Fraud Attorney In Lancaster

Accused Of Fraud In The Antelope Valley

If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by a detective about a fraud allegation in Lancaster, you are probably worried about jail, your job, and your reputation. A fraud case is different from many other charges because it targets your honesty and your future in a very personal way. My name is Jesse P. Duran, and I defend people facing serious criminal charges in Lancaster and throughout Los Angeles County. Since 2007, I have focused my practice on protecting clients in the local criminal courts, including those facing complex fraud and financial crime accusations. At Law Office of Jesse P. Duran, you work directly with me from the first consultation through each court appearance. I use my experience in the Lancaster Courthouse and other county courts to help clients understand what they are facing, what their options are, and what we can realistically work toward in their case.

Are you facing fraud accusations in California? Call the Law Office of Jesse P. Duran today at (661) 903-8056 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our fraud attorney in Lancaster today.

Why Choose My Fraud Defense Practice

When you are accused of a crime that involves dishonesty, you need more than a name on a letterhead. You need to know who will actually stand beside you in the courtroom and who will answer your questions when you are looking at a notice from the court or the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

When you hire my office, you hire me. I meet with you personally, I review your file, and I appear with you in court. You are not passed from one lawyer to another or left to deal only with staff. This one-on-one approach allows me to understand your story, your background, and the specific facts that may help us in a fraud case. I have been practicing criminal defense in Lancaster and the surrounding Antelope Valley since 2007. During that time, I have appeared regularly in the Lancaster Courthouse and other Los Angeles County courtrooms. This long history gives me insight into how local judges and prosecutors tend to approach fraud and other financial crime charges, which can shape how I present your case and when I recommend negotiation or a harder fight.

My work has been recognized with a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and listing among the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers. These are independent acknowledgments of my dedication to criminal defense work. They are not guarantees of a particular outcome, but they do reflect the consistent effort I put into every case I accept. Clients often tell me that what they value most is being treated with respect during one of the worst times in their lives. My goal is to give you clear information, honest advice, and a realistic plan, so you can make informed decisions about your future rather than feeling pushed or left in the dark.

Common Fraud Charges In Local Courts

“Fraud” is a broad term in California law. In general, prosecutors use it when they believe someone lied or hid important information in order to obtain money, property, or some other benefit. In real life, that can cover a wide range of situations, from a single disputed transaction to a long-running pattern of alleged conduct.

In the Lancaster Courthouse and other Los Angeles County courts, I see a variety of fraud-related cases. Some start with an employer complaint, some with a bank or credit card report, and others with a government agency review. The label is the same, but the evidence and the stakes can be very different from one case to the next.

Some of the fraud-related allegations that commonly appear in local courts include:

• Credit or debit card fraud involving unauthorized charges or card use
• Check fraud, including altered checks or accounts accused of being used for bad checks
• Welfare or benefits fraud involving alleged false statements to obtain public assistance
• Insurance fraud related to claims for property damage, theft, or injury
• Identity theft is tied to the use of someone else’s information for financial gain
• Employee theft or embezzlement accusations involving employer funds or accounts

Each of these accusations depends heavily on documents and data. Bank records, store video, email and text messages, internal company spreadsheets, and statements from alleged victims or coworkers may all become part of the case. As a fraud lawyer Lancaster residents can turn to, I focus closely on how that evidence was gathered, whether it is complete, and whether it really shows criminal intent or simply a misunderstanding or business dispute. Fraud offenses in California may be filed as misdemeanors or felonies. That decision often depends on the amount of the alleged loss, the specific statute used, and the person’s record. Two people accused of very similar conduct can face different charges, which is one reason it is so important to have a clear explanation of what has actually been filed in your case.

Consequences Of A Fraud Conviction

If you have been charged with fraud, you are likely worried first about whether you could end up in jail or prison. That is a real concern. Depending on the exact charge, the alleged loss, and your record, a conviction can lead to probation with specific conditions, time in county jail, or, in some cases, a state prison sentence.

Fraud cases usually involve money, so courts and prosecutors often focus heavily on financial penalties. You may be ordered to pay restitution to an alleged victim, along with fines and various fees. These obligations can last long after the criminal case ends and can affect your ability to move forward financially.

The damage to your record can be even more serious. Fraud is considered a crime involving dishonesty. A conviction can make it harder to find work, especially in any job that involves handling money, sensitive information, or positions of trust. For people who hold professional licenses in fields such as healthcare, real estate, or finance, a fraud conviction may lead to licensing investigations or discipline that are separate from the criminal case. For non-citizens, many fraud and theft-related offenses can raise immigration concerns. The specific impact depends on the charge and the person’s situation. In my role as a fraud attorney, Los Angeles residents can contact me about local cases. I regularly talk with clients about how potential outcomes might affect their immigration status and why it is so important to consider those issues before making decisions about a plea. Even if you avoid custody time, a fraud conviction can follow you for years on background checks, rental applications, and security clearances. That is why early, informed defense work is critical. The goal is to look for lawful ways to reduce charges, limit penalties, or avoid a conviction where possible, so that the long-term harm to your record and reputation is as limited as the facts and law allow.

