In California, fraud is often considered a “white collar crime,” meaning it occurs most frequently among people engaged in businesses. But the fact is, there are actually multiple types of fraud, and being charged with fraud can result in serious penalties that can have far-reaching affects in your life.

Defending against a fraud charge because often, fraud charges depend on evidence that’s at least partially subjective. Having an experienced Orange County fraud attorney who understands these “weak spots” and other issues surrounding a charge of fraud is critical to establishing a strong case that can help you succeed in court and which may even result in having your charges dropped prior to a trial. As a defense attorney in the nation’s biggest medical insurance fraud cases in 2013, Ms. Cini’s tireless efforts and legal skills resulted in “not guilty” verdicts in more than half of the 17 charges leveled against her client, marking a significant reduction in potential penalties.

WHAT IS FRAUD?

In California, the law considers fraud to have occurred anytime you commit an act that provides you with an unfair benefit or causes unfair harm to someone else. The Penal Code recognizes several types of fraud, including:

• Insurance fraud, including all types of insurance, including Medi-Cal, worker’s compensation and welfare, as well as personal insurance like auto and healthcare
• Real estate fraud, including deed forgery, rent skimming, foreclosure fraud and fraudulent lending schemes
• Forgery and identity theft, which includes Internet fraud, counterfeiting an ID, falsely impersonating another person and possessing a fraudulent public seal
• Financial fraud, including check, securities and credit card fraud
• Fraud involving the elderly, which covers nursing home fraud as well as fraud against senior citizens

PENALTIES OF A FRAUD CONVICTION

Fraud charges are associated with serious penalties, including significant fines and potentially lengthy prison terms. Depending on the type and extent of the act, a fraud charge can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony. Some types of fraud are considered “automatic felonies,” and may even include federal charges in addition to the charges filed at the state level.

In addition, a fraud charge is considered an act of moral turpitude. Under California law, a crime involving moral turpitude, or CMT, can have serious consequences, including:

• loss of a professional license
• impeachment of your credibility as a witness in court
• deportation if you are not a U.S. citizen

WHY YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED ORANGE COUNTY FRAUD ATTORNEY

Fraud is a very serious crime, and that means if you’re charged with fraud, you could be facing severe penalties. Every case of fraud is unique, and that means each case requires a unique approach for the most successful outcome. Maltaise Cini has extensive experience as an Newport Beach fraud lawyer, providing aggressive, skilled legal representation to men and women in Orange County who have been charged with fraud.

Ms. Cini offers her clients more than two decades of experience successfully defending clients in the California court system, and she handles each case with the individual attention and time necessary to ensure the best possible defense. If you or a loved one is facing a fraud charge, you need to start working with an experienced Orange County fraud attorney as soon as possible. Call the Law Offices of Maltaise Cini today at 949-660-1389 to schedule a free consultation and learn how she can help you protect your rights.