Bank And Mortgage Fraud Defense Attorney In Southern California
A federal investigation into bank or mortgage fraud can turn your life upside down overnight. Federal prosecutors do not view these as simple paperwork mistakes. They treat them as serious felonies that can bring decades in prison, heavy fines and lasting damage to your reputation.
At The Law Office of Mark M. Kassabian, P.C., attorney Mark Kassabian stands between his clients and the federal government. He draws on over 30 years of federal court experience to mount a strong defense. If federal agents have reached out to you, speaking with a bank fraud and white collar criminal defense attorney right away is critical.
Common Types Of Bank And Mortgage Fraud
Federal agencies pursue many forms of conduct under bank and mortgage fraud laws. Attorney Kassabian defends clients facing charges that include:
- Occupancy fraud: Misrepresenting how a property will be used to secure better loan terms
- Straw buyer schemes: Using a third party to buy property and hide the real buyer’s identity
- Home appraisal fraud: Inflating a property’s appraised value to obtain a larger loan
- Mail fraud: Submitting false information by mail in mortgage or business loan applications
- False statements to federally insured institutions: Providing misleading financial data to federally backed lenders
- Identity theft-related bank fraud: Using stolen credentials to open accounts or obtain funds
- Check fraud: Issuing or altering checks to take money from a financial institution
- Wire fraud: Using electronic communications to carry out a fraudulent financial scheme
- Account takeover: Accessing another person’s bank account without permission to steal funds
No matter the specific charge, each of these offenses carries serious federal criminal exposure and demands immediate legal attention.
How These Investigations Begin
These cases often start with a suspicious activity report, a whistleblower tip or a financial audit. Agencies that commonly handle these investigations include the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the HUD Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Penalties And Defense Strategies
A federal bank fraud conviction can bring up to 30 years in prison, large fines and mandatory restitution. As a bank fraud defense attorney with over three decades in federal court, attorney Kassabian reviews every possible defense for his clients, including:
- Lack of intent: Showing that there was no willful plan to commit fraud
- Mistake of fact: Proving that the conduct was an honest error, not a criminal act
- Constitutional violations: Challenging evidence obtained through an unlawful search or seizure
Every defense strategy reflects the specific facts of the case because no two federal investigations are alike.
Work With A Trusted Bank Fraud Defense Attorney
Federal charges demand prompt action. Call 626-416-4390 or contact The Law Office of Mark M. Kassabian, P.C., online to schedule a free consultation with a seasoned bank fraud defense attorney at our Pasadena office. Attorney Kassabian has handled complex federal cases for over 30 years.