Most of us are familiar with terms like “theft” and “forgery” given that they immediately bring to mind the taking of something that does not belong to someone or making a misrepresentation in writing. When we hear the term “fraud”, we are often left confused by the exact meaning.

Fraud, technically speaking, is defined as: “A knowing misrepresentation of the truth or concealment of a material fact to induce another to act to his or her detriment. Fraud includes any intentional or deliberate act to deprive another of property or money by guile, deception, or other unfair means.” In other words, fraud is wrongful deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

When facing criminal fraud charges, the fraud is typically of two kinds: fraud against a company (either by those that work inside or by vendors or customers) and fraud against an individual (such as identity theft or schemes). What Type Of Fraud Charges Can I Face?

Fraud charges can be filed in various ways. Most of these charges are filed as felonies given that they typically involve a significant loss and deliberate action carried out. Fraud charges may also be filed by way of a federal indictment. A federal fraud case is a very serious and complicated process with significant exposure. It is critical to be properly represented from the earliest stage possible to protect yourself. A felony criminal case can carry significant penalties and usually there are complex factors involved. For a skilled and experienced criminal lawyer, these factors mean an opportunity to formulate an intelligent defense based on the case in front of you.

There are many different types of fraud charges. You may hear many of them referred to as “White Collar Crimes” because they generally relate to financial matters and are committed by professionals or people while at work. Types of fraud cases include:

• Embezzlement
• Insurance Fraud
• Forgery
• Extortion
• Credit Card Fraud
• Bribery
• Commercial Burglary
• Mail and Health Care Fraud
• Income Tax Fraud
• Insider Trading
• Money Laundering
• False Financial Statements
• Grand Theft
• Computer Access and Fraud
• Welfare Fraud
• Mortgage Fraud
• Workers Compensation Fraud
• Receiving Stolen Property

Every fraud case is different given the circumstances, people involved, and actions carried out. At first, some of these types of fraud may not even be perceived to be criminal actions such as when facing income tax or insurance fraud charges. There are situations where someone may have been following the advice of someone else and is now in trouble. Regardless of the type of fraud charges filed, it is critical to have an attorney on the case who knows how to navigate through the paperwork and speak to the right parties.

What Do I Do Now?

If you or a relative or friend is currently in custody, has recently been arrested, or is facing a fraud investigation or case; you must seek professional counsel. It is critical you consult with an experienced and qualified Criminal Defense Lawyer. Our California team has years of experience making pre-filing fraud intervention and resolving these cases successfully. Remember, you cannot leave your defense up to fate or the parties that are trying to convict you. Contact us now for a Free Consultation.

Anyone who is familiar with the reality show “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” is probably well aware of the fact that Joe and Teresa Giudice have been indicted in nearly 40 federal charges including wire and bankruptcy fraud, conspiracy to defraud lenders, and more. Charges like these can result in decades behind bars for those found guilty. Unfortunately, there are white collar crimes they may be unknowingly or at least not intentionally committed, such as failure to file a tax return. We are all humans, and mistakes can be made!

Various white collar crimes include:

Embezzling Fraud Tax fraud Extortion Computer crimes Tax evasion Perjury

Tax evasion occurs when an individual fails to file a tax return. Tax fraud occurs when a person files a federal or state tax return or other form that is falsified or fraudulent intentionally. Many people commit tax fraud or evasion in an effort to reduce the amount of tax they have to pay, or to avoid paying taxes altogether. Understating income or claiming deductions you are not entitled to are ways of defrauding the government.

Embezzlement involves the conversion of money or property in a fraudulent manner using someone else’s property. Anyone who is convicted of embezzlement may face up to 10 years in prison according to Title 18 Part 1 Chapter 31 Section 642 of the U.S. code; fines will vary depending on the amount of money a person is found guilty of embezzling.

While being indicted for a white collar crime is certainly not as dramatic or news-making as for those who commit particularly heinous or violent crimes, the punishment can be just as severe. When you are being investigated for a computer crime, extortion, or any financial crime, you should be just as concerned about obtaining the legal support and guidance of a seasoned LA criminal defense lawyer as someone who has committed robbery or any other serious criminal offense. The punishment can be just as life changing.

