Salinas Fraud Attorney

Defending Against All Types of Fraud Charges

Fraud is a serious criminal offense, one that carries harsh criminal penalties and significant consequences for those who are convicted. If you have been accused of fraud, you need a skilled defense lawyer by your side who can not only protect your rights but also safeguard your future. At Law Office of John Klopfenstein, we represent people throughout Monterey County who have been charged with all types of fraud. Our Salinas fraud attorney has more than 30 years of experience and is ready to aggressively advocate for you and your future.

Contact us online or call our office at (831) 610-5921 now to set up an initial consultation. 

What Is Fraud? 

Fraud is a type of white collar crime. It is defined as the deliberate and intentional use of deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain. Fraud can occur in various contexts and often involves misrepresentation, deceit, or breach of trust. Due to its nature, fraud can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels, depending on the specifics of the case.

Types of Fraud

Fraud encompasses a wide range of criminal activities, including but not limited to:

• Securities Fraud: Securities fraud can involve misleading investors or manipulating stock prices, among other unlawful activities. 
• Insurance Fraud: Insurance fraud includes falsifying claims or staging incidents to collect insurance money.
• Credit Card Fraud: Credit card fraud involves the unauthorized use of credit card information for financial gain.
• Mortgage Fraud: Misrepresentation of financial information to obtain a mortgage is considered mortgage fraud.
• Tax Fraud: Illegally avoiding tax payments through underreporting income or claiming false deductions is tax fraud.
• Healthcare Fraud: This can include billing for services that were not provided or misrepresenting the nature of services.
• Phishing and Online Fraud: Using deceptive emails or websites to steal personal information is called “phishing” or online fraud.

At Law Office of John Klopfenstein, we represent people accused of all types of fraud. Our Salinas fraud lawyer has extensive experience helping clients navigate the criminal justice system. In his 30+ years in practice, he has successfully achieved numerous positive results, including case dismissals, reduced charges, and acquittals. 

How Is Fraud Charged & Prosecuted? 

Fraud can be prosecuted at both the state and federal level. State laws govern most fraud cases, but if fraud crosses state lines, involves federal programs, or has significant financial implications, it may be pursued federally.

Additionally, fraud charges can be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the offense and the amount of money involved. Generally, larger sums or sophisticated schemes are charged as felonies, which carry more severe penalties.

Possible Penalties for Fraud Convictions

The potential penalties for a fraud conviction vary widely based on the nature of the crime, the jurisdiction, and whether it’s charged as a misdemeanor or felony, among other factors.

Possible consequences include:

• Imprisonment: Depending on the charge, individuals could face imprisonment ranging from a few months for misdemeanors to several years up to life for felony convictions.
• Fines: Convicted individuals may face substantial fines, potentially amounting to thousands or even millions of dollars.
• Restitution: Courts often require defendants to repay victims for their financial losses, which can be extremely costly.
• Probation: Offenders may be placed on probation, which involves regular check-ins and adherence to specific conditions.

At Law Office of John Klopfenstein, we fight to help our clients avoid the negative impacts of a conviction. In addition to potential criminal penalties, being convicted of fraud can seriously damage your reputation, making it difficult to secure future employment. If convicted, your criminal record can follow you for the rest of your life. 

Because of this, it is very important that you seek aggressive defense from a knowledgeable fraud lawyer in Salinas. Reach out to our firm today to schedule a confidential consultation with Attorney John Klopfenstein.