Los Angeles Identity Fraud Defense Attorneys

Are You in Need of an Identity Fraud Attorney?

Identity fraud allegations can threaten your freedom, your career, and your financial future. Whether you are accused of using another person's identifying information, participating in a financial fraud scheme, or benefiting from stolen personal data, prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively under California and federal law.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, our Los Angeles identity fraud attorneys have decades of experience defending clients facing complex white-collar and financial crime investigations. Our legal team includes former prosecutors who understand how these cases are investigated, built, and prosecuted. We develop strategic defenses designed to challenge the government's evidence while protecting your rights at every stage of the criminal process.

You should seek legal representation immediately if you have been:

• Contacted by local, state, or federal investigators
• Served with a subpoena
• Arrested for identity theft or fraud-related offenses
• Accused of opening accounts using another person's information
• Charged with financial fraud or conspiracy
• Notified that your computer or financial records are being investigated

Why Choose Us Over Other Identity Fraud Lawyers in Los Angeles?

Our clients are not simply hiring one attorney. They benefit from the collective knowledge, litigation experience, and strategic insight of an accomplished criminal defense team that has successfully handled some of California's most challenging criminal cases.

Identity fraud investigations often begin long before an arrest occurs. Law enforcement agencies may spend months reviewing financial records, interviewing witnesses, executing search warrants, and gathering digital evidence before filing charges.

Choosing the right criminal defense counsel could be one of the most important decisions you ever make. You need a law firm with substantial courtroom experience handling sophisticated criminal matters.

Here’s why so many people have come to trust our firm:

• Decades of criminal defense experience: Founded in 1994, Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP has represented clients in complex state and federal criminal matters throughout California and across the country.
• Former prosecutors on your side: Our legal team includes former Deputy District Attorneys and former federal prosecutors who understand how criminal cases are investigated, charged, and prosecuted.
• Proven leadership in government theft and financial crime cases: Former Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy District Attorney Mark Werksman has been practicing criminal law since 1986 and brings decades of experience defending clients accused of government theft crimes and other complex white-collar offenses.
• Extensive white-collar criminal defense experience: We represent clients facing allegations involving fraud, financial crimes, public corruption, regulatory investigations, and other high-stakes state and federal prosecutions.
• AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell: Our firm has earned the organization's highest rating for ethical standards and legal ability based on rigorous peer review.
• Recognized by Super Lawyers: Multiple attorneys at our firm have been selected to Super Lawyers, reflecting outstanding professional achievement and recognition from peers in the legal community.
• Accomplished trial advocacy: Alan Jackson has tried more than 85 jury trials and has built a 96% career success rate through decades of courtroom experience and strategic advocacy.
• Skilled appellate representation: Kelly Quinn is a certified specialist in writs and appeals, providing experienced appellate advocacy and strategic guidance in complex criminal matters.
• A team-based approach to every case: When you hire one attorney, you gain the strength of our entire firm. We collaborate to develop strategic defenses through thorough preparation, diverse experience, and innovative legal analysis.
• Free consultations: Discuss your case with our legal team, learn about your legal options, and make informed decisions with no obligation.

Put Decades of Experience on Your Side

Our legal team includes former prosecutors who understand how identity fraud cases are built. Call (213) 688-0460 to discuss your legal options.

What Is Identity Fraud?

Identity fraud involves using another person's identifying information without authorization to obtain money, property, services, employment, credit, government benefits, or other financial advantages.

Personal identifying information may include Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, bank account and credit card information, passport information, taxpayer identification numbers, medical insurance information, dates of birth, and online account credentials. Criminals can use this sensitive data to commit identity theft, financial fraud, and other crimes.

California prosecutors may pursue identity fraud charges under several statutes, including Penal Code §530.5 and other theft and fraud laws. Depending on the circumstances, federal prosecutors may also file charges involving bank fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, or conspiracy.

Types of Identity Fraud

Identity fraud can occur in many different ways. Prosecutors evaluate the alleged conduct, financial transactions, and intended benefit when determining which criminal charges to file.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud investigations frequently rely on surveillance footage, merchant records, transaction histories, IP addresses, and digital communications.

These allegations may involve:

• Using stolen credit card numbers
• Making unauthorized purchases
• Counterfeit credit cards
• Online payment fraud
• Card skimming schemes
• Account takeover fraud

Employment Fraud

Employment fraud typically involves using another person's identity to obtain work or employment-related benefits. The government often examines employment applications, payroll records, immigration documents, and employer testimony during these investigations.

