Criminal Fraud Defense

common.howWeDefend Criminal Fraud Defense — Los Angeles Cases

Fraud charges — whether state or federal — are among the most aggressively prosecuted white-collar crimes in California. Federal fraud convictions can carry decades in prison and millions of dollars in fines and restitution. These cases are built on complex financial records, digital evidence, and witness testimony gathered over months or years of investigation. Attorney Michael P. Kade analyzes every element of the prosecution's case to identify weaknesses and build a powerful, fact-specific defense.

California and Federal Fraud Penalties

Penalties vary based on prior criminal history, case facts, and enhancements. This table is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Types of Fraud Cases We Defend

Fraud is broadly defined as an intentional misrepresentation made to obtain money, property, or some other benefit. California prosecutes dozens of specific fraud offenses, and federal prosecutors pursue fraud cases involving interstate commerce, financial institutions, or government programs.

Common fraud charges we defend include: insurance fraud (including workers' compensation and healthcare fraud), mortgage fraud, securities and investment fraud, credit card and bank fraud, identity theft, tax fraud, real estate fraud, and contractor fraud. Each type of fraud has its own specific elements, defenses, and sentencing considerations. Attorney Kade has the legal knowledge and investigative background to handle the full spectrum of fraud allegations.

The Critical Element of Intent

Every fraud charge requires proof of specific intent — the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly and intentionally made a false representation with the purpose of deceiving someone. This is often the most contestable element of a fraud case.

Many fraud prosecutions arise from business disputes, accounting errors, miscommunications, or misunderstandings that were never intended to deceive anyone. A mistake is not fraud. An optimistic business projection is not fraud. A contract dispute is not fraud. Attorney Kade challenges the prosecution's evidence of intent at every stage — from pretrial motions through trial — and has successfully obtained dismissals and acquittals in fraud cases where the government overreached.

common.defenseStrategies

• Wire fraud and mail fraud defense
• Insurance fraud and workers' compensation fraud
• Identity theft and credit card fraud
• Securities fraud and investment fraud
• Mortgage and real estate fraud
• Challenging intent and knowledge elements
• Federal fraud defense and plea negotiations