Fraud Attorney In Van Nuys

Accused Of Fraud? Start Protecting Yourself Today

Fraud accusations can turn your life upside down in a moment. You may worry about jail, large financial penalties, and a record that follows you for years. If you are being investigated or have already been charged, you need clear guidance from a trusted defense lawyer in this area.

At Law Offices of Scott R. Spindel, we represent people facing fraud and other criminal charges in and around Van Nuys. Since 1994, attorney Scott R. Spindel has focused his practice on criminal defense, standing beside clients in courtrooms across Los Angeles County. When you call us, you speak with a seasoned trial lawyer who takes the time to understand what really happened. We know how stressful it is to face accusations involving dishonesty or financial loss. Our goal is to protect your rights, explain every step in plain language, and work to put you in the strongest possible position before the Van Nuys Courthouse and the prosecutor.

Contact our Van Nuys fraud attorney today if you are facing fraud accusations.

Why Choose Our Fraud Defense

When you are accused of fraud, you cannot afford to feel like just another file on a crowded desk. These cases often turn on fine details, from bank records to emails to the words you used in a conversation. You need a defense that looks closely at your unique circumstances and treats your future as a priority.

Our firm is built around direct, one-on-one representation from attorney Scott R. Spindel. Clients are not passed off to junior associates or staff. Scott personally reviews your paperwork, prepares you for court, and appears beside you at hearings in the Van Nuys Courthouse and other Los Angeles County courts. This level of involvement helps us catch issues that might be missed in a more impersonal setting.

We have focused on criminal defense and DUI matters since 1994, so we understand how local prosecutors approach fraud allegations and what courts typically look for. We keep clients informed with consistent updates and make ourselves available to answer questions as decisions come up. Our approach combines experienced courtroom advocacy with steady, respectful communication, so you are never left guessing about your case.

Common Fraud Charges We Handle

California law covers many different types of fraud, and the label can feel broad or confusing. In reality, these cases usually involve specific accusations about how money, property, or benefits were obtained or used. Charges can be filed as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the alleged loss amount and the facts the prosecutor believes they can prove.

We defend people facing a wide range of fraud-related accusations. These may include credit card or debit card misuse, check fraud, insurance or benefits fraud, and allegations involving business or contractor billing. Some clients come to us after disputes with employers, lenders, or insurers escalate into criminal complaints. Others are contacted by investigators about online transactions or digital records tied to their name. Being under fraud investigation in this part of Los Angeles does not mean you are guilty. It does mean that your statements and choices from this point forward can strongly affect the outcome. Speaking with a fraud crime defense lawyer Van Nuys residents rely on at an early stage can help shape how a case is charged, or whether charges are filed at all.

What Happens In A Fraud Case

Understanding the process can reduce some anxiety and help you make better decisions. Many fraud cases begin with an investigation by a police department, sheriff’s unit, or a state or county agency. You might learn about the investigation through a phone call from a detective, a letter, or a sudden arrest. In this region, cases may be filed by a county prosecutor with proceedings scheduled at the Van Nuys Courthouse if the alleged conduct occurred nearby.

After filing, your first court appearance is the arraignment. The court typically advises you of the charges and your rights, and you enter a plea. From there, cases move into pretrial hearings where evidence is exchanged, motions may be heard, and negotiations can take place. In fraud matters, that evidence often includes financial records, emails, recorded calls, or statements made to investigators or alleged victims.

Potential penalties vary and can include jail or prison time, probation, significant fines, restitution orders, and long-term consequences for employment, immigration, and professional licensing. When you work with a fraud criminal defense attorney Van Nuys defendants can count on, we look closely at whether the prosecution can actually prove intent to defraud, how loss amounts were calculated, and whether your rights were respected when evidence was gathered. Our courtroom experience guides how we challenge weak points in the case and how we prepare you for each hearing.

What To Do If You Face Fraud Charges

The steps you take in the first days after learning of an investigation or arrest can have a lasting impact. Many people feel pressure to talk their way out of the situation or to explain everything in detail to investigators or employers. This instinct is understandable, but it can be very risky without legal advice.

