Fraud Lawyer Serving Orange County, CA
Comprehensive Federal Fraud Defense for Clients Nationwide
Law Office of Diane C. Bass has extensive experience defending clients who have been charged with all types of criminal fraud in state and federal courts. Based in Irvine, we serve clients throughout Southern California; in federal cases, we often represent nationwide clients. Ms. Bass has represented clients in cases involving millions of dollars. In one particular case, she handled a case involving billions.
What Is Considered Fraud?
Many types of fraud can be committed. However, the essential elements are generally the same in all cases. Simply put, for someone to be guilty of fraud, intentional misrepresentation occurred that caused another person, group, or entity to lose money. This can include fraud against state and federal government agencies.
The legal definition of fraud provides that anyone who “knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact, makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation, or makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry” shall be guilty of fraud.
Federal law aggressively prosecutes fraud and typically pursues the maximum sentences allowed under the penal code. If you have been accused of fraud, you must speak with a defense attorney well-versed in white collar crimes. While federal government prosecutors must prove the intent to defraud, federal defense attorneys need only establish reasonable doubt.
Contact a team member online or at (949) 990-4195 to schedule a one-hour consultation with our Orange County fraud attorney.
Types of Fraud Crimes
Ms. Bass has represented clients charged with crimes involving, but not limited to:
- Real estate fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Investment fraud
- Medicare fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Healthcare fraud
- Mail fraud
- Wire fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Bank fraud
- Securities fraud
- Tax fraud
Many fraud cases are filed as either mail fraud or wire fraud if the U.S. mail, telephone, or the internet were used to conduct the fraudulent acts. This is common, as the internet and phones are almost always involved.
Many fraud cases are filed as conspiracies. A conspiracy is simply an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime, followed by at least one step taken to further that crime.
In a case charged as a conspiracy, each person in the conspiracy can be held responsible for the actions of the other individuals involved. Even if you were involved in a minimal financial loss for alleged victims, you can legally be held accountable for the total loss caused by all parties. This increases the severity of conspiracy charges and their potential consequences.
Fraud cases are generally considered white collar crimes. Many are filed in federal court. In most cases, whether in state or federal court, the sentences imposed are primarily based on the amount of money involved.
In cases where her clients have pled guilty, Ms. Bass has successfully limited the amount of “loss” to reduce the resulting sentences drastically. In many severe cases, Ms. Bass has been able to negotiate sentences that involved no jail time.
Felony Theft Charges in California
Fraud is generally associated with theft. However, California theft crimes are outlined in separate statutes detailing specific offenses and their penalties. These crimes range from misdemeanors to felonies. Facing a felony theft charge is particularly serious and can lead to severe repercussions.
Felony theft in California involves unlawfully taking someone else's property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. It includes a variety of crimes where the value of the stolen property exceeds $950.
Examples of felony theft can include:
- Grand theft: Taking property valued over $950 without consent.
- Auto theft: Unlawfully taking or driving another person’s vehicle with the intent to deprive them of it permanently or temporarily.
- Burglary: Entering a commercial or residential structure intending to commit theft or any felony.
- Robbery: The act of taking personal property from someone else's possession against their will using force or fear.
- Identity theft: Using someone else’s personal identifying information fraudulently for any unlawful purpose, including obtaining or attempting to obtain credit, goods, services, or medical information.
- Forgery and fraud-related crimes: Creating, altering, or using a written document intending to commit fraud, such as signing another person's name without authorization, falsifying records, or committing embezzlement or check fraud.
What Is the Attorney-Client Relationship & Is It Limited?
Almost all communication between clients and lawyers is protected by attorney-client privilege. You can feel confident discussing all the complicated particulars of your legal matters with Ms. Bass. As your legal representative, her job is to provide you with the best possible defense under the law, and your communications with her can help in that effort.
However, you may lose your protection under confidentiality agreements if you attempt to commit a crime using your privileged attorney-client communications.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Defend Against Fraud Convictions?
Fraud convictions carry significant legal and personal consequences, especially those charged at the federal level. However, it's possible to effectively challenge the charges with the right defense strategy. At Law Office of Diane C. Bass, we focus a large portion of our practice on white collar crime defense, including all variations of fraud.
Ms. Bass leverages a combination of legal knowledge, meticulous investigation, and strategic defense techniques as follows:
- Challenging the evidence: We scrutinize the prosecution's evidence for legality and reliability, often questioning the methods used to obtain evidence and its direct relevance to the case.
