Bakersfield Fraud Defense Attorney
Defending Your Rights and Future in Fraud Cases
When you're facing fraud charges, your future, freedom, and reputation are on the line. At Humphrey & Thompson, we understand the complexity and gravity of fraud allegations. With half a century of criminal defense experience, the mission of our Bakersfield fraud defense lawyers is to provide strategic legal counsel and aggressive defense to help you fight the charges and protect your rights.
Whether you're under investigation or have already been arrested, acting quickly is critical. Fraud cases are often built on extensive documentation and involve lengthy investigations—don’t wait to start your defense.
Contact our team of Bakersfield fraud defense lawyers today to let us get started on building a robust defense.
What is Fraud?
Fraud is a broad legal term used to describe intentional acts of deception for personal or financial gain. In legal terms, fraud involves misrepresentation or concealment of the truth to mislead others. Unlike crimes of violence, fraud is classified as a “white-collar crime,” but it carries severe penalties and long-lasting consequences.
To convict someone of fraud, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was an intent to deceive, and that the victim suffered a loss due to this deception.
Common Types of Fraud
Fraud charges come in many forms, each with its own nuances and legal implications. Some of the most common types of fraud cases we handle at Humphrey & Thompson include:
- Credit Card Fraud – Unauthorized use of someone’s credit card or card details to make purchases or withdraw funds.
- Insurance Fraud – Falsifying claims or exaggerating losses to receive insurance payouts.
- Mortgage Fraud – Misrepresenting financial information to obtain a mortgage loan or property.
- Check Fraud – Writing bad checks, forging checks, or altering check details.
- Welfare Fraud – Illegally receiving benefits by lying on applications or withholding information.
- Identity Theft – Using someone else’s personal information for financial or other gain.
- Securities Fraud – Manipulating or misrepresenting information in the stock or investment markets.
- Tax Fraud – Filing false tax returns or deliberately misreporting income or deductions.
Each type of fraud charge has unique elements that must be proven in court. As a seasoned Bakersfield fraud defense attorney, we know how to identify weak spots in the prosecution’s case and use them to your advantage.
California and Federal Fraud Laws & Penalties
Fraud can be prosecuted under both California state laws and federal statutes, depending on the nature and scale of the alleged offense.
California Fraud Laws
Although California does not have a statute related specifically to fraud, various criminal laws address various forms of the offense. Common fraud charges include:
- Theft by false pretences: When someone knowingly makes false representations to obtain money, property, or services. If the value is less than $950, then the offense is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum jail term of 6 years and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If the value is more than $950, then the offense is a felony, punishable by up to 3 years in prison.
- Insurance fraud: Includes false insurance claims, staged accidents, or inflated damages. This offense is a felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 5 years.
- Identity theft: Fraudulently using another person’s personal identifying information. Depending on the nature of the offense, it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. A conviction carries a maximum prison term of 3 years.
Federal Fraud Laws
Federal fraud cases often involve multiple jurisdictions or government agencies. Some common statutes used in federal prosecutions include:
- Wire fraud: Fraud using electronic communications (email, phone, internet, texts). Carries a federal prison term of 20 years (or 30 years of the offense involved a financial institution or disaster relief). and up to $250,000 per person.
- Mail fraud: Fraud involving the U.S. Postal Service or private carriers. Punishable by up to 20 years in prison (or up to 30 years if involving banks or federal disaster funds).
- Bank fraud: Schemes targeting federally insured financial institutions. Carries up to 30 years in federal prison and fines up to $1 million.
- Securities fraud: Covers misleading statements, insider trading, and market manipulation. Punishable by up to 20-25 years in federal prison.
- Healthcare fraud: Fraud involving Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurers. Carries up to 10 years in federal prison (or 20 years if serious bodily injury is involved or life imprisonment if the offense results in death).
- Tax Fraud: Includes tax evasion and filing false returns. Punishable by imprisonment for up to 5 years and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Legal Defenses to Fraud Charges
An effective defense strategy can mean the difference between a conviction and an acquittal. At Humphrey & Thompson, we take a proactive approach to building a solid defense for your fraud case.
