Fraud Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, CA Delivering Skilled Legal Guidance in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, and Throughout Southern California
If you’re accused of a federal offense of committing any form of unlawful deception, your next move should be retaining a Los Angeles fraud lawyer to build your defense. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we know how seriously the federal government takes accusations of fraud, dedicating the full resources of federal law enforcement agencies to investigate cases and gather evidence. We also know that a smart defense strategy holds the key to minimizing the consequences of this legal trouble and protecting your future.
By making your legal strategy a priority and choosing an experienced fraud defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, to represent you, you’re taking every action you can to obtain the most favorable outcome possible. For a free, confidential consultation with a team that has more than 100 years of combined experience in legal practice, contact us today.
Facing Federal Fraud Charges in California?
Fraud generally refers to a crime that involves some form of intentional deception or misrepresentation made to wrongfully gain some type of benefit or unfair advantage. While fraud often involves monetary or financial gain, that isn’t always the case. However, for a situation to constitute fraud, it must involve a knowing, intentional misrepresentation or deception rather than a genuine mistake.
Fraud is considered a form of white-collar crime, which typically involves financial deception rather than acts of violence. However, because fraud can cause significant harm to victims, the government takes these offenses very seriously and punishes them harshly, particularly at the federal level.
If you have been charged with fraud of any kind, a conviction could lead to sentences that include lengthy prison terms and six-figure or even seven-figure fines. Through a skilled defense, it may be possible to:
- Get evidence against you suppressed by identifying improper procedures and violations of your rights
- Advocate for the complete dismissal of charges when the evidence against you is weak or circumstantial
- Negotiate a deal with the prosecution for reduced charges, lesser sentences, and a more favorable outcome than you’re at risk of receiving through trial
- Present a strong, compelling argument during a trial that exposes all of the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and persuades the judge or jury to return a not-guilty verdict
- Appeal any unfair procedures that influence the outcome of the case in a negative way
- Advocate for lighter sentences by introducing evidence concerning mitigating factors and circumstances in sentencing proceedings
A fraud defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, can determine, based on your specific circumstances, what outcomes are feasible and how to build the most effective legal strategy possible.
Types of Federal Violations an Experienced Fraud Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, CA, Can Handle
Numerous statutes of federal law address matters of fraud. The type of fraud charge you’re facing will likely depend on the actual acts you’re accused of and how the fraudulent activity was alleged to have taken place.
A Los Angeles fraud lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney has experience defending against all varieties of federal charges involving deception, misrepresentation, and falsified information using all types of channels.
Making Fraudulent Claims to the Government
Section 287 of Title 18 of the United States Code establishes the crime of making false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims to the government or government representatives. This offense includes fraudulent claims for benefits and applies to any United States government agency or department.
Conspiring to Defraud the Government
If the fraudulent conduct you’re accused of involves defrauding the federal government, you could be charged with violating Section 371 of Title 18 of the United States Code. To establish the element of conspiring to defraud the government, the prosecution must prove that you and at least one other individual made an agreement to knowingly and intentionally violate the law and that at least one person (not necessarily you) took some action to further these plans.
Concealing Facts in Matters Involving the U.S. Government
Section 1001 of Title 18 of the United States Code establishes the federal offense of making materially false statements or concealing facts in any matter within the jurisdiction of the United States government. This statute addresses intentional schemes or tricks to falsify or cover up information.
Committing Mail Fraud
Under Section 1341 of Title 18 of the United States Code, it’s a violation of federal law to use the Postal Service to aid in any scheme to defraud individuals for financial gain. This includes using the mail to deliver materials created for the purpose of advancing such a scheme or materials that make false promises or persuade consumers to take action under false pretenses.
Committing Fraud by Wire, Radio, or Television
Any fraud committed or furthered through wire communications, radio communications, or television broadcasts can constitute a violation of Section 1343 of Title 18 of the United States Code. This law encompasses various types of information that could be transmitted via these means, including writing, pictures, signs, signals, and sounds used to execute a scheme to defraud.
Engaging in Computer Fraud
Section 1030 of Title 18 of the United States Code addresses federal crimes of computer fraud, including intentional access without authorization with the intent to obtain government information, information important to national defense or foreign relations, or financial records. This statute also covers the crime of knowingly accessing a protected computer with the intent to defraud.
Committing Major Fraud Against the U.S. Government
Defrauding the government is illegal regardless of whether the scheme actually results in financial gain, but using deception to obtain funds or procurements in excess of $1,000,000 constitutes the more serious crime of major fraud against the United States. Section 1031 of Title 18 of the United States Code addresses this offense, including fraud through which a person secures government grants, contracts, subsidies, loans, insurance, or an economic stimulus.
Possessing, Producing, or Transferring Fraudulent Identification Documents
Under Section 1028 of Title 18 of the United States Code, identification document fraud can constitute a federal offense. This statute covers the production, transfer, or possession of identification documents with the intent to unlawfully use false or stolen identification documents. This statute addresses identity theft crimes as well as offenses related to falsifying citizenship documents, passports, and visas.