- Intent to defraud: Proving the intent to defraud is crucial. We focus on undermining this by demonstrating the absence of fraudulent intent, which is often a significant hurdle for the prosecution.
- Mitigating factors: We seek and present mitigating factors that could lead to reduced charges or penalties, including any restitution made or lack of prior criminal history.
- Negotiating plea deals: Ms. Bass can use her strong relationships with prosecutors and the judiciary to negotiate favorable plea deals that can lessen the impact of a conviction, potentially leading to reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Expert witnesses: Financial experts, accountants, and other specialists can be employed to provide testimony that discredits the prosecution's case or supports the defense narrative.
You are innocent until a jury of your peers finds you guilty. The prosecution must prove that you meant to defraud another party. Before you plead guilty, our Orange County fraud attorney can evaluate your case and determine the best defense strategy to help you avoid fines or harsh prison sentences.
Just because you have been accused or arrested for fraud does not mean you are guilty or will be convicted. You have the right to a criminal defense, and it is in your best interests to find a professional well-suited to the legal issues you face.
Law Office of Diane C. Bass is one of the most highly regarded criminal defense firms in Southern California; Ms. Bass has invaluable experience in state and federal fraud defense that can be put to use on your behalf.
Request your consultation with our Orange County fraud defense lawyer by calling (949) 990-4195 or emailing us from our online contact form.
Trusted By Clients
Reviews & Testimonials
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"She will put your anxiety at ease and get you through the tangled system."Diane is the perfect mix of gentle understanding and fierce action you’ll need if you find yourself dealing with the OC court system.- Angie T.
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"Whatever you’re going through, I’m confident Diane will achieve the best outcome you could hope for."My first impression was that she’s very experienced, no-nonsense, knows the law, how the system works, and was very busy as a result. I quickly realized that she exceeded even those first impressions but also cared very much about my story, needs, an- Daniel B.
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"From the start of my case, she has been there for me."First of all, I would like to thank Diane for everything she has done for me. From the start of my case, she has been there for me. Only very few people were granted bond and she pulled it off in my case. I know for a fact not too many lawyers could have done that. I am on probation for three years.. while “the others” will not have the chance to raise their children and live their lives. I was headed to prison….I am free.. and for that, I am forever grateful.- John H.
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"Diane Bass is a phenomenal attorney."After meeting with Diane I felt immediate comfort, and I was sold on the fact that I could trust this amazing person with my life. Diane Bass was there for me every step of the way like no other attorney had ever been.- Ryan O.
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"She is not afraid to battle for you. With her, you will never be alone."Diane is a brilliant attorney. She listens carefully to your problems and clearly advises you with honesty. She was with me from the first day of my case and I have never been disappointed in any way.- Maria K.
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"I highly recommend Diane if you are dealing with legal troubles of your own."Since this being my first Federal offense, I had no idea what to expect. I was extremely anxious. After talking to Diane, I felt like she was the attorney I needed to help me get through these challenging times. Her professionalism and knowledge of the law- Adam P.
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"Diane’s work is second to none."
Diane’s work is second to none. I was charged with felony DV, and after working with one firm in Irvine that did absolutely nothing, I did some hard research and found Diane. She worked quickly and diligently and got the case dismissed. I absolutely don’t foresee me needing a criminal lawyer down the road, but if I do, it’ll be Diane hands down!
- Shadic A. -
"Diane is the most professional, thorough attorney I have ever met."Her expertise, connections, analysis, and comprehensive review of my situation were more than I could ever ask. I am extremely grateful and couldn't be happier with my choice!- Jeff R.
Why Choose Law Office of Diane C. Bass?
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Top-Rated & Award-Winning Legal RepresentationWe consistently deliver results that exceed expectations, earning the trust of clients and accolades from the legal community.
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25+ Years of Criminal Defense Legal ExperienceWith over 25 years of criminal defense legal experience, we bring a wealth of seasoned insight and a proven track record of success to every case we handle.
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Extensive Knowledge & Experience With Federal CasesWith extensive knowledge and experience in federal cases, we offer comprehensive legal strategies tailored to the complexities of each situation.
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An Outstanding Reputation Amongst Clients & PeersOur reputation among clients and peers alike reflects our unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for those we represent.
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Featured in the MediaAttorney Bass is frequently featured in media outlets such as The Washington Post, LA Times, ESPN, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal and more.
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Track Record of SuccessWith a track record of handling some of the most significant cases in the Central District of California, our firm brings unmatched experience to every client's defense.