• Using another person's Social Security number
• Providing false identification documents
• Completing employment paperwork using stolen information
• Obtaining wages under a false identity

Tax Fraud

Identity-related tax fraud frequently involves filing fraudulent tax returns using another person's identifying information. Federal agencies frequently coordinate these investigations because tax fraud frequently crosses state lines.

Investigators may allege:

• False tax refund claims
• Filing multiple fraudulent returns
• Using stolen taxpayer information
• Identity theft involving IRS records

Phone and Utility Fraud

Phone and utility fraud generally involves opening service accounts using another individual's personal information. Financial records and customer account applications often become important evidence in these cases.

These allegations may include:

• Cell phone contracts
• Internet service accounts
• Cable television accounts
• Electricity accounts
• Gas service
• Water service

Bank Fraud

Bank fraud allegations may involve using stolen identities to access financial institutions or obtain banking services. Federal authorities investigate these cases because many banks are federally insured.

Common accusations include:

• Opening fraudulent bank accounts
• Unauthorized electronic transfers
• Check fraud
• Debit card fraud
• Online banking fraud
• False account applications

Loan Fraud

Loan fraud investigations may involve allegations that someone used another person's identity to obtain financing. Investigators analyze loan documents, electronic communications, income records, and financial statements.

Examples include:

• Mortgage applications
• Personal loans
• Auto loans
• Business loans
• Student loans
• Credit applications

Government Benefit Fraud

Government benefit fraud involves allegations that someone improperly obtained public assistance using false or stolen identifying information. These investigations may involve both state and federal agencies, resulting in significant criminal exposure.

Programs that may be involved include:

• Unemployment benefits
• Social Security benefits
• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Disability benefits
• Housing assistance
• Pandemic relief programs

Get Trusted Criminal Defense Now

Identity fraud charges can carry serious consequences, but you don't have to face them alone. Call (213) 688-0460 today to schedule your free consultation today.

Legal Penalties for Identity Fraud

The penalties for identity fraud depend on the specific facts of the case, including the amount of alleged financial loss, the number of alleged victims, whether multiple offenses are charged, and the defendant's prior criminal history. Prosecutors may also seek enhanced penalties if the case involves federal charges, organized fraud, or conspiracy allegations.

Legal consequences may include:

• Misdemeanor or felony convictions
• County jail or state prison
• Federal imprisonment
• Restitution
• Significant fines
• Probation
• Asset forfeiture
• Professional licensing consequences
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens

Some identity fraud prosecutions also include sentence enhancements when prosecutors allege substantial financial losses or multiple victims.

Effective Legal Defense Strategies

Every identity fraud case requires a defense strategy tailored to the specific allegations. Our Los Angeles white collar crime defense lawyers thoroughly examine every aspect of the government's investigation to identify weaknesses and opportunities to challenge the prosecution's case.

• Lack of Intent. Many fraud offenses require prosecutors to prove that the accused knowingly intended to commit fraud. Mistakes, misunderstandings, or accidental possession of identifying information may not satisfy the legal requirements for conviction.
• Mistaken Identity. Identity fraud investigations frequently rely on electronic evidence that does not necessarily identify who actually completed a transaction. Multiple individuals may have had access to computers, phones, financial accounts, or internet connections.
• Insufficient Evidence. The prosecution bears the burden of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. We carefully analyze every aspect of the prosecution's evidence, including financial records, electronic data, witness testimony, surveillance footage, search warrants, and chain of custody documentation. Our team also reviews digital forensic evidence to identify weaknesses in the government's case and build the strongest possible defense.
• Illegal Search or Seizure. Identity fraud investigations often involve searches of homes, offices, computers, cloud storage, and mobile devices. If investigators violated constitutional protections while collecting evidence, we may seek to suppress improperly obtained evidence through pretrial motions.
• Lack of Knowledge. Simply possessing identifying information does not necessarily establish criminal conduct. In some cases, prosecutors cannot prove that a defendant knew information had been stolen or intended to use it unlawfully.
• False Accusations. Business disputes, family conflicts, employee disagreements, and financial misunderstandings sometimes result in false allegations of identity fraud.

