San Jose Fraud Defense Attorney

Lawyer in Santa Clara County for Clients Charged with White-Collar Crimes

The word "fraud" can have a multitude of meanings. Criminal fraud includes behaviors like using someone else's identity to gain some kind of benefit or scamming an innocent person. A person violates California's criminal fraud laws when they commit an unlawful act that results in an undeserved benefit for themselves or another and causes harm to the fraud victim. An individual may commit a fraudulent act in order to gain financial advantage of some kind or to escape criminal liability.

At the Fuller Law Firm, we represent criminal defendants accused of fraud-related crimes, including identity theft, credit card fraud, embezzlement, and others. We know that a criminal defendant is more than just someone accused of a crime. They are a whole person with a unique set of life circumstances and personal challenges. With that in mind, our team is prepared to help you pursue a favorable outcome when you are facing fraud-related charges

Palo Alto Legal Professionals for Those Accused of Fraudulent Activity

Fraud offenses are sometimes referred to as "white-collar crimes." These crimes are usually nonviolent and are often committed by professionals. Being convicted of a fraud offense in California can result in steep fines and substantial jail or prison sentences. The term "fraud" can refer to a wide range of criminal behavior. You may be accused of fraud if you deceitfully acquire workers' compensation benefits or write bad checks. False personation or identity theft is one of the most common types of fraud in California. This can include forging documents or manufacturing fake identification cards like driver's licenses.

One infamous example of fraud is the "Nigerian prince scam" or "419 scam" in which a person poses as royalty or someone of authority in order to trick a victim into releasing banking account information or funds. Also called "advanced fee schemes," such scams often involve the promise of a large investment or monetary gift in exchange for a much smaller financial investment. After the scammer receives the initial "investment" from the victim, the scammer disappears, and the victim gains nothing in return.

More and more fraud crimes are being perpetuated through the internet and online financial transactions. Because these crimes are so ubiquitous, prosecutors are often eager to pursue the maximum punishment for a criminal suspect accused of fraud.

Penalties for White-Collar Crimes

You might assume that because most white-collar crimes are nonviolent, they do not carry the same legal consequences as a violent offense like battery. However, this is not the case. Crimes committed through deceit and motivated by financial gain are often considered just as harmful as those that cause physical harm. If you are convicted of a fraud-related crime in California, you may face life-changing consequences. It is imperative that you speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney if you have been accused of fraud. An experienced lawyer can help you fully understand the charges you are up against and how best to defend yourself.

Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Your Case

Attorney Cory Fuller and his team take a unique approach to criminal defense. While we take our clients' alleged behavior seriously, we are able to look beyond the mistakes to see how our clients are trying to turn their lives around. When false accusations are the cause of a criminal charge, we will work diligently to have these charges dismissed. To schedule a confidential consultation and case review, contact our office. Call 408-234-7563 today. We represent clients in Santa Clara County, San Jose, Palo Alto, Gilroy, and Fremont.