Providing Zealous Defense
For Over 25 years

Los Angeles Welfare Fraud

Prosecutors receive tips about welfare fraud from all kinds of different sources, so it is not at all uncommon for innocent people to be accused of fraudulent activities such as:

  • Failing to report income in order to secure higher benefits
  • Falsely claiming to be a single parent
  • Submitting claims for fictitious or ineligible children
  • Collecting benefits from multiple states
  • Not disclosing felony convictions when receiving food stamps

Fortunately, a skilled welfare attorney can help you fight back against all these charges. If we can’t get the charges dropped, we may be able to ensure the crime is charged as a misdemeanor instead of a felony or secure some sort of plea deal for you.

A Strategy For Minimizing Penalties

If you repay the benefits taken by fraud, you could secure considerable leniency from the court.

In some counties, specific diversion programs are available that allow defendants to eventually secure a dismissal of the California welfare fraud charge upon repayment of the stolen benefits. Even if there is no specific diversion program in your county, you may still be able to secure a similar agreement with the prosecutor with help from your welfare fraud lawyer in Los Angeles CA. Alternatively, you could go ahead and repay the benefits without an agreement. Often voluntary repayment influences the judge to reduce your penalty if convicted.

This approach is typically only advised for individuals with no criminal history or a very minor criminal history who have not taken more than a few thousand dollars and who are not facing additional related charges.

Can A Welfare Fraud Attorney Help With Related Charges?

YES. At The Mattern Law Firm, we are well-rounded criminal defense attorneys with experience not only in welfare fraud, but also in other types of crimes commonly charged together with welfare fraud:

  • Grand Theft
  • Forgery
  • Perjury
  • Conspiracy

You can rely on us to craft a complete and comprehensive defense strategy that addresses all the charges against you in a way designed to secure an outcome that is acceptable to you. We always provide honest and accurate advice about the law and about your position so that you can participate in making decisions about how to proceed with your defense.

Ready to Get Started?

It’s never too early to start building your case. Please call 310-807-1263 or fill out the online contact form and we’ll get you started with a free case evaluation.