Welfare Fraud Defense Attorney in Long Beach

Arrested for welfare fraud in Long Beach? You’re facing serious criminal charges under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 10980 that can result in state prison time, massive restitution payments, permanent criminal record, disqualification from all future government benefits, immigration consequences for non-citizens, and devastating impact on your employment, housing, and family. California prosecutes welfare fraud aggressively—whether accused of CalFresh fraud, Medi-Cal fraud, CalWORKs fraud, SSI fraud, or General Relief fraud—even honest mistakes, misunderstandings about eligibility, or paperwork errors can result in felony charges and years in prison.

Attorney Armando Josué Cespedes provides aggressive welfare fraud defense throughout Long Beach and Los Angeles County—Long Beach, Downey, Lakewood, Signal Hill, Bellflower, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Paramount, Norwalk, and every community in the greater Long Beach area. With a perfect 5.0 Avvo rating backed by 34 five-star client reviews and three consecutive Client’s Choice Awards (2023, 2024, 2025), we bring proven expertise to your defense when your freedom, immigration status, and access to essential benefits are threatened.

Many welfare fraud arrests in Long Beach result from honest mistakes about eligibility requirements, language barriers causing reporting errors, confusing government forms, failure to report income changes promptly, or overzealous investigators misinterpreting innocent conduct as fraud. We aggressively challenge every welfare fraud charge—demonstrating lack of intent to defraud, proving mistakes were innocent, showing good faith reporting efforts, and fighting for dismissals, reductions, and acquittals.

Free Confidential Consultation: (888) 315-3326 | Available 24/7 | Hablamos Español

Understanding California Welfare Fraud Law

Welfare and Institutions Code § 10980 – Welfare Fraud

Legal Definition:

California Welfare and Institutions Code § 10980 makes it crime to obtain or retain aid through willfully making false statement or representation, or by willfully failing to disclose material fact, or by any other fraudulent means.

Elements Prosecution Must Prove Beyond Reasonable Doubt:

1. You made false statement or representation, or concealed material fact, or used other fraudulent device
2. You did so willfully (knowingly and intentionally)
3. You did so for purpose of obtaining or retaining aid or payment to which you were not entitled, or in greater amount than entitled
4. You actually obtained aid or payment through fraud

Key Legal Terms:

“Willfully” Means:

• Knowingly and intentionally
• Not by accident or mistake
• You knew statement was false or knew you were concealing material fact
• You intended to defraud

“Material Fact” Means:

• Information affecting eligibility or benefit amount
• Examples: income, household composition, assets, residence, citizenship

“Aid” Includes:

• CalFresh (food stamps/SNAP benefits)
• CalWORKs (cash assistance for families)
• Medi-Cal (California Medicaid)
• General Relief/General Assistance
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
• Section 8 housing assistance (prosecuted under different statute but similar principles)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI—federal program)
• State Disability Insurance (SDI)

Common Types of Welfare Fraud

Recipient Fraud (Most Common):

Individual receiving benefits commits fraud by:

• Failing to report income (working while receiving benefits)
• Failing to report household members (claiming fewer people to increase benefits or hide ineligible person)
• Providing false information on application (lying about residency, assets, citizenship)
• Continuing to collect benefits after no longer eligible
• Using someone else’s EBT card or benefits
• Selling EBT benefits for cash

Internal Fraud (County Employees):

Social workers or county employees commit fraud by:

• Creating phantom recipients
• Stealing client benefits
• Accepting bribes to approve ineligible applicants

Third-Party Fraud:

Others commit fraud involving benefits:

• Stores accepting EBT for non-eligible items (alcohol, cigarettes)
• Trafficking EBT benefits (buying benefits for cash at discount)
• Identity theft to obtain benefits in another’s name

Focus: This page primarily addresses recipient welfare fraud—charges against individuals receiving benefits.

Penalties for Welfare Fraud

Welfare and Institutions Code § 10980 Penalties Depend on Amount:

Under $950 (Proposition 47 Reform):

According to California Proposition 47^[1], welfare fraud involving $950 or less in 12-month period typically charged as misdemeanor:

• Misdemeanor
• County jail: Up to 6 months
• Fines: Up to $1,000
• Probation
• Restitution (repay fraudulently obtained benefits)
• Disqualification from benefits

$950 or More:

Welfare fraud exceeding $950 charged as:

Wobbler (Can Be Charged as Misdemeanor or Felony):

Misdemeanor:

• County jail: Up to 1 year
• Fines: Up to $5,000
• Probation: 3 years
• Restitution
• Permanent disqualification from benefits

