Welfare Fraud has become a top priority of law enforcement during the last several years. The crime is defined as a white-collar crime and is almost always performed by welfare recipient or by employees within the system. In unique cases, welfare fraud occurs through the use of identity theft in which a lawful welfare recipient's information is stolen and used by others to receive cash and other benefits. In many cases law enforcement will conduct search warrants and seize documents and then take months to "work the case up" to file felony criminal charges. If you are being investigated or have been arrested for welfare fraud in Los Angeles or Southern California you are facing significant prison time and fines. You should contact a Los Angeles welfare fraud criminal defense attorney at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers immediately. Prior to opening his private welfare fraud defense firm, attorney Michael Kraut was a senior trial attorney with the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office and was assigned to the Welfare Fraud Division where he handled hundreds of Los Angeles welfare fraud cases.
Welfare fraud occurs when the recipient fails to declare income, or any other money which they have received by them, or when assets, such as a car, are not declared. Welfare is determined by a complicated process in which a potential recipient files documents under penalty of perjury declaring assets and the number of children in the home. In may instances, the welfare fraud case is filed based upon the recipient failing to state that a child is no longer in the home or failing to inform the Department of Social Services and Department of Employment that the recipient is currently employed.
If the recipient fails to inform the State of other benefits, alimony, a change in the number of family members in the household, the State will file welfare fraud charges as well as perjury charges for receiving benefits when they are not entitled.
County welfare employees are investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law by local District Attorney's offices. If you are convicted of these crimes you can be sent to state prison, or jail. In addition, you will be placed on parole or probation, will have to do community service, and will be permanently barred from ever receiving welfare benefits in the future. Welfare fraud is charged under California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 10980(c)(2). In addition, the prosecutor always files at least one perjury count pursuant Penal Code Section 118.
If you have been charged or investigated with committing Los Angeles welfare fraud then please contact the a Los Angeles welfare fraud defense attorney Michael Kraut who specializes in welfare fraud defense in Riverside County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, or Los Angeles County. Mr. Kraut has extensive experience with these types of cases. He understands the serious nature of this offense, how best to defend you, and how to resolve your case without you going to jail. Mr. Kraut has extensive knowledge of the law and the legal system. He has developed excellent relationships with law enforcement and law officials throughout the Los Angeles and Southern California.
For more information about the various ways to handle a Los Angeles welfare fraud case, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 323-464-6453 or 888-334-6344.