San Francisco Mortgage Fraud Defense Attorney
Over the past 10 years, instances of mortgage and real estate fraud have increased dramatically. In response, both California and federal law enforcement officials have increased their investigations into "suspicious activities." Unfortunately, many of these investigations have resulted in the filing of serious criminal charges against otherwise innocent people. A recent Frontline exclusive entitled "The Untouchables" has even exposed the fact that the Department of Justice has only gone after the little guy and failed to prosecute the banks or Wall Street executives over the mortgage crisis.
The consequences of a conviction for financial fraud are extremely serious. If you have discovered that you are under investigation for mortgage fraud or have already been formally charged, securing the guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer is essential to protecting your rights and your future.
Skilled Oakland, California Lawyer Defending Cases of Financial Fraud
San Francisco mortgage fraud defense attorney Seth P. Chazin has aggressively defended clients accused of participating in mortgage fraud or other scams for over 30 years. Whether you are a real estate agent or a mortgage broker or buyer, he will diligently prepare an aggressive and compelling defense designed to produce results.
Seth P. Chazin's firm is well versed in representing clients facing the uncertainty of mortgage fraud accusations. Contact his San Francisco Bay Area law office to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Telephones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What Is Mortgage Fraud?
Mortgage fraud is a broad term used to describe intentional misrepresentation or omission of information on a mortgage loan application or other documentation at or during any part of the application or lending process. It can occur at any level of a real estate transaction, and can involve parties ranging from the developer or lending institution to the buyer, seller, real estate agent or mortgage broker.
Following an intricate and often lengthy investigation, law enforcement officials will file either felony or misdemeanor charges. A majority of mortgage fraud cases are prosecuted as felonies in federal and state courts. More and more of these cases are being charged in federal court. Penalties for conviction may include up to 30 years of imprisonment.
Under Investigation? You Need to Protect Yourself
Law enforcement is often alerted to potential mortgage fraud through suspicious activity reports (SARs) filed by financial institutions and/or various government offices. Red flags that may trigger an investigation include:
- Foreclosure of the property
- Filing for bankruptcy
- Fraudulent appraisals
- Forgery
- False reporting of income, financial fraud
- Unusually high or suspicious commissions
- Higher than customary fees
- Legal advice provided by non-attorneys, misrepresentation
- Purchase loans masked as refinance
- Multiple holding companies used to inflate property values
Richmond Criminal Defense Lawyer Here to Protect Your Rights and Freedom
Seth P. Chazin knows how to provide clients with an effective defense in mortgage fraud cases. He has significant experience in white collar crime cases and, whenever possible, focuses his efforts on pre-file representation. Frequently, the interception of investigations before formal charges are filed can result in no charges being filed, a dismissal or a reduction in charges filed.
Contact Seth Chazin to discuss your options by calling 1-800-499-9902.