Felony:

• State prison: 16 months, 2, or 3 years
• County jail alternative (under realignment)
• Fines: Up to $5,000
• Formal probation: 3-5 years
• Restitution (must repay all fraudulently obtained benefits plus penalties)
• Permanent disqualification from all welfare programs

Enhanced Penalties—Aggravating Factors:

Multiple Recipients:

• If fraudulently obtained benefits for multiple people (phantom children, false household members), separate counts charged

Long Duration:

• Fraud continuing over months or years increases amount, elevates to felony

Use of False Documents:

• PC § 470 forgery charges added if forged documents, fake pay stubs, false IDs

Identity Theft:

• PC § 530.5 identity theft charges if used another’s identity to obtain benefits

Organized Fraud Rings:

• Enhanced penalties if part of organized scheme to defraud government
• Multiple defendants, conspiracy charges

Restitution Requirements

Mandatory Full Restitution:

California law requires welfare fraud defendants repay all fraudulently obtained benefits plus administrative costs and penalties.

Amount Owed:

• Every dollar received fraudulently
• Administrative investigation costs
• 10% penalty on top of benefits received
• Interest on unpaid balance

Enforcement:

• Restitution order enforceable as civil judgment
• Wage garnishment
• Tax refund intercepts
• Bank account levies
• Collections for years or decades

Disqualification from Future Benefits:

Welfare fraud conviction results in permanent or lengthy disqualification:

First Offense:

• CalFresh (food stamps): 1 year disqualification (federal mandatory)
• CalWORKs: Permanent disqualification (can be waived after completing sentence)
• Medi-Cal: Generally not disqualified (medical necessity)

Second Offense:

• CalFresh: 2 year disqualification
• CalWORKs: Permanent

Third Offense:

• CalFresh: Permanent disqualification
• All programs: Permanent disqualification

Critical: Conviction not only results in criminal penalties but also permanently bars you from programs you and your family depend on.

Immigration Consequences

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services^[2], welfare fraud convictions trigger severe immigration consequences:

Crime of Moral Turpitude:

• Welfare fraud is crime involving moral turpitude (fraud, dishonesty)
• Deportable offense for non-citizens
• Green card revocation
• Inadmissibility for visa applications

Aggravated Felony (High-Value Cases):

• Fraud with loss exceeding $10,000 may constitute aggravated felony
• Mandatory deportation
• Permanent bar from re-entry

Public Charge Concerns:

• Welfare fraud conviction demonstrates reliance on public benefits
• Affects future immigration applications under “public charge” rule
• Naturalization applications denied

Federal Benefits Fraud:

• SSI, Social Security fraud prosecuted federally
• Even harsher immigration consequences

Critical for Non-Citizens: Even misdemeanor welfare fraud conviction can trigger removal proceedings. Must coordinate with immigration attorney immediately.

Employment and Housing Consequences

Background Checks:

• Welfare fraud conviction appears on all criminal background checks
• “Crime of moral turpitude” involving fraud and dishonesty
• Employers see “welfare fraud,” “theft from government”

Employment Impact:

• Government jobs permanently barred
• Healthcare positions difficult (Medi-Cal fraud especially damaging)
• Childcare positions disqualified
• Positions requiring financial trust denied
• General employment discrimination

Housing Consequences:

• Disqualified from Section 8 housing assistance
• Public housing applications denied
• Private landlords reject applications
• Difficulty finding housing

Professional Licenses:

According to California Department of Consumer Affairs^[3], welfare fraud convictions trigger license discipline:

• Nurses, doctors, therapists
• Social workers
• Accountants
• Real estate agents
• Any license requiring honesty and integrity

Long Beach Welfare Fraud Statistics and Enforcement

According to the California Department of Social Services^[4], welfare fraud enforcement remains significant priority:

Statewide Data:

• California counties investigate tens of thousands of suspected welfare fraud cases annually
• Millions of dollars in overpayments recovered each year
• Conviction rates approximately 70-80% of prosecuted cases

Los Angeles County Welfare Fraud:

According to Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services^[5], the county operates extensive fraud investigation:

• Special Investigation Unit investigates suspected fraud
• Anonymous fraud hotline receives thousands of tips annually
• Long Beach residents receive substantial public assistance benefits
• Aggressive investigation and prosecution of suspected fraud

Common Long Beach Welfare Fraud Scenarios:

• Failure to report employment while receiving CalFresh or CalWORKs
• Working “under the table” while collecting benefits
• Not reporting cash income or tips
• Failing to report household members (boyfriend, girlfriend, adult children living in home)
• Using multiple identities to obtain duplicate benefits
• Continuing to collect benefits after moving out of state
• Collecting deceased relative’s benefits
• Providing false information about citizenship or immigration status
• Selling or trading EBT card benefits

How Investigations Start:

• Anonymous tips from neighbors, family members, ex-partners (most common)
• Data matching between county databases (employment, bank records, DMV)
• Random audits of recipient files
• Surveillance by fraud investigators
• Tips from merchants reporting suspicious EBT transactions
• Cross-referencing with child support, unemployment, tax records

The Welfare Fraud Investigation and Arrest Process

Stage 1: Investigation

How Fraud Detected:

Anonymous Tip:

• Someone reports you to county fraud hotline
• Claims you’re working while receiving benefits, living with unreported person, lying about circumstances
• County investigator assigned to investigate

Data Match:

• County computer systems cross-reference databases
• Employment records show you working while receiving benefits
• Bank deposits inconsistent with reported income
• Address discrepancies

Random Audit:

• County randomly audits percentage of cases
• Reviews files for inconsistencies
• Discovers unreported income or circumstances

Investigation Process:

Fraud Investigator Assigned:

• County Special Investigation Unit investigator reviews your file
• Examines benefit applications and ongoing reports
• Looks for discrepancies

Information Gathering:

• Employment verification (contacts employers)
• Bank record subpoenas
• Interviews neighbors, landlords
• Surveillance of your home (observing who lives there, whether you’re working)
• DMV records
• Property ownership records
• Public records searches

Interview Request:

• Investigator contacts you requesting “interview to clarify some information”
• Claims routine review
• Goal: Get you to admit fraud

Your Critical Rights:

DO NOT MEET WITH INVESTIGATOR WITHOUT ATTORNEY:

• You have no legal obligation to meet with county fraud investigator
• Politely decline: “I want to speak with my attorney before any interview”
• Do NOT try to explain or clarify
• Anything you say WILL be used against you criminally

DO NOT SIGN ANY DOCUMENTS:

• Investigator may present “repayment agreement” or “admission form”
• Do NOT sign anything without attorney review
• Signature can be used as admission of fraud

CONTACT ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY:

• Even during investigation phase
• Attorney can intervene, potentially prevent criminal charges
• Negotiate civil resolution without criminal prosecution

Stage 2: Referral to District Attorney

If Investigation Finds Evidence:

• County presents case to Los Angeles County District Attorney Welfare Fraud Unit
• DA reviews for prosecution
• If DA accepts case, criminal charges filed

Arrest Warrant or Summons:

• Arrest warrant issued, or
• Summons mailed ordering you to appear in court

Arrest (If Warrant):

• Long Beach Police or County investigators arrest you
• Handcuffed, transported to jail
• Booked on welfare fraud charges

Booking:

• Fingerprints, photographs
• Criminal history check
• Held pending arraignment or bail

Bail:

Typical Bail Amounts Los Angeles County:

• Welfare fraud under $5,000: $5,000-$15,000 bail
• Welfare fraud $5,000-$50,000: $20,000-$50,000
• Large-scale fraud over $50,000: $50,000-$100,000+

Bail Options:

• Own recognizance (OR) release common for first-time welfare fraud defendants
• Bail bondsman (10% fee)
• Cash bail

Stage 3: Arraignment in Long Beach Court

Long Beach Courthouse:

Los Angeles County Superior Court – Long Beach Courthouse
275 Magnolia Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: (562) 491-6230

Arraignment (First Court Appearance):

What Happens:

• Judge reads charges: Welfare and Institutions Code § 10980 welfare fraud
• Possibly additional charges: PC § 470 forgery, PC § 530.5 identity theft
• Constitutional rights explained
• Bail reviewed
• Public defender appointed if indigent
• Plea entered: Not Guilty
• Future court dates set

Charges Filed:

Los Angeles County District Attorney files criminal complaint:

• W&I § 10980 welfare fraud (one or multiple counts)
• PC § 484 theft (sometimes charged alongside)
• PC § 470 forgery (if forged documents)
• PC § 532 obtaining money by false pretenses

Stage 4: Pre-Trial Proceedings

Discovery:

We obtain all prosecution evidence:

• County fraud investigation report
• Your benefit applications and quarterly reports
• Employment records, bank records, tax returns
• Surveillance reports and photographs
• Witness statements (neighbors, tipsters)
• Your statements to investigators (if any)
• Calculations of alleged fraud amount