ensure that you are informed and involved at every step of your case.

FAQs

What constitutes fraud under California law?

Fraud involves deceit or intentional misrepresentation made to gain a financial or personal advantage or to cause harm or loss to another party.

What should I do if I am accused of fraud?

Contact a Los Angeles fraud lawyer immediately. Avoid discussing the case with anyone else, especially law enforcement or investigators, without legal representation.

How can a lawyer help if I’m charged with fraud?

A lawyer can help protect your rights, develop a strong defense strategy, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court. They can also work to reduce potential criminal penalties, or get charges dismissed.

Contact Our Los Angeles Fraud Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you are facing securities fraud charges, Perlman & Cohen can help you. Our Los Angeles fraud lawyer will help defend you against these charges.

Fraud crimes are prosecuted heavily in California, and you need an experienced criminal defense attorney. You could potentially face a felony conviction. If you have been accused of financial fraud in Los Angeles County, contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.

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