Rancho Santa Margarita Fraud Defense Lawyer

Fraud Defense Attorney In Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Fraud is a serious allegation that can have a long-lasting impact on your future. As a state and federal crime, this offense can lead to serious prison time and steep fines. If you are facing fraud charges, you may not know where to start. An experienced Rancho Santa Margarita fraud defense lawyer at Brown & Stedman LLP can help.

Fraud is a type of white collar crime. Although it is nonviolent in nature, it can lead to significant financial costs. It is also a broad category of crime. Fraud can take many forms, including corporate, mortgage, insurance, tax, securities, and mail fraud. Depending on the charges, this crime can be a misdemeanor or a felony. Typically, the greater the amount of money, the greater the punishment.

Rancho Santa Margarita does not have its own courthouse, so the Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana handles fraud cases. Federal cases go to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Because of the serious nature of fraud, having a criminal defense attorney on your side can mean the difference between your freedom and time behind bars.

How Brown & Stedman LLP Can Help

With decades of experience handling criminal cases in the state of California, our team at Brown & Stedman LLP is ready to start building your defense. Our firm does not take on large caseloads. Instead, we take moderate caseloads to ensure your case receives the individual attention it deserves.

The cost of a lawyer is often a concern; however, the cost of not having legal representation can be devastating. In addition to providing direct and individualized attention to your case, we offer a consultation where we can fully discuss your circumstances and our approach. Contact us today to schedule yours.

When Do You Need an Attorney?

Whenever you are facing fraud allegations, it is in your interest to hire professional legal assistance. Investing in a fraud defense attorney is especially important when you are in one of the following situations:

• Someone makes exaggerated or false claims against you.
• You are facing severe penalties.
• Your property or business reputation is at stake.

Fraud allegations are not uncommon. In 2024, consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud, which was an increase of 25% from the year before. Handling this kind of case on your own can be daunting. A Rancho Santa Margarita fraud defense attorney can help guide you through the legalities while protecting your rights.

What Is Fraud Defense?

In California, fraud can lead to thousands of dollars in fines. Even if you do not go to prison, the costs can destroy your business or finances. Fraud defense is a legal practice that focuses on building a strategy to prove a lack of fraudulent intent. Depending on your situation, an attorney may be able to use a number of strategies to defend you.

Common Types of Fraud Charges

• Corporate fraud. When executives or management intentionally deceive a business for personal gain, it is considered corporate fraud. It may include falsifying records, insider trading, money laundering, or misappropriation. Corporations or individuals can commit this kind of fraud.
• Mortgage fraud. Any kind of fraudulent activity that occurs during the mortgage lending process is considered mortgage fraud. The intent is usually to secure a larger loan or better interest rate. It may include income, employment, appraisal, straw buyer, or foreclosure fraud. It can also include identity theft.
• Insurance fraud. The intentional act of deceiving an insurance company to gain a benefit that someone would not usually receive is considered insurance fraud. This can occur during the application or claims process and involves exaggerating or making false claims or providing misleading information.
• Tax fraud. Fraud defense laws also cover fraudulent activity against the government in the form of not paying taxes. With tax fraud, an individual or business does not pay taxes that they know are lawfully due. It can include dishonest tax reporting, such as declaring less income than actually earned or overstating deductions.
• Securities fraud. This kind of fraud usually refers to the stock market. Insider trading is one of the most common types of securities fraud in the United States. This occurs when someone uses nonpublic knowledge to make stock-related decisions. The intent is to gain financial profit by misleading investors.
• Mail fraud. Using the U.S. mail system to execute any fraudulent activity falls under mail fraud. This can involve fake investment opportunities, sweepstakes scams, or phony charity solicitations. This type of mail interference is usually prosecuted at the federal level.

When you contact our team of fraud defense attorneys, we can identify all potential avenues of defense available to you. Even if your situation seems hopeless at first, our law firm has extensive experience handling a wide variety of criminal cases.

Why You Should Hire a Fraud Defense Lawyer

Here at Brown & Stedman LLP, we know the law in California very well. Fraud defense cases can be complicated, and the long-term consequences can be severe. Not only can a fraud defense lawyer protect your rights, but they can also help you navigate complex laws, formulate a tailored defense strategy, and potentially achieve a favorable outcome.

FAQs

Can Someone File a Civil Claim for Fraud in California?

According to California law, an individual can file a civil claim for fraud against a person, business, or government agency in small claims court for up to $12,500, or they can file charges in federal court if the costs are higher. If you are facing fraud charges, a fraud defense attorney in Rancho Santa Margarita can provide more details.

What Amount of Money Fraud Is Considered a Felony?

Under California Penal Code § 550, money fraud can be considered a felony when the amount of money is more than $950. Any amount of $950 or less is considered a misdemeanor unless the total amount in a one-year period exceeds $950. Depending on the circumstances, you may also face charges for other kinds of fraud, such as check fraud.

What Constitutes Felony Fraud in California?

In addition to monetary felony determinants, felony fraud can also be constituted by the commission of a federal crime, such as mail or tax fraud. This is especially true if you commit fraud against the government. Mortgage crime is also a felony. A lawyer may be able to reduce your charges if you face a felony or reduce the penalties.

Do You Automatically Go to Jail for Fraud?

You cannot automatically go to jail for fraud in the U.S. without due process. This is a right under the Constitution, and it applies to fraud cases. If you are facing fraud charges, the first thing to do is contact a lawyer. They can help you through every step of the complicated legal process.

Contact Us for Your Consultation Today

Fraud charges are no joke. Seeking out the help of a Rancho Santa Margarita fraud defense lawyer can help you protect your rights and begin building your defense. Do not wait to contact our team at Brown & Stedman LLP to schedule your consultation.

Office Location – Rancho Santa Margarita

22342 Avenida Empresa
Suite 125
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Call: +1-949-459-3148