Insurance Fraud

Accusations of insurance fraud should be taken very seriously in the state of California. Whether you are innocent or believed that fraudulent activity would lead to "easy money," it is critical you consult with a capable and skilled Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer immediately. The criminal penalties of a conviction are harsh, and impact many aspects of your life including your reputation and career. At The Justice Firm, we work vigorously to protect the legal rights and freedom of our clients, providing effective, sound legal guidance and representation.

Legal matters involving insurance fraud can quickly transform from civil liabilities to criminal penalties. In California, audits and investigations are being performed on an increasing basis, and penalties for those convicted are becoming more severe. Without the legal support of a qualified defense attorney, a bad situation will likely become worse.

Insurance fraud may occur in a variety of ways; doctors may bill insurance companies for a service not provided to a patient, or for a service not covered by the patient's insurance provider. "Phantom billing" and "upcoding" are common practices meant to defraud insurance providers. Claiming a vehicle has been stolen when in fact it has not in order to collect insurance benefits is considered insurance fraud. Claiming disability or faking an auto accident are examples where insurance fraud may occur. Ultimately, anyone who presents an insurance claim which contains misleading or false information and who does so knowingly in order to secure benefits may face criminal charges if caught. Regardless of your situation, we urge you to contact our Los Angeles insurance fraud lawyers immediately.

Those charged with insurance fraud in California may face penalties which include fines of up to $50,000 along with up to five years in state prison. It is important to note that if you have been convicted for insurance fraud in the past, each conviction will result in an additional two years added to your sentence.

The criminal penalties you may face depend on the facts of your case. For example, Penal Code Section 550(a) regarding presenting fraudulent or false claims is considered a "wobbler," which means the individual may face either misdemeanor or felony charges as determined by the prosecutor. These types of crimes involve submitting multiple claims for a single injury/loss, submitting a false insurance claim, presenting a fraudulent claim for health care, and more. Depending on your situation, the penalties may include up to one year in county jail, or up to five years in prison.

It is also illegal in the state to prepare false statements or letters in support of a fraudulent insurance claim. In doing so, an individual may face the same serious criminal penalties which apply to those who submit a false or fraudulent claim.

Insurance fraud is an extremely serious criminal offense which can not only result in the loss of your freedom, but devastate your life in other ways. In order to secure the best possible outcome, it is recommended you seek legal guidance at once. At The Justice Firm, we put all of our skill, experience, and dedication into every client we represent; we will fight aggressively on your behalf. Contact us today or call 310-914-2444 for a free consultation.