Fraud crimes are a priority for local authorities, and convictions carry harsh penalties. It is best to be proactive and seek the assistance of an experienced Orange County fraud crime lawyer who can help you fight the charges. Our top criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry have years of experience handling these cases with exceptional results.
What is Fraud?
Fraud is defined as the wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. It is committed to deceive an individual that results in gains for the offender or causes another person to suffer a loss. There are numerous types of laws pertaining to fraud. Some of the most common types of fraud are:
- Check fraud
- Extortion
- Credit card fraud
- Identity theft
- Health insurance fraud
- Foreclosure fraud
- Real estate fraud
- Securities fraud
- Welfare fraud
Penalties for Fraud in Orange County
Typically fraud convictions do not carry prison sentences as lengthy as a violent crime conviction. Although those charged with this crime commonly face multiple counts, which can lead to substantial prison time and probation. Additional penalties can include significant fines, loss of professional licenses, and house arrest. Businesses convicted of these offenses can also face hefty fines and restitution.
Fraud convictions can forever change a person’s reputation. You can be viewed as unethical, untruthful, and untrustworthy. As with other white-collar crime convictions, it may be harder to obtain employment, housing, and professional licenses. If you are facing charges of fraud, you must obtain a seasoned defense attorney in the area who is familiar with how these crimes are investigated and prosecuted.
Defenses for These Charges
Though, there are some solid defenses experienced attorneys could pursue to help prevent a conviction. For an individual to be found guilty of fraud, the prosecution must prove intent. Therefore, the most effective fraud defense is the “no intent” defense. Your attorney may argue there was no intent, and a mistake or misunderstanding caused the damages.
If the prosecution fails to prove intent, the charges must be dropped. Other viable defenses include mistaken identity, entrapment, coercion, and insufficient evidence. An experienced lawyer in Orange County could analyze the specific evidence and circumstances of your fraud case and determine which defense strategy would be the most effective.
Speak with An Orange County Fraud Attorney Today
Our team knows how devastating a conviction can be, and we understand how much is at stake. That is why our team of Orange County fraud lawyers could fight tirelessly to protect your rights, freedom, and future. We have decades of experience handling detailed and intricate fraud cases with unprecedented results.
Our proactive and diligent approach to defense has earned us a reputation as the most highly regarded criminal defense firm in the area. We have a team of investigators that leave no stone unturned to find any and all evidence to support your innocence. Our attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry could aggressively seek to protect your interests. If you are facing charges related to fraud, please contact our office immediately for your free consultation.