Bankruptcy Fraud

Bankruptcy fraud is an extremely serious offense; a conviction could leave you facing consequences which include up to five years in prison, and/or fines of as much as $250,000. Because it is considered a federal offense, prosecutors often pursue the maximum penalties allowed under the law. At The Justice Firm, our Los Angeles bankruptcy fraud lawyers are skilled, aggressive, and dedicated to protecting clients from a conviction, and the resulting criminal penalties.

It is important that you seek legal guidance immediately when facing serious charges, as your freedom, career, and reputation are at stake. It is also vital that you choose a seasoned criminal defense attorney who is not only experienced and familiar with the federal court system, but in representing clients accused of bankruptcy fraud. The level of skill and experience of a lawyer does make a difference in the outcome you may expect.

While bankruptcy fraud is certainly not new, it has become more common during the recent economic downturn for individuals to conceal or misstate assets during bankruptcy proceedings. There are several methods in which bankruptcy fraud may be committed, including:

• The intentional filing of incomplete or false forms
• Concealing assets
• Filing multiple times
• Using false information or using legitimate information from outside of the state of California
• Bribing a court-appointed trustee
• Petition mills
• Destruction of documents

Concealing assets is the most common method of committing bankruptcy fraud, and involves the intentional or purposeful hiding of assets or property during bankruptcy proceedings so that those assets' inclusion or liquidation in the process can be avoided.

In order for the prosecutor to secure a conviction, he or she must prove your intent. For example, it must be proven that you intentionally or willfully committed fraud. An innocent mistake or error in filing for bankruptcy protection does not constitute bankruptcy fraud. This is why it is critical to consult with a qualified Los Angeles bankruptcy fraud lawyer, who will work diligently to prove it was not your intent to commit fraud.

As with any criminal allegation, individuals charged with this type of crime are innocent until proven guilty; our goal is to protect your innocence and help you avoid damaging consequences.

Federal authorities have cracked down hard on those suspected of committing bankruptcy fraud in recent years, largely due to the fact that about 10% of filings each year include some type of bankruptcy fraud, according to the Department of Justice. In the state of California, falsifying information is considered perjury, even in regards to information on any form used in filing bankruptcy. In order to avoid serious criminal penalties and other damaging consequences, it is urgent you contact a talented attorney.

Whether you have been arrested or charged with bankruptcy fraud, contact The Justice Firm now at 310-914-2444 for a free consultation. The earlier you take action to protect your freedom and reputation, the sooner work can begin to develop a solid defense strategy on your behalf.