Facing fraud charges in San Diego can affect every part of your life. Whether the accusations involve credit card misuse, insurance fraud, identity theft, or another white collar crime, these cases often move fast and can lead to harsh penalties. Law enforcement and government agencies take these matters seriously and will push for charges in both state and federal court.
Kenney Legal Defense knows how to defend people facing criminal cases of fraud in Southern California. Our team has handled everything from bank fraud to internet scams and false statements in insurance forms. We understand California law and the federal legal framework, and we know how to deal with business fraud, check fraud, tax fraud, and constructive fraud accusations.
If you are under investigation or have already been charged, a skilled San Diego fraud lawyer from our firm is ready to protect your rights and your future.
Our San Diego Fraud Defense Attorney Protects Your Rights
When someone is charged with a fraud-related crime, they are often shocked by how quickly things escalate. What may seem like a small misunderstanding or business mistake can lead to a federal investigation, criminal charges, and even a civil lawsuit. These cases often involve large amounts of paperwork, complex financial documents, and accusations of deceitful practices, company fraudulence, or falsifying information.
Our San Diego fraud lawyer understands the pressure that comes with these cases. We represent clients in both civil matters and criminal defense cases involving fraud.
Kenney Legal Defense helps people in all types of fraud situations, including credit card fraud, Medicare fraud, wage and hour law violations, securities fraud, wire fraud, and more. We also represent people accused of breaking laws involving the California Insurance Code Section 1871, California Penal Code § 548, § 549, § 550, and Revenue and Taxation Code 19706.
Our goal is to protect your rights under both California law and federal fraud statutes, and we work to resolve cases with smart legal strategies backed by real trial experience.
What Is Criminal Fraud?
Criminal fraud is when someone lies or makes false statements to get money, property, or other benefits they are not legally owed. Fraud can happen in many areas of life, including banking, employment, real estate, business transactions, and government assistance. Under both state and federal laws, it is a crime to use trickery or false information to take something from another person or company.
Many of these cases fall under white collar crimes and may involve insurance fraud crimes, business fraud, or even insider trading.
Types of Fraud Charges We Handle in San Diego
Our law firm handles many kinds of fraud cases across Southern California. Each case has its own facts, evidence, and penalties, but all require strong legal defense.
A few of the common types of charges we take on include:
Insurance Fraud (PC § 550)
Insurance fraud happens when someone gives false information to an insurance company to get money they are not owed. This could include faking an auto accident, lying about damage after a home fire, or billing for medical treatments that never happened.
Under California Penal Code § 550, this type of fraud is a felony, and a conviction can lead to jail time, large fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you are accused of insurance fraud crimes, it is important to speak with an insurance fraud defense lawyer right away to protect yourself from further penalties and possible civil claims.
Real Estate and Mortgage Fraud (PC § 487, 532f)
Real estate and mortgage fraud often involve giving false details on loan documents, using fake identities to buy property, or tricking someone in a real estate deal. Common examples include inflating property value, lying about income, or forging someone's signature.
Under California Penal Code § 487 and California Penal Code § 532f, these crimes are treated seriously and can lead to both criminal charges and civil lawsuits. In many cases, mortgage broker fraud and illegal business practices are tied to banking fraud, falsified financial documents, or false advertising during home sales or rentals.
Credit Card and Check Fraud (PC § 484e–484f)
Credit card and check fraud involve using someone else's credit card numbers, creating fake cards, or writing checks from accounts that do not have enough money or do not belong to you. California law under Penal Code § 484e through Penal Code § 484f treats these actions as white collar crimes, and people charged may also face additional accusations such as identity theft or wire fraud.
Businesses may be affected too, especially if poor employee training or weak security practices allowed the fraud to happen. These crimes can result in both state and federal charges depending on how the fraud took place and who was affected.
Identity Theft (PC § 530.5)
Identity theft happens when someone uses another person's private information, like their name, Social Security number, or credit card account, without permission to commit fraud or steal money.
Under California Penal Code § 530.5, this crime can lead to serious penalties, especially if it involves internet scams, credit card fraud, or fake business transactions. Identity theft is often linked to other charges, such as check fraud, wire fraud, or computer hacking. Many victims do not even know their information has been stolen until after the damage is done, which makes these cases very stressful.
If you are being accused of identification theft or related white collar offenses, a San Diego fraud lawyer can help protect your rights and build a strong defense.
Bank Fraud Charges (18 U.S.C. § 1344)
Bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 is a federal crime that involves tricking a bank or financial institution to get money, property, or other assets through illegal means. These charges can involve falsifying bank statements, forging checks, opening accounts under false names, or using stolen information to move money between accounts.
Cases of banking fraud are often complicated and may involve federal investigations and serious consequences, including prison time and heavy fines. These charges can also affect business owners who fail to follow safe check handling procedures or allow poor internal controls during business activity.
A lawyer who understands both state and federal fraud charges is essential in these situations.