How a Lawyer Can Help

We understand that fraud investigations involve complicated financial transactions that may have legitimate explanations. Our legal team works diligently to uncover facts favorable to the defense while holding prosecutors to their burden of proof.

Our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys may assist by:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Protecting you during law enforcement interviews
• Reviewing financial and digital evidence
• Challenging unlawful searches
• Consulting forensic experts when appropriate
• Negotiating with prosecutors
• Seeking reduced charges or case dismissals
• Representing you during trial when necessary

What Clients Are Saying About Us

Highly recommend!!! -Anonymous (5-Star Avvo Review)

Best attorney to help with my case! He will fight for you all the way. I trusted him with my case and his team to assist me. Will go above and beyond to win and defend you. Highly recommend!!!

An extraordinarily phenomenal defense attorney-T Glaspie (5-Star Google Review)

Mr. Jackson is an extraordinarily phenomenal defense attorney! Extremely professional, poised, tenacious, and outright brilliant! Watching him litigate is a sight to see!

Speak With an Experienced Los Angeles Identity Fraud Defense Lawyer Today

If you are under investigation, or if you have been charged with identity fraud, obtaining experienced legal representation as early as possible can be critical. The prosecution may start working on its case long before formal charges are filed.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we provide aggressive criminal defense backed by decades of courtroom experience. Whether your case involves state prosecutors or federal investigators, our legal team is prepared to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome.

Schedule your free consultation with our Los Angeles identity theft defense attorneys and begin building your defense.

Call (213) 688-0460 to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Identity Fraud

What is identity fraud?

Identity fraud involves the unauthorized use of another person's personal identifying information to obtain money, credit, employment, government benefits, or other financial advantages. Depending on the circumstances, these cases may be prosecuted under California law, federal law, or both.

Can identity fraud be charged as a federal crime?

Yes. Identity fraud may lead to federal charges when the alleged conduct involves federally insured financial institutions, interstate communications, tax fraud, or government agencies. Federal investigations are often conducted by agencies such as the FBI, IRS, Secret Service, or U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

What penalties can I face if convicted of identity fraud?

Penalties vary depending on the charges, the amount of alleged financial loss, the number of victims, and whether the case is prosecuted in state or federal court. A conviction may result in jail or prison time, fines, restitution, probation, and a permanent criminal record.

What should I do if investigators contact me about identity fraud?

You should avoid answering questions or providing documents before consulting an attorney. An experienced Los Angeles identity theft lawyer can protect your rights, communicate with investigators on your behalf, and help you avoid making statements that could be used against you.

What evidence do prosecutors use in identity fraud cases?

Identity fraud cases often rely on financial records, bank statements, credit applications, electronic communications, surveillance footage, digital forensic evidence, witness testimony, and internet activity. Your defense attorney can carefully review this evidence for weaknesses and constitutional issues.

Should I hire a lawyer even if I haven't been arrested yet?

Yes. If you believe you are under investigation, retaining legal counsel before charges are filed can be extremely beneficial. An attorney may be able to communicate with investigators, protect your rights, and begin building your defense before the prosecution's case progresses.

Meet Our Identity Fraud Defense Lawyers

Mark Werksman

Mark Werksman is the founding partner of Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP and one of California's most respected criminal defense attorneys. A former Deputy District Attorney and former Assistant United States Attorney he has devoted his career to defending individuals accused of serious state and federal crimes. Mark has built a reputation for aggressive advocacy, meticulous case preparation, and exceptional courtroom skill.

Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson is a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney and partner at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP. A former prosecutor and Assistant Head Deputy of the Major Crimes Division at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, he has extensive experience handling complex, high-profile criminal cases in both state and federal courts. Alan has represented public figures, celebrities, business executives, and professionals facing serious criminal allegations, earning a reputation for strategic advocacy and persuasive courtroom litigation.

Kelly Quinn

Kelly Quinn is a partner at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP and an accomplished criminal defense attorney with extensive experience handling complex appeals and post-conviction matters. A Certified Appellate Law Specialist by the State Bar of California, Kelly is widely recognized for her exceptional legal research, persuasive writing, and strategic advocacy. In addition to her appellate practice, Kelly works closely with the firm's trial attorneys to preserve critical legal issues and strengthen defense strategies from the earliest stages of a case.

Additional Information

• The Main Types of Identity Theft and Their Potential Penalties
• Intent Crimes: What Do They Mean For You?