How I Defend Fraud Cases

When you come to my office about a fraud charge or investigation, my first job is to understand exactly what you are facing. I review the complaint, the charging documents, and any information you have received from the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station or other law enforcement agencies. I also listen carefully to your account of what happened, because your perspective matters in building a defense.

Fraud cases often turn on the details. I look closely at the prosecution’s evidence, including bank statements, receipts, internal company records, electronic communications, and any recorded statements. I am interested in how the investigation began, whether evidence may have been taken out of context, and whether all relevant information has been turned over. In many cases, questions about who actually made a decision, who controlled accounts, or whether there was a genuine misunderstanding can be just as important as the numbers themselves.

Intent is a key issue in many fraud charges. Prosecutors usually must show not only that something incorrect was said or done, but that it was done to deceive someone to gain a benefit. I examine whether emails, forms, or spoken statements truly support that claim, or whether they can be interpreted more innocently. I also evaluate any statements you may have made to officers, employers, or investigators, and whether those statements were voluntary and properly recorded under the law.

I handle cases both in the Lancaster Courthouse and at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles. In each court, there are different prosecutors, calendars, and approaches to resolving fraud-related charges. I use my familiarity with these systems to time discussions with the prosecution, present mitigating information, and challenge overcharging when the evidence does not match the severity of the accusation.

If you are under investigation or have been charged, some immediate steps can help protect your rights:

• Do not discuss the facts of your case with detectives, investigators, or employers without legal advice
• Avoid posting about the situation on social media or messaging about it casually
• Keep any letters, emails, or legal documents you receive organized and bring them to our meeting
• Write down a timeline of events while it is still fresh in your mind

Throughout the process, I work to keep you informed. I explain the charges, the possible consequences, and the options that may be available, including motions, negotiation, or trial. I do not push you toward a decision. Instead, I give you clear information so that we can decide together what approach makes the most sense for you and your future. For someone looking for a fraud crime defense lawyer Los Angeles judges and prosecutors already know from years of practice, this personal and local approach can make a real difference in how your case is handled.

What To Do If You Face Fraud Charges

Finding out that you are the subject of a fraud investigation or that charges have already been filed can be overwhelming. You may have a court date set at the Lancaster Courthouse, or you may have received a call from a detective asking you to “come in and talk.” It is normal to feel pressure to explain yourself, but acting quickly and carefully is much more important than acting alone.

Before you respond to investigators or agencies, get legal advice. Statements that seem harmless or that you believe will clear up a misunderstanding can sometimes be used to build a criminal case. I recommend that you do not answer questions about the facts of the situation until you have had a chance to meet with a lawyer who handles fraud criminal defense that Los Angeles courts actually see in practice.

During our first meeting, I will review any paperwork you have, talk with you about what led up to the investigation or arrest, and explain what to expect at upcoming hearings. Early involvement often allows more time to gather favorable information, contact potential witnesses, and evaluate whether there are alternatives to the most serious charges. It can also affect how prosecutors view your case when deciding how to file or resolve it. If you are looking for a fraud criminal defense attorney Los Angeles defendants can trust to provide personal attention, I invite you to contact my office. Together, we can take the situation step by step, instead of letting fear and guesswork control your choices.

To talk with me confidentially about your case, call (661) 903-8056. You will speak directly with me, not with a call center, so you can start getting clear answers and a plan for what comes next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for a fraud charge?

Jail or prison is possible in many fraud cases, but it is not automatic. The specific charge, the alleged loss amount, your record, and the judge all play a role. My job is to evaluate those factors, explain your risk honestly, and work to reduce or avoid custody where the law allows.

How will a fraud conviction affect my job?

A fraud conviction can make it harder to get or keep jobs that involve money, records, or positions of trust. Employers often see these offenses as serious. Part of our strategy will include considering your work and licenses, and looking for lawful ways to limit the damage to your record.

Should I talk to detectives before I hire you?

In most situations, I recommend that you speak with an attorney before answering questions about the facts of a case. Detectives are trained to gather information that supports charges. Once I understand your situation, I can advise whether any communication with law enforcement makes sense and how to approach it.

When should I contact a fraud defense attorney?

The earlier you get legal advice, the more options you may have. If you have received a call from an investigator, a letter from a government agency, or notice of a court date, you should contact a lawyer now. Early action can affect evidence, filing decisions, and negotiation.

Will I work directly with you on my case?

Yes. When you hire Law Office of Jesse P. Duran, you work directly with me, Jesse P. Duran. I handle your consultations, court appearances, and strategy decisions. Staff may assist with logistics, but I remain personally responsible for your case and for keeping you informed at each stage.

Call at (661) 903-8056 to schedule your consultation today, or contact us online using our easy-to-use contact form.