Los Angeles > Check Fraud

Los Angeles Check Fraud Lawyer

Have you been arrested or charged with check fraud in Los Angeles, California? You could be facing significant jail time, financial penalties, and a lasting criminal record. An experienced Los Angeles check fraud lawyer at The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you fight these serious criminal charges.

You don’t have to sit back and wait to be convicted. Call our Los Angeles, CA law office for a free consultation today.

How Our Criminal Lawyers Can Help If You’ve Been Charged With Check Fraud in Los Angeles

Any type of criminal conviction puts your future in jeopardy. Check fraud and forgery-related crimes also jeopardize your reputation.

If you’re lucky, you don’t have much experience navigating the Los Angeles criminal justice system.

So, you’ll need an experienced lawyer in your corner to aggressively protect your rights.

At The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys, we know the system inside and out. In fact, our firm was founded by a former prosecutor – so we have a very unique understanding of what you’re up against. With over 20 years of experience, we have skills, resources, and connections–all valuable assets that you want on your side.

When you hire a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys, you can benefit from an attorney who will:

• Make sure you understand your legal rights and options as your case progresses
• Protect your constitutional rights
• Develop an aggressive defense strategy that’s tailored to your specific criminal case
• Investigate to locate any exculpatory evidence that might clear your name
• Negotiate with the prosecutors behind the scenes to get the best deal possible

You don’t have time to waste if you’ve been charged with a crime. In fact, it’s a good idea to hire a skilled attorney even if you only suspect you’re under investigation. In some cases, we might be able to get the charges reduced or dropped before you’re even formally charged with a crime.

We’re always ready to take your call. Your first consultation is always free, so give us a call today to learn more about your legal rights.

Overview of California Check Fraud Crime Laws

Check fraud is defined broadly under California law. Under California Penal Code Section 476, it is illegal to make, pass, utter, or publish “any fictitious or altered bill, note, or check, purporting to be the bill, note, or check, or other instrument in writing for the payment of money or property of any real or fictitious financial institution.”

You can also be convicted on check fraud charges under Section 476a for making or trying to use a check when you know the amount exceeds the dollar balance in the checking account.

Examples of check fraud include:

• Changing the dollar amount, date, routing number, or payee on an otherwise valid check
• Forging someone else’s signature on a check
• Manufacturing a counterfeit or fake check

To convict, the prosecution must prove that the defendant had an intent to defraud someone else. The prosecutors also have to prove that you somehow indicated that the check was valid.

It isn’t always easy to prove these elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Our lawyers will do everything we can to weaken the prosecution’s case.

Conviction on Check Fraud Charges Can Carry Steep Penalties

Depending on the circumstances, prosecutors in Southern California have leeway to file either misdemeanor or felony check fraud charges. Getting a lawyer involved early can be key to avoiding felony charges, which could result in:

• Up to three years in county jail
• $10,000 in fines
• Probation

Conviction on felony check fraud charges can also result in a combination of jail time and probation. The total timeframe, however, can’t exceed three years.

If the amount involved was under $950, misdemeanor check fraud charges will apply. On conviction, you could face:

• Up to one year in county jail
• $1,000 in fines

Check fraud is a type of theft crime. Even conviction for a white-collar crime can significantly damage your reputation. Upon conviction, you’ll have a criminal record that could make it difficult to find a job. Getting experienced legal help is key to protecting your future–even if you’re facing misdemeanor charges.

Potential Defense Strategies in Check Fraud Cases in Los Angeles

At The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys, our attorneys have over 20 years of experience. We won’t rest until we’ve explored every possible defense strategy in your case. Our goal is always to have the charges dropped or reduced–but we always prepare to advocate in front of a judge and jury at trial.

Potential defense strategies in check fraud cases might include:

• Lack of intent to defraud
• Lack of knowledge that the check was falsified or fraudulent
• Constitutional violations during the investigation, interrogation, or criminal process
• Mistaken identity

An attempt to repay the funds is not a valid defense to check fraud. Proper restitution can, however, be used as a mitigating factor in sentencing decisions.

It’s always best to consult an experienced attorney before taking any action on your own. We’ll sit down, listen to your side of the story, and discuss your defense options. Just give us a call today to get started.

Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Theft Crimes Attorney Today

If you or a loved one are facing felony or misdemeanor check fraud charges, don’t leave the future to chance. Call an experienced Los Angeles check fraud lawyer at The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys today. We’ll launch an aggressive, targeted defense designed to protect your future against claims that you intended to defraud another person.

As always, your first consultation is free. That way, you can learn more about our law firm without any financial obligation.