Fraud

Fraud Attorney in Fairfield

Defense for Fraud Charges Across Solano County & Beyond

A fraud accusation carries serious weight. From the moment charges are filed, your reputation, career, and freedom are at stake. The Maher Law Group, APC, led by Attorney Vincent Maher, defends clients facing fraud and related white-collar charges from our Fairfield, California office. We serve Solano, Contra Costa, Napa, and Yolo Counties.

If you’ve been charged with fraud or are under investigation, don’t wait to get legal counsel. Call our fraud attorneys today at (888) 744-3057 for a free, confidential case evaluation.

Fraud Charges We Defend

Fraud is defined broadly under California law: any intentional deception used to secure an unfair benefit or cause financial loss to another person. That definition covers a wide range of conduct, and prosecutors apply it aggressively.

Our practice includes defense of the following fraud-related charges:

Forgery: Signing another person’s name, altering documents, or creating false instruments with intent to defraud
Identity theft: Using another person’s personal information without authorization for financial gain
Counterfeiting: Manufacturing or distributing fake currency, goods, or documents
Falsifying records: Altering or fabricating financial, business, or government records
Scams and deceptive schemes: Soliciting money or property through false representations
Credit card and access card fraud: Governed by Penal Code sections 484e through 484j, covering use of stolen cards, creating counterfeit cards, and retaining another person’s card data with intent to defraud
Insurance fraud: Filing false claims or misrepresenting facts to an insurer
Real estate and mortgage fraud: Misrepresentations in property transactions or loan applications
Internet and wire fraud: Fraudulent schemes conducted through electronic communications

Why Clients in Fairfield Choose The Maher Law Group, APC

Attorney Vincent Maher has conducted over 100 jury trials during his career. That courtroom experience shapes every phase of a fraud defense, from the initial investigation through trial preparation and, when necessary, verdict. He has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and holds Certified Specialist status in Criminal Law through the California State Bar, a credential held by very few criminal defense attorneys in the state.

Fraud cases are document-intensive and often involve multiple agencies. We act quickly to review the prosecution’s evidence, identify weaknesses in the government’s theory, and build a defense strategy tailored to your specific charges. Clients receive direct, personalized attention, and every consultation is fully confidential.

Talk to a Fraud Lawyer Today

Fraud charges can move fast, especially when investigators have been building a case before an arrest is made. The sooner you have legal counsel in place, the better positioned you are to protect your rights and your future.

The Maher Law Group, APC offers free and confidential case evaluations for fraud and related charges in Fairfield and throughout Solano County. Call (888) 744-3057 to speak with our team today.

Penalties for Fraud Convictions in California

Most fraud offenses are “wobblers” under California law, meaning prosecutors can charge them as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The decision typically hinges on the amount of loss and the circumstances of the alleged offense. Theft-based fraud is generally charged as grand theft when the loss exceeds $950 and as petty theft below that amount.

When a defendant faces two or more felony fraud or embezzlement charges involving a pattern of related conduct with losses over $100,000, California Penal Code 186.11, the aggravated white collar crime enhancement, can add prison time on top of the underlying sentence. Losses between $100,000 and $500,000 can add one or two years; losses exceeding $500,000 can add two, three, or five years.

Federal Fraud Exposure

Fraud can also be prosecuted at the federal level. Mail fraud and wire fraud each carry penalties of up to 20 years per count. Bank fraud carries up to 30 years per count. Federal investigations often involve the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, or U.S. Postal Inspectors, and federal prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively.

Collateral Consequences

Beyond incarceration, a fraud conviction can be treated as a crime of moral turpitude, which may trigger immigration consequences, including deportation or inadmissibility. Professional license holders in healthcare, law, finance, and real estate may face suspension or revocation of their license.

Common Defenses to Fraud Charges

Every fraud offense requires the prosecution to prove specific intent to defraud. That element is often the most vulnerable part of the government’s case, and it’s where a strong defense frequently begins.

Defenses we evaluate in fraud cases include:

Lack of intent: If there was no intent to deceive or defraud, the charge can fail on an essential element
Good-faith belief: An honest mistake about ownership of funds, authority to act, or the truth of a representation can negate fraudulent intent
Reliance on professional advice: Acting on guidance from an accountant or attorney, without personal benefit, is a recognized defense
Insufficient evidence: Challenging whether the prosecution can actually prove what it alleges
Mistaken identity: Fraud is often committed remotely and electronically, making misidentification a genuine issue in many cases

Where Fraud Cases Are Prosecuted in Our Service Area

Fraud charges arising in Fairfield, Suisun City, Vacaville, Dixon, and Rio Vista are typically heard at Solano County Superior Court’s Fairfield branch, which includes both the Hall of Justice and the Law and Justice Center. Cases from Vallejo and Benicia are heard at the court’s Vallejo branch.

In addition to Solano County, our fraud lawyer team handles cases in Contra Costa, Napa, and Yolo Counties. Wherever your charges are filed, we know the courts, and we know how local prosecutors approach these cases.

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Award-Winning, Aggressive Solano County Criminal Defense Lawyer

What Sets Us Apart?

Board Certified
As board-certified professionals, we meet the highest standards of excellence in our field, providing you with the confidence that your case is in the hands of true experts.
Top 100 Trial Lawyer (NTLA)
Recognized as one of the National Trial Lawyers' Top 100, our proven track record demonstrates exceptional advocacy and results for our clients.
Certified Specialist in Criminal Law
As board-certified professionals, we meet the highest standards of excellence in our field, providing you with the confidence that your case is in the hands of true experts.
Over 140 Jury Trials Successfully Handled
Our extensive courtroom experience, with over 140 successful jury trials, ensures you have a seasoned advocate fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.

Why Hire Maher Law?

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