Some of the most common legal defenses to fraud charges include:
- Lack of Intent – Fraud requires intent. If you did not intend to deceive or defraud, this may be a strong defense.
- Mistake of Fact – Misunderstandings or honest mistakes can sometimes be misconstrued as fraud.
- Insufficient Evidence – The prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Entrapment – If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed, entrapment could be a valid defense.
- Duress or Coercion – If you were forced or threatened into committing fraud, you may not be held fully responsible.
Our job is to thoroughly analyze the evidence, challenge the prosecution's narrative, and fight for a favorable outcome—whether that means dismissal, reduced charges, or acquittal.
criminal law specialists
Recognized by The State of California As Board Certified Criminal Defense Experts
At Humphrey & Thompson, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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- Jason G.
Mr Humphrey and his staff we nothing short of amazing to me and my family.
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- Felicia E.
He values his clients and understands their individual needs. He will work hard to guarantee that justice is served for everyone involved. He is honest and supportive throughout the entire process. We will never forget what Kyle has done for us.
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- Rob B.
He was straight forward, informative, and very easy to work with from inception to completion. I strongly suggest reaching out to Mr Thompson should you need the services offered by his office!
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- KC A.
I had an amazing experience with Kyle! He is a straight shooter and that was crucial for me to hear. I was able to keep all my rights, get my case dismissed and that was huge for me! Kyle was able to take a bad situation for our family and deliver results that allowed us to move forward and grow. I highly recommend Kyle and his team!
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- Aracele S.
I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Kyle Humphrey at Humphrey & Thompson for his help with an unexpected case. He was highly thorough and made sure I understood every part of the process, which was especially important as this was my first and only legal matter. Many thanks to you and your team!
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Needed a lawyer for our juvenile son for a felony assault case. Public defender was not very helpful and told us that at best our son would be on a very intensive probation for years if not sentenced to a camp. Rob Singh took our case and basically got everything resolved outside of court with the prosecutor within 2 weeks. Alleviated a lot of stress and anxiety by getting our son on a very minimal probation for 6 months and then records completely sealed. Highly recommended and would definitely hire this firm again.- Erik S.
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- Tina H.
My son was wrongfully accused and charged with assault. I hired Mr. Humphrey to represent him because I heard he was the best and as my son is 19 years old, I did not want this bogus charge going on his record. Mr. Humphrey did an excellent job of representing my son from day one. I am happy to say that the charges were dropped and the case was dismissed. I HIGHLY recommend Kyle J. Humphrey.
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- Jenna B.
My husband hired Jared Thompson to defend him against bogus charges. Their price was affordable and well worth the work they put in. Even though the DA's office was not helpful and kept delaying the case over and over, Mr. Thompson and his team never gave up. It was finally dismissed and we couldn't be more happy with the outcome.
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Jury Trial Acquittals
Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
Mr. Thompson Secures Complete Dismissal of all Charges at Jury Trial for Accusations of Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
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Case Dismissal
Sexual Abuse
Allegation of Continuous Sexual Abuse Dismissed Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Felony Sex Case
Felony Sex Case based on Undercover Decoy Sting Dismissed Entirely. -
Case Dismissal
Rape
Rape Case Dismissed Based on Defense Investigation and Medical Evaluation Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Sexual Battery
Local business owner charged with sexual battery, dismissed. -
Avoid Sex Offender Registration
Sex Offense
Juvenile Client Has Felony Sex Offense Case Dismissed and Is Not Required to Register
Contact a Trusted Bakersfield Fraud Defense Lawyer Today
If you’re facing fraud charges in Bakersfield, you need an attorney who understands both the legal and practical aspects of white-collar crime defense. At Humphrey & Thompson, our Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists bring years of experience, proven strategies, and a deep understanding of California and federal fraud laws to every case we take.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and begin crafting a defense tailored to your unique situation.
