Lakewood Fraud Defense Lawyer
Lakewood Fraud Defense Attorney
In a business-friendly city like Lakewood, a fraud accusation could destroy your reputation and put you in danger of losing your freedom. Facing harsh penalties and lengthy prison sentences can cause stress, job loss, and damaged relationships. A Lakewood fraud defense lawyer can help you when you are facing charges for fraud.
At the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, your case will be in the hands of a skilled, dedicated attorney who is a strategic negotiator and an aggressive litigator. Attorney Christopher J. McCann has been helping clients through the toughest times of their lives for over 15 years.
White Collar Crime in California
Fraud is a white-collar crime, or a nonviolent crime involving financial theft by individuals, companies, or government officials. Many white-collar crimes, including fraud, are perpetrated using the internet or other electronic infrastructure, like email.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Center (IC3), California ranked #1 out of all the states in reported internet crime complaints in 2024. California residents 60 and over reported the largest losses, losing over $800 million to internet crimes like cryptocurrency fraud, phishing, and extortion.
With large sums of money on the line, California aggressively investigates fraud cases, using the Division of Law Enforcement’s White Collar Investigation Team (WCIT) and the California Attorney General’s Corporate Fraud Section.
These agencies work with the FBI, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Fraud investigations often begin long before you are aware that you are suspected of a crime. It is critical to hire a fraud defense lawyer as soon as you suspect you are under investigation.
Types of Fraud
Fraud comes in many shapes. Some types of fraud include:
- Corporate fraud: Involves the manipulation of a company for financial gain. It may be investigated by both state and federal agencies. California uses complex and varied laws to prosecute corporate fraud, including the False Claims Act and the Unfair Competition Law. Corporate fraud can result in both criminal and civil charges, with civil penalties as high as $1,000,000 and, for criminal cases, years in federal prison.
- Wire fraud: Victim manipulation involving electronic communications such as email, the internet, or phones. Wire fraud in California is a serious felony.
- Identity theft: Stealing a person’s identity or fraudulently representing a business for financial gain. Between the first and third quarters of 2024, the FTC reported over 135,000 cases of identity theft. Over 800 businesses that registered in California in 2025 may have been fraudulent. Identity theft may be charged as a state or federal crime and range from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the circumstances.
There are many more types of fraud, the laws are complex, and penalties can vary greatly. A fraud investigation can begin with either a state or a federal agency, but often, both work together for high-value crimes. With the weight of both the state and federal governments working against you, you may feel like you are alone against the world, but that is not the case.
Hire a Fraud Defense Lawyer
When you are under investigation or have been charged with fraud in Lakewood, CA, you need a lawyer who understands the complex network of laws and statutes that apply to your case. You need someone with proven results and strong negotiation skills who can work to either get your case dismissed or your penalties lowered.
If your case proceeds to trial, you need a litigator who isn’t afraid to face the prosecution in the Bellflower Courthouse in Bellflower, or the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building located in nearby Los Angeles.
Attorney Christopher J. McCann understands the legal system and the costs of a state or federal investigation, not only to your reputation, but also to your well-being. Everyone deserves a strong defense and a lawyer who will answer the phone when you call. Hire a Lakewood fraud defense attorney and make sure your case is in the hands of someone who cares about your future.
FAQs About Lakewood, CA Fraud Defense Laws
How To Report Someone for Fraud in California?
There are many different ways to report someone for fraud in California. If you were the victim of identity theft, you should report that to your local police and to identitytheft.gov. If you are reporting someone for credit card fraud, you should contact your credit card company and advise them of fraudulent activity.
If you are a whistleblower reporting corporate fraud, you should call the California Attorney General’s Whistleblower Hotline. Whistleblowers are a protected class of employees by law.
What Are the Four Requirements to Prove Fraud in Lakewood?
U.S.C. 1343 outlines four requirements for proving fraud in Lakewood:
- The person willfully devised or participated in a scheme to defraud
- The person had the intent to defraud
- It was reasonable to assume the scheme would occur across state lines
- The scheme occurred across state lines
One of the toughest requirements to prove in a fraud case is intent. A skilled fraud defense lawyer can devise a strategy for creating a reasonable doubt of the intent.
How Much Do Lawyers Cost for Fraud in Lakewood?
The cost of a fraud defense lawyer in Lakewood depends on a variety of circumstances. For instance, whether you accept a plea bargain or your case goes to trial can make a difference in the cost of a lawyer. How many witnesses must be interviewed, whether you need industry professionals for testimony, and whether your case is prosecuted by the state or federal government can all affect the final cost.
When Should You Hire a Fraud Defense Attorney in California?
You should hire a fraud defense attorney as quickly as possible in California. When you are charged with or being investigated for fraud, chances are the agencies involved have been investigating your activities for a while.
The length of time the prosecution has to research your case can give them an advantage in the courtroom if you don’t have an experienced, savvy lawyer. The more time your attorney has for investigating and gathering evidence to support your case, the better.
Contact The Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann Today
When you hire Attorney Christopher J. McCann, you obtain a dedicated lawyer who is going to give your case the attention it needs. Fraud cases are intricate, and having a lawyer who can untangle the details and present a strong defense is essential.
If you have been accused of fraud, contact the office today.
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