Committing Electronic Mail Fraud
Section 1037 of Title 18 of the United States Code covers crimes of electronic mail fraud. E-mail fraud can encompass the unauthorized access of a protected computer to relay multiple commercial electronic mail messages in ways that affect interstate or foreign commerce and with the intent to deceive.
Intentionally Conveying Misleading Information
Under Section 1038 of Title 18 of the United States Code, it’s illegal to intentionally convey false or misleading information about an activity that has taken or will take place in certain circumstances in which the information could reasonably be believed.
Obtaining Confidential Phone Records Through Misrepresentation
Intentionally obtaining confidential phone records through fraudulent statements or representations is a form of federal fraud under Section 1039 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
Filing Fraudulent Claims for Disaster or Emergency Benefits
Under Section 1040 of Title 18 of the United States Code, it’s a violation of federal law to make falsified or fictitious statements or conceal material information in connection with claims or applications for major disaster or emergency benefits.
Committing Bank Fraud
The government takes fraud against financial institutions very seriously. Section 1344 of Title 18 of the United States Code covers common forms of defrauding financial institutions, including check fraud, mortgage fraud, and credit card fraud.
Engaging in Securities Fraud
Section 1348 of Title 18 of the United States Code covers investment fraud involving securities and commodities, including obtaining money or property in connection with the purchase or sale of securities and commodities under false pretenses, fraudulent promises, or misrepresentations.
Committing Health Care Fraud
Defrauding health care benefit programs, including private insurers as well as government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, is a violation of Section 1347 of Title 18 of the United States Code. This statute addresses fraudulent healthcare billing, intentional misrepresentations of facts to receive healthcare benefits for which the defendant doesn’t qualify, and related offenses.
This isn’t an exhaustive list of the forms of conduct that can constitute federal fraud. Federal laws address types of fraud ranging from providing a fictitious name or address (under Section 1342 of Title 18 of the United States Code) as part of a scheme to defraud others to making misrepresentations in foreign labor contracting (under Section 1351 of Title 18 of the United States Code) and more. Having a knowledgeable Los Angeles fraud lawyer on your side who understands the nuances of federal law can help you fight back against serious charges.
Penalties for Federal Fraud Crimes
Federal fraud crimes are punishable by jail time and significant fines. The maximum penalty established under the law depends on the specific form of fraud you’re accused of committing.
Offenses With Less Harsh Prison Terms
The penalty for a conviction of violating Section 371 of Title 18 of the United States Code (conspiring to defraud the U.S. government) is a prison term of up to five years except in cases in which the planned offense amounted to only a misdemeanor crime. In that case, you could be sentenced to the maximum penalty applicable for that type of misdemeanor. Under federal law (Section 3559 of Title 18 of the United States Code), the most serious federal misdemeanor offenses are punishable by six months to one year in prison.
Section 1037 of Title 18 of the United States Code (electronic mail fraud) is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment for a general violation or up to three years of imprisonment if certain criteria regarding the volume of emails, account registrations, or domain names or the amount of financial losses caused are met. If the violation was committed to further a felony offense or by a defendant with prior offenses, up to five years of imprisonment may be imposed.
Violations of Section 287 of Title 18 of the United States Code (making false or fictitious claims to government officers or agencies) carry a penalty of up to five years in prison.
For violations of Section 1001 of Title 18 of the United States Code (concealment of fact in matters in the jurisdiction of the U.S. government), the penalty is up to five years in prison or, in matters involving terrorism, up to eight years.
Federal Fraud Charges That Could Result in a Decade or More in Prison
Violations of Section 1031 of Title 18 of the United States Code (major fraud against the United States) can result in up to 10 years of imprisonment.
The penalty for violations of Section 1039 of Title 18 of the United States Code (fraud in connection with obtaining confidential phone records) is up to 10 years, with enhanced penalties established for aggravated cases or instances in which this information is used to further certain criminal offenses.
Some of the most serious federal fraud violations could send you to prison for decades. A conviction of violating Section 1341 of Title 18 of the United States Code (mail fraud) or Section 1343 of Title 18 of the United States Code (wire, radio, and television fraud) can result in up to 20 years of imprisonment. In violations of these statutes that involve major disaster or emergency benefits or that affect financial institutions, the penalty can amount to up to 30 years of imprisonment.
Violations of Section 1348 of Title 18 of the United States Code are punishable by up to 25 years of imprisonment. Convictions under both Section 1040 of Title 18 of the United States Code (fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits) and Section 1344 of Title 18 of the United States Code (bank fraud) are punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Offenses With Wide Variations in Prison Terms
In many cases, the maximum penalties that could be imposed for violating the same statute depend on exactly what actions you’re accused of committing. For example, Section 1030 of Title 18 of the United States Code (computer fraud) establishes penalties for various subsections of the statute, with the least severe violations resulting in no more than one year of imprisonment and the most severe offenses resulting in up to 20 years in prison.
