Punishments for Welfare Fraud in California
Welfare fraud can amount to a felony or misdemeanor, depending on past criminal history, how much money the government thinks you stole, and whether or not they accepted your application.
Individuals who receive aid they know they are not entitled to in misdemeanor cases can face a sentence of up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. Felony welfare fraud is punishable by as much as three years in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Criminal convictions in welfare fraud cases have numerous residual consequences aside from the criminal penalties. A conviction for welfare fraud may prohibit you from receiving state welfare benefits in the future and could affect any professional licenses you may have.
- Punishments for Welfare Fraud in California
- Defending Against California Welfare Fraud Accusations
- Contact a Qualified Los Angeles Welfare Fraud Attorney Immediately
Defending Against California Welfare Fraud Accusations
A welfare fraud conviction depends on the prosecutor’s ability to prove the accused person’s intent at the time of the alleged fraud. That means the prosecutor will have to prove that you knew your actions were against the law and not a simple mistake. Some defenses against welfare fraud accusations include:
- Intent — Your intention to break the law is important. If the prosecutor can prove beyond all reasonable doubt that your intention was to defraud the government for welfare benefits, you may be in danger of a conviction. However, this motive can be exceedingly difficult to prove. Welfare can be confusing for people, so it is possible to create reasonable doubt about an accused fraudster’s intentions. Were you intentionally defrauding the government, or did you simply forget to update your status with the state after a major life event? A good Los Angeles welfare fraud defense attorney may raise a question like this one.
- Mistaken Application — If you had someone fill out a welfare application on your behalf and he or she made a mistake at any point, you could potentially be on the hook for welfare fraud. Such mistakes do not imply malicious intent, so this information is important for your defense.
- No Criminal Purpose — Perhaps you helped someone fill out a welfare application and he or she lied to you about information. If you face charges of welfare fraud in such a situation, you may not be found guilty, because you were trying to help someone and they took advantage of you.
- Prosecutor Failed to Prove Their Case — If the prosecutor is unable to make a strong enough case that you have committed this crime, you should be able to retain your freedom. Even though the state will have a lot of evidence, it may not all be useful. A good defense attorney will also try to create doubt in the state’s case against you at every turn. This tactic erodes the case against you and can be the difference between a guilty conviction and having the charges dropped.
Your Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can help you determine which defense will work best in your specific situation. Welfare fraud accusations often have a substantial paper trail accompanying them. Therefore, it is imperative that you find an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who is familiar with finding what can help your case and eliminate what can hurt it. Experienced welfare fraud defense lawyers understand how to increase the likelihood of a not-guilty verdict, and the best attorneys have a record to prove it.
- Punishments for Welfare Fraud in California
- Defending Against California Welfare Fraud Accusations
- Contact a Qualified Los Angeles Welfare Fraud Attorney Immediately
Contact a Qualified Los Angeles Welfare Fraud Attorney Immediately
Welfare is a need-based system. Those who are on welfare cannot afford to lose their benefits, and a welfare fraud charge puts those benefits in jeopardy. A conviction for this crime will not only result in you losing your benefits, but it will also make it much more difficult to qualify for benefits in the future. On top of that, fines and jail time can set you back even further, making a difficult financial situation all the more desperate.
When so much is on the line, it is important to find a local Los Angeles welfare fraud lawyer who knows how the system works and how these cases are tried. Former prosecutors who now work as defense attorneys bring valuable experience defending people from these kinds of accusations.
If you or someone you know is facing welfare fraud charges, an experienced Los Angeles fraud defense attorney can help you through these troubled times. For help finding qualified counsel, visit SPCRC's Recommended Lawyers.