If you are contacted by detectives or agency investigators, it is usually safest to decline a detailed interview until you have spoken with counsel. Providing documents or written statements on your own can also create confusion or be taken out of context later. At the same time, destroying or altering records can bring serious additional problems, so it is important to avoid taking steps that could be seen as hiding evidence.

Practical steps you can take right away include:

• Staying calm and avoiding any discussion of the situation on social media or by text.
• Politely request contact information from investigators and state that you wish to speak to an attorney before any interview.
• Preserving relevant emails, messages, and records in their current form.
• Write down a timeline of events while your memory is fresh.
• Contact a fraud lawyer Van Nuys residents trust for a confidential consultation about your options.

When you call Law Offices of Scott R. Spindel, you can discuss what has happened so far with an attorney who understands investigations and charging decisions in this area. We work to help you avoid missteps and to begin shaping a defense strategy as early as possible.

How We Approach Fraud Criminal Defense

Every fraud allegation has its own story, so our first priority is to listen. During an initial consultation, we review what you have received from law enforcement or the court and talk through your background and the events leading up to the accusation. This helps us understand not only the facts, but also what is most at stake for you, such as employment or immigration concerns. We then begin evaluating the strength of the prosecution’s case. In many fraud criminal defense Van Nuys matters, the key questions involve intent and financial loss. We look at how numbers were calculated, whether documents are complete, and whether there are innocent explanations for transactions or communications. We also examine how evidence was obtained, including whether any of your constitutional rights may have been violated during searches, questioning, or seizures.

Our goals vary depending on the case, but they often include working to prevent charges when possible, seeking reductions from felonies to misdemeanors, limiting potential penalties, or pursuing dismissal or acquittal when the evidence does not support a conviction. Throughout, we keep you informed about options and risks in everyday language, so you can make decisions confidently. Attorney Scott R. Spindel’s decades of criminal defense practice and ongoing participation in criminal law conferences help us stay current on strategies for handling increasingly complex financial and digital evidence. We appear regularly in the Van Nuys Courthouse and other Los Angeles County courts, so we understand how these cases move through the system locally. You will not be left to navigate these hearings alone. We stand beside you, prepare you for what to expect, and work to ensure that your rights and voice are heard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could I go to jail for fraud in California?

Jail or prison is possible in many fraud cases, but it depends on the specific charge, the amount of alleged loss, and your record. Some cases can be resolved with probation and restitution. Our role is to analyze your situation and work to limit potential penalties.

When should I call a fraud lawyer in Van Nuys?

It is wise to contact a lawyer as soon as you learn about an investigation or possible charges. Early advice can help you avoid harmful statements and protect important evidence. We speak with clients at every stage, including before any court date is set in Van Nuys.

Should I talk to detectives before hiring an attorney?

We generally recommend speaking with an attorney before giving a detailed statement to detectives or investigators. What you say can be used against you and may be misunderstood. We can help you decide whether to provide information and under what conditions.

Can a fraud conviction affect my job or license?

Yes, a fraud conviction can seriously affect employment, background checks, and many professional licenses. Even some plea deals may carry collateral consequences. We discuss these risks with you and factor them into our strategy when negotiating or preparing for court.

Will I work directly with attorney Scott Spindel?

Yes. At Law Offices of Scott R. Spindel, attorney Scott R. Spindel personally handles your criminal case. You will not be redirected to junior associates. Clients work directly with our lead trial lawyer for strategy discussions, court preparation, and key decisions about how to move forward.

Talk To A Van Nuys Fraud Lawyer

If you or a loved one is facing fraud allegations, you do not have to confront the system alone. The choices you make now can shape your record, your finances, and your future in very real ways. Speaking with a fraud crime defense lawyer Van Nuys that residents can easily is an important first step.

Our firm is based in Van Nuys and focuses on criminal defense, so we understand how fraud cases are charged and handled in the local courts. When you contact us, you speak directly with attorney Scott R. Spindel, who has been defending people in criminal court since 1994. We listen carefully, explain your options, and work to protect your rights at every stage. Take the uncertainty out of your next step and get clear, practical guidance about your situation. Your consultation is confidential, and speaking with a lawyer can help you move from fear toward a plan.

Call (818) 797-9212 to speak with Law Offices of Scott R. Spindel about your fraud case.