For violations of Section 1038 of Title 18 of the United States Code (conveying false information and hoaxes), penalties of up to five years of imprisonment may be imposed, with up to 20-year prison sentences in situations in which the false information led to serious bodily injury and up to a life sentence if the violation resulted in a death.
Likewise, violations of Section 1347 of Title 18 of the United States Code (health care fraud) are generally punishable by up to 10 years in prison, but maximum sentences of 20 years or a life sentence may be imposed in cases in which the fraud results in serious bodily injury or death, respectively.
Steep Fines Imposed for Federal Fraud Charges
Fraud can also be punished by fines, in addition to or instead of prison sentences. Under Section 3571 of Title 18 of the United States Code, fines of up to $250,000 can be imposed for federal felony offenses.
Certain violations may be punished by even larger fines. For example, fraud that affects a financial institution is punishable by up to $1,000,000 in fines (under Section 1341, Section 1343, and Section 1344 of Title 18 of the United States Code). For the crime of major fraud against the United States, fines may amount to up to $5,000,000 in certain situations or, if charged with multiple counts of this offense, up to $10,000,000.
The consequences of a conviction are serious. You need a strong defense to protect yourself from harsh sentences that could impact your life for decades.
How The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Can Help
Our firm is committed to serving those accused of federal fraud offenses through dedicated legal representation and meticulous case preparation. Through our proven approach, we develop legal strategies to minimize the impact of serious fraud charges on our clients’ lives.
Crafting Effective Defense Strategies Against Federal Fraud Charges
When you’re facing federal fraud charges, you need to consider all of your options for defense. Our team explores potential arguments such as false allegations, mistaken identities, and lack of intent to defraud. If your charges involve specific channels used, such as mail or wire fraud, we may argue that the prosecutor lacks sufficient evidence to prove the criteria needed for that violation. We investigate the circumstances of your arrest to identify any rights violations or improper procedures that could allow us to seek to get evidence suppressed.
Our goal is to develop the strongest defense possible in your favor and expose weaknesses in the case against you. Depending on the facts of your situation, we may be able to push to get charges dismissed due to lack of evidence, negotiate a favorable plea deal with the prosecution, or put up a strong defense in court. In the event of a conviction, we remain by your side to fight for lighter sentences, highlighting any mitigating circumstances and making arguments for less harsh penalties.
Guiding Clients Through the Federal Criminal Justice Process
Throughout the legal process, you’re going to have questions and concerns. Your future is on the line, but having an advocate who is always there to explain what to expect and respond when you need help is invaluable.
Our firm is committed to providing comprehensive representation throughout all proceedings and stages of the legal process. We prioritize clear, responsive communication to provide as much peace of mind as possible during a challenging situation.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney as Your Los Angeles Fraud Lawyer?
With The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney as your Los Angeles fraud lawyer, you have legal counsel you can count on to fight for you inside and outside the courtroom, putting up a strong, strategic defense customized to the facts of your situation. We’re committed to making skilled legal representation accessible through complimentary initial consultations and other efforts to eliminate the obstacles that stand in the way of retaining an attorney.
Aggressive Advocacy Inside and Outside the Courtroom
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we recognize that different avenues better serve clients in different circumstances. One fraud charge might be best fought in the courtroom by confidently presenting compelling arguments before a jury to secure a not-guilty verdict. In another federal fraud case, negotiating with the prosecution may provide a favorable outcome with less risk.
With the skills to negotiate outcomes in high-stakes criminal matters effectively and an aggressive approach to trial representation, we’re prepared to explore all options for resolving your case in the most beneficial way possible.
Smart, Effective Legal Strategies Personalized for Every Client
An effective defense strategy takes into account the full facts of your unique situation. Our firm is committed to conscientious investigations and meticulous gathering of evidence in support of customized defense strategies.
We base our approach to your defense on the facts and evidence, as well as proven legal arguments, to build an individualized strategy that fully considers the strengths and weaknesses of your case and the prosecution’s arguments against you.
Client-Centered Service That Makes Legal Help Accessible
There are numerous obstacles to retaining the skilled legal guidance you need, ranging from financial costs to time and communication barriers. Our firm removes these barriers through our 24/7 availability, multilingual counsel on staff, and offer of a free, confidential initial consultation.
There’s nothing standing in the way of discussing your defense with an experienced attorney and finding out what we can do for you.
Contact a Los Angeles Fraud Lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Today for a Free Case Review
With so many different federal laws applying to matters of fraud, it can be difficult to even understand exactly what statute you’re accused of violating and what’s at stake in the event of a conviction—much less begin formulating an effective defense strategy. You need the knowledgeable guidance and aggressive representation of a dedicated legal advocate.
For help from a fraud defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, contact The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney online or call 818-330-5198 today.
