Does the state of California or the Federal Government prosecute welfare fraud?
Both the state of California and the Federal Government can prosecute cases of welfare fraud. However, the exact responsibilities and procedures can differ between the two entities.
In California, the Department of Social Services (CDSS) is responsible for investigating cases of suspected welfare fraud, including those involving programs such as CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal. If fraud is suspected, the CDSS may refer the case to the county district attorney’s office for criminal prosecution.
At the federal level, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for investigating cases of suspected fraud in federal welfare programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The OIG may refer cases for prosecution to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
It’s worth noting that welfare fraud can also be prosecuted by local law enforcement agencies, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Have you been charged with Welfare Fraud? We are a team of experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys and can aggressively defend you in all Southern California courts including Los Angeles, Pasadena, Van Nuys, El Monte, LA, Long Beach, and LAX.
Welfare fraud refers to various intentional misuses of state welfare systems by withholding information or giving false or inaccurate information. This may be done in small, uncoordinated efforts, or in larger, organized criminal rings. Some common types of welfare fraud are failing to report a household member, claiming one or more imaginary dependents, failure to report income, or providing false information about the “inability” to work. There have been cases of people feigning illness in conjunction with welfare fraud.
In practice fraud tends to involve acquiring welfare benefits that are undeserved. Either the recipient is collecting benefits under their own name but does not actually qualify for the benefits, or they are collecting the benefit on behalf of someone who is not actually going to receive the funds.
What are the penalties for welfare fraud in California state courts?
Welfare fraud is a criminal offense in California, and penalties can vary depending on the severity of the offense and the specific program involved. In general, the penalties for welfare fraud can include fines, probation, restitution, and imprisonment.
Under California law, welfare fraud can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the amount of money involved and whether the defendant has prior convictions for similar offenses. If convicted of a misdemeanor, a defendant can face up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If convicted of a felony, a defendant can face up to three years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
In addition to the criminal penalties, a person convicted of welfare fraud in California may also be required to pay restitution to the government agency that was defrauded. Restitution is a court-ordered payment to compensate the agency for the amount of money that was fraudulently obtained.
It’s also worth noting that a conviction for welfare fraud can have other consequences, such as loss of eligibility for future benefits and damage to a person’s reputation and employment prospects.
Welfare Fraud Criminal Defense Lawyer Los Angeles
Your welfare fraud criminal defense attorney could fashion a plea bargain with the prosecutor so that you may pay back whatever benefits you illegally received in exchange for no jail time. You welfare fraud defense lawyer could also arrange for a type of program whereby the conviction is taken off your record. For details and to make an appointment, please contact us now.
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For a Free Consultation and Case Analysis, Call Now 213-252-1000
Criminal prosecution can affect your health, freedom, employment, and social life. You need help and you need the best criminal defense you can get. At the Law Offices of Tony M. Seyfi, with the state-of-the-art computerized legal research tools and forensic techniques, we will focus on identifying the defenses you may have and will develop numerous challenges to any crime possible.
Our goal is victory for our clients and to keep them from going to jail, and we are confident of our defense strategies. If you would like to discuss your case, call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION and case analysis.
Welfare fraud refers to various intentional misuses of state welfare systems by withholding information or giving false or inaccurate information. This may be done in small, uncoordinated efforts, or in larger, organized criminal rings. Some common types of welfare fraud are failing to report a household member, claiming one or more imaginary dependents, failure to report income, or providing false information about the “inability” to work. There have been cases of people feigning illness in conjunction with welfare fraud.
In practice fraud tends to involve acquiring welfare benefits that are undeserved. Either the recipient is collecting benefits under their own name but does not actually qualify for the benefits, or they are collecting the benefit on behalf of someone who is not actually going to receive the funds.
Your welfare fraud criminal defense attorney could fashion a plea bargain with the prosecutor so that you may pay back whatever benefits you illegally received in exchange for no jail time. You welfare fraud defense lawyer could also arrange for a type of program whereby the conviction is taken off your record. For details and to make an appointment, please contact us now.
Free Consultation and Case Analysis
CALL NOW 213-252-1000
Criminal prosecution can affect your health, freedom, employment, and social life. You need help and you need the best criminal defense you can get. At the Law Offices of Tony M. Seyfi, with the state of the art computerized legal research tools and forensic techniques, we will focus on identifying the defenses you may have and will develop numerous challenges to any crime possible.
Our goal is victory for our clients and to keep them from going to jail, and we are confident of our defense strategies. If you would like to discuss your case, call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION and case analysis.
