Fraud is the act of intentionally deceiving someone for the purpose of personal gain (usually financial) or to do intentional damage to someone else. There are many different types of fraud, and if you have been charged with fraud, you may be wondering what potential consequences may be. California Penal Code § 476 pertains to check fraud law. With check fraud, you may be charged if you altered checks, printed fictitious checks, or represented fake checks as genuine—all with the intent to defraud the system. This crime is what is known as a “wobbler,” meaning the charges could be filed as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances.
The penalties of a misdemeanor charge in this area could leave you incarcerated for up to a year in county jail and have to pay a fine of $1,000. On the other hand for a felony charge, you may face up to three years in a state prison and pay a fine of up to $10,000. The charges vary in severity depending on the depth and gravity of the crime and may be subjective. In all fraud cases, it is essential that you hire a top-rated criminal defense attorney at Okabe & Haushalter who can help you understand your charges and aggressively fight for your best interests.
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If you have been charged with any type of fraud, a top-rated attorney from our firm can help you with your defense. Fraud is a crime that federal law enforcement takes very seriously; if you want to avoid a possible conviction and jail time, you need a defense attorney you can count on. a conviction could have a devastating impact on your career, your reputation, and your future. Is that something you want to risk? Do not settle for second best! Your choice of representation could make all the difference and be the deciding factor between freedom and conviction.
Contact Okabe & Haushalter to discuss your charges and possible defense strategies.