Insurance Fraud is a Felony under California Penal Code (PC) 550 in most cases. It is punishable by possible probation and up to a year county jail or by a 2,3 or 5 year prison commit and up to a $50,000 fine or double the amount of the fraud, whichever is greater. Insurance fraud takes many different forms.
Insurance fraud can be claiming for a loss or injury that did not occurr, presenting mutiple claims for a single event, knowingly participating in a staged auto accident, preparing documents or assisting someone making a false claim. Even if you did not receive any payment, it is the making the fraudulent claim which is the crime. Not only is there restitution for any money obtained by the fraudulent claim, but you may also liable for the insurance company’s claim handling and investigative costs to determine the false claim. Insurance companys have red flag areas in any claim which can trigger further fraud investigation.
It is important you contact an attorney as soon as possible if you are charged or being investigated or even contacted by your insurance compnay about a possible false claim. These cases require special handling that comes with the experience of having done insurance fraud cases. Contact Christoph Law Offices at 760-941-5720 for a free consultation. Criminal Defense Attorneys Nicholas and William Christoph have been handling insurance fraud cases for over 32 years across from the Vista Courts. We can provide the highest level of professional and personal representation to help you achieve the best result.