At The Justice Firm, we provide outstanding legal representation for individuals accused of all types of crimes, including tax evasion, bribery, fraud, tax fraud, and other financial crimes. It is vital that you work with a skilled attorney in an effort to protect your freedom, reputation, and legal rights.

Falsifying a loan application, neglecting to report all of your assets when filing bankruptcy, even failing to file a tax return could leave you facing criminal charges. From highly visible celebrities to those working in a factory, literally anyone can find themselves being indicted for a crime.

Common White Collar Crimes in Los Angeles

It is important to seek the guidance and support of a seasoned Los Angeles white collar crimes defense attorney at the earliest possible stage, whether you are under investigation or have been indicted. Evidence tends to get lost or facts skewed; memories aren’t as clear after time passes. Taking action early ensures you of the strongest, most effective defense.

Some of the most common white collar crimes include:

• Embezzlement – If you appropriate funds which are owned by another person or your company and are in your trust or care in a way that is unlawful, you may be accused of embezzlement. For instance, an accountant may steal company funds, and manipulate accounting records in order to conceal the theft.
• Tax fraud – Tax fraud occurs when an individual reports income that is not correct, attempts to hide assets, or claims fake or inaccurate deductions on state or federal tax forms.
• Tax evasion – Failing or purposely avoiding the filing of tax returns is considered tax evasion.
• Computer crime – Violating copyrights, hacking, and introduction of viruses on a computer are just a few examples of crimes committed on the Internet.
• Bribery – Bribery is punishable by fines of up to $10,000 and up to four years in prison, and occurs when an individual gives another person payment or property in exchange for official action.
• Fraud – Schemes, falsifying documents, or lying in an effort to take another individual’s money or property by knowingly misrepresenting the truth constitutes fraud.

As you can see, it could be easy to be wrongfully accused of a white collar crime. Depending on the offense a person is charged with, a conviction could mean thousands of dollars in fines and any number of years in prison – not to mention your career and reputation would be ruined.

If you have been arrested for tax fraud, bribery, or any white collar crime or are under investigation, be sure to choose a highly skilled and aggressive criminal defense attorney who is capable of securing positive results. The lawyer you choose could make the difference between years in prison, and your freedom.

Sanchez worked at the Century Regional Detention Facility as a civilian employee according to Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the sheriff’s department. Whitmore said that when she said she was called up for active duty as a reservist with the U.S. Marines, she lied and forged military activation documents. Prosecutors in the case claim that Sanchez forged signatures on documents indicating that she would be deployed from March through May. Ultimately, Sanchez was paid wages by the sheriff’s department while she was allegedly on active military duty. According to news reports, she was paid just over $1,000 which she should not have been paid due to what authorities call “fraudulent actions.”

Individuals may be charged with a felony offense when forging a document in order to commit fraud. Considered a white collar crime, fraudulent activity can lead to serious criminal penalties for those convicted. This case clearly indicates that an individual does not have to commit a violent offense in order to be charged with a crime.

According to Whitmore, the sheriff’s department discovered that something was amiss when they checked up on Sanchez, doing their “due diligence.” Whitmore claimed that when they called to learn how Sanchez was doing and where she was located, the department was told by the military that they didn’t know what they were talking about. According to prosecutors, Sanchez kept getting paid, just as the county keeps paying salaries for those who are reservists and called to active duty. The fraud was soon detected.

Whitmore believes that Sanchez may have been attempting fraudulent activity for up to one year, although he said that he believed the district attorney was charging her for up to three months.

If convicted, Sanchez will face a maximum prison term of three years; a preliminary hearing is scheduled for December. Sanchez is currently on unpaid leave with the sheriff’s department.

Los Angeles white collar crimes attorneys know that cases involving the alleged forging of documents can be very complex. The documents in questions must be thoroughly analyzed to determine the authenticity of signatures. As indicated in this case, the penalties may be severe depending on the facts of the case. If found guilty, Sanchez may spend up to three years in prison for an act that ultimately led to her gaining $1,000 she was not entitled to. However, the forging of government, financial, or military documents is a serious offense; obtaining the best possible results can only be accomplished with the guidance and support of a capable and experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer.