Fraud Attorney in Merced

Nearly Two Decades on the Defense Side. Built by Word of Mouth.

Fraud charges in California are built to be serious. The cases prosecutors bring are document-heavy, assembled over months of investigation, and handled by units that treat financial crimes as a priority. I’m Christopher Loethen, and I represent people facing fraud charges throughout Merced County. I founded Law Office of Christopher Loethen in 2020 after nearly two decades as a criminal defense attorney, and across roughly ten thousand cases, I’ve worked only one side of the courtroom: the defense.

My reputation in Merced County has grown entirely through word of mouth. I don’t hand cases off to associates. Every client works directly with me, from the first consultation through resolution.

If you’re facing fraud charges or have learned you’re under investigation in Merced, call me before you speak with anyone else. I offer free, confidential consultations and I’m available 24/7. Reach me at (209) 546-6192.

Why a Public Defender Background Matters in Fraud Cases

I started my career as a public defender and have never worked as a prosecutor. That distinction matters in fraud defense. The cases that move through Merced County courts are built on spreadsheets, bank records, emails, and agency reports rather than witness testimony alone. Reading a financial prosecution clearly, identifying what the evidence actually proves, and challenging what it doesn’t takes meticulous preparation, not just courtroom presence.

I prepare that way and argue directly, without softening the facts or the strategy. When negotiations happen, I’m the one at the table. When the case goes to trial, I’m the one in front of the jury.

California Fraud Charges in Merced County

California law defines fraud across several distinct statutes. The charge a defendant faces depends on the conduct alleged and the dollar value involved. Here are the most common charges prosecuted in Merced:

• Theft by false pretenses (PC 532): Obtaining property through a false statement of fact, made intentionally, where the victim relied on the falsehood
• Insurance fraud (PC 550): Filing false or fraudulent insurance claims, including staged accidents or inflated losses
• Credit card fraud (PC 484e–j): Unauthorized use, sale, or possession of credit card account information
• Identity theft (PC 530.5): Using another person’s personal identifying information without authorization for an unlawful purpose
• Financial elder fraud (PC 368): Fraud schemes targeting individuals 65 or older or dependent adults

Most of these offenses are wobblers, meaning the prosecution can file them as either a misdemeanor or a felony based on the amount involved and the defendant’s record. That charging decision happens early, and having a fraud attorney involved before charges are filed can affect how the case is framed from the start.

State & Federal Sentencing Exposure

When the alleged fraud involves large sums or crosses state lines, exposure increases significantly. California’s aggravated white-collar crime enhancement under Penal Code 186.11 adds one to five years in state prison when a defendant is charged with two or more related felonies involving a pattern of fraud or embezzlement totaling $100,000 or more.

Federal charges can compound that exposure further. Wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. 1343 and mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. 1341 each carry up to 20 years per count. Bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. 1344 carries up to 30 years per count. Beyond prison time, fraud offenses are often classified as crimes of moral turpitude, which can affect immigration status and professional licensing.

Where Fraud Cases Are Prosecuted in Merced County

Fraud charges are prosecuted in the Superior Court of California, County of Merced, Criminal Division, which handles felonies and misdemeanors. The Merced County District Attorney’s Office has a dedicated Real Estate Fraud Unit within its Bureau of Investigations and a Consumer Protection Division that handles consumer fraud and unfair business practices. These aren’t general-assignment prosecutors. They build focused cases, and they come prepared.

I represent clients facing fraud charges throughout Merced, including in Atwater and Winton. I know these courts and how these cases move.

Talk to a Fraud Lawyer in Merced Before It Gets Worse

A fraud investigation can run for months before charges are filed, and what happens during that window often shapes the entire case. I offer free, confidential consultations available 24/7, including virtual meetings for clients who need flexibility. I also provide Spanish-language services.

Don’t wait for charges to arrive. Contact Law Office of Christopher Loethen now at (209) 546-6192.