If you’ve been accused of fraud in California, you’re not just facing possible jail time—you’re facing a threat to your livelihood, your reputation, and possibly your immigration status. Whether the accusation involves insurance, banking, healthcare, or business practices, the stakes are high, and the clock is ticking. One mistake early in your case could have lasting consequences.
At Simmons Wagner, LLP, we’ve defended professionals, business owners, and individuals in high-stakes fraud cases across state and federal courts. Here’s what you need to know if you’re under investigation—or already charged—and why contacting a fraud defense attorney right away is one of the most important decisions you can make.
What Makes Fraud Charges So Serious?
Unlike some criminal charges, fraud allegations carry an extra layer of judgment. Why? Because fraud is considered a “crime of moral turpitude”—meaning it’s not just about breaking the law, but about dishonesty and intent.
That classification can have severe consequences:
- Deportation or denial of citizenship for non-citizens
- Loss of professional licenses (especially for doctors, nurses, lawyers, or accountants)
- Barriers to future employment, particularly in finance or public service
- Ineligibility for certain government programs or clearances
Even if you’re never convicted, just the accusation alone can tarnish your reputation, put your job at risk, and put you in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
What Types of Fraud Do We Defend?
Fraud is a broad legal category that covers any deceptive act intended to gain financial or personal advantage. At Simmons Wagner, LLP, we handle a wide range of fraud-related charges, including:
- Insurance Fraud – Allegations of false claims for car accidents, property damage, or medical care
- Embezzlement – Accusations of misusing funds entrusted to you through a business or nonprofit
- Mortgage or Real Estate Fraud – Misrepresentation in home loans, appraisals, or sales
- Healthcare Fraud – Billing for unperformed services or falsifying patient records
- Workers’ Compensation Fraud – Faked injuries or employer misclassification issues
- Bankruptcy Fraud – Hiding assets or providing false information during proceedings
- Internet or Wire Fraud – Using online platforms or communications to commit fraud
- Immigration Fraud – Submitting false documentation to gain residency or work status
Each of these crimes carries unique penalties and defense challenges, but they all demand immediate legal guidance to avoid irreversible damage.
Fraud Penalties Depend on the Details
Most fraud offenses in California are “wobblers”, meaning they can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on:
- The amount of money involved
- The sophistication of the scheme
- Whether the defendant has a prior record
- Whether there was harm to vulnerable parties (like the elderly)
For example, if the value of the alleged fraud is under $950, you might face a misdemeanor charge. But if it’s higher—or if there are aggravating circumstances—it may be elevated to a felony with penalties including:
- Up to five years in prison
- Restitution to the alleged victim
- Fines up to $50,000—or double the value of the fraud
- A permanent criminal record that follows you for life
Why the Right Attorney Makes All the Difference
Fraud cases often involve volumes of financial records, emails, contracts, and other documentation. Prosecutors spend months building these cases—sometimes years. You need a legal team that knows how to dismantle their narrative and find weaknesses in their evidence.
At Simmons Wagner, LLP, we don’t just look at whether a law was broken—we examine the intent, the paper trail, the credibility of witnesses, and the legality of the investigation. In some cases, we may be able to:
- Prove you were falsely accused
- Demonstrate lack of intent to deceive
- Show you were misled by someone else
- Challenge unlawful search or seizure of your financial records
- Negotiate for reduced charges or a diversion program
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you’re being investigated for fraud or have already been charged, every day matters. The sooner you speak to a defense attorney, the better your chances of protecting your rights, your career, and your future.
Call (949) 439-5857 today to schedule your free, confidential consultation with the experienced fraud defense attorneys at Simmons Wagner, LLP. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.