California Lawyer Defending Cases of Financial Fraud
Over the past ten 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 serious criminal charges being filed against otherwise innocent people.
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 may be your best hope for protecting your rights and your future.
San Francisco Bay Area attorney Seth P. Chazin has aggressively defended clients accused of participating in mortgage fraud or other scams for more than 20 years. Whether you are a real estate agent, mortgage broker or buyer, he will diligently prepare an aggressive and compelling defense designed to produce results.
Seth P. Chazin 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 misrepresentations or omissions 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 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 or state court. 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
- False reporting of income
- Unusually high or suspicious commissions
- Higher than customary fees
- Legal advice provided by non-attorneys
- Purchase loans masked as refinance
- Multiple holding companies used to inflate property values
As a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist*, 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 in lesser charges being filed.
Contact Attorney Chazin to discuss your options by calling 1-800-499-9902.
*Certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