Healthcare Fraud and Medicare Fraud
Healthcare fraud happens when someone gives false or misleading information to get paid by a health insurance company, Medicare, or state-funded medical programs. This includes billing for services that were never provided, charging for more expensive procedures than what was done, or using another person's medical ID to receive care.
These actions may be charged under California Penal Code § 549 (illegal patient referrals), California Insurance Code § 1871.4 (false healthcare claims), or federal law such as 18 U.S.C. § 1347 (federal healthcare fraud).
Doctors, nurses, billing staff, and clinic owners can face charges, even if the mistake was unintentional. Some cases also involve illegal kickbacks or self-referrals, which may violate 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b or 42 U.S.C. § 1395nn. Even small errors in medical insurance billing can be seen as false statements or fraudulent misrepresentations.
Wire and Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341, 1343)
Wire and mail fraud are federal crimes that happen when someone uses phones, emails, or the post office to commit fraud. This can include sending false letters, fake invoices, or scam emails to steal money or information. Even small actions, like using a fake name in an email or lying on a form that is mailed, can lead to wire fraud or mail fraud charges.
These crimes fall under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 and 18 U.S.C. § 1343 and are handled in federal court. Many internet scams, customer fraud cases, and business fraud schemes fall into this category. If you are charged, you could face long prison time and high fines, so you need a lawyer who understands federal fraud charges and how to fight them.
What to Do If You're Being Investigated for Fraud
If someone tells you that you're under investigation for fraud, take it seriously. You need to be very careful about what you do next. Follow these steps right away to protect yourself:
- Stay Quiet: Do not talk to the police or investigators. Even if you think you can explain things, anything you say might be used against you. Stay calm and say you want a lawyer.
- Get a Criminal Defense Lawyer: Call a San Diego fraud lawyer who understands these kinds of cases. A good lawyer knows the law and will help protect your rights from the start.
- Save Important Papers: Keep all documents, emails, or messages that relate to the case. This includes bank papers, checks, business records, or anything that could help show your side of the story.
- Don't Talk About the Case: Don't talk to coworkers, friends, or even family about what's happening. They could be asked to repeat what you said, even by mistake.
- Follow Your Lawyer's Advice: Your lawyer will explain what to do and what not to do. Always listen to their advice so you don't make things worse.
- Keep a Record of Everything: Write down dates, times, and who you talk to. This will help you and your lawyer keep track of what's going on.
- Don't Throw Anything Away: Do not delete emails, shred papers, or erase messages. Keeping everything helps your lawyer understand the full story.
These steps can help you stay out of more trouble. Being careful at the start can make a big difference later in your case.
Expungement and Record Clearing After a Fraud Conviction
If you were found guilty of fraud but finished your probation, you may be able to clean up your record. This is called expungement. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, some people can ask the court to remove the conviction from their record. If approved, most employers won't see the charge when they do a background check.
This can help you get a better job, apply for housing, or move forward in life. A San Diego fraud lawyer can check if you qualify and handle the steps for you. Expungement does not erase everything, but it gives you a second chance to move on from your past.
Why Choose Our San Diego Fraud Lawyer?
Kenney Legal Defense understands how fraud cases work. We help people who are accused of all types of fraud, from credit card fraud and identity theft to insurance fraud and business scams. Our team works hard to protect your rights and guide you through each step of the case. We know both California law and federal law, and we appear in local courts and federal courtrooms.
Whether your case is big or small, we take it seriously. We look at every detail, listen to your side, and build a strong plan to help you. If you want a lawyer who explains things in simple terms, keeps you informed, and truly fights for you, we are ready to help.
FAQs
1. Can I go to jail for credit card fraud in California?
Yes. Credit card fraud is a crime under California law and can lead to jail time, fines, and a criminal record.
2. What should I do if I'm wrongly accused of insurance fraud?
Stay calm and speak to a criminal defense lawyer. Do not talk to investigators without your lawyer present.
3. Is identity theft always charged as a felony?
Not always. It depends on the facts. Some cases are misdemeanors, but many are charged as felonies, especially if large amounts of money were involved.
4. Can I clear a fraud conviction from my record?
If you completed probation, you may be able to expunge your conviction under PC § 1203.4. A lawyer can help with this.
5. Are federal fraud charges more serious than state charges?
Yes. Federal cases often carry longer prison terms and higher fines. They also involve federal agencies and rules.
Contact Our San Diego Fraud Lawyer for a Free Case Quote
If you are being investigated or charged with fraud, you need legal help right away. Fraud cases can move fast, and a mistake early on can make things worse. Kenney Legal Defense takes your case seriously and fight to protect your future. Whether you are dealing with identity theft, insurance fraud, credit card fraud, welfare fraud, or any other white collar crime, we are here to help.
We work with clients in both state and federal court across Southern California. Our team understands how to handle complicated legal issues, whether they involve tax fraud, wire fraud, internet scams, or business practices that led to criminal charges. We will explain your options, keep you updated, and build a plan that fits your situation.
Contact us today for a free case quote. Let our San Diego fraud lawyer review your case and help you take the next best step forward. You don't have to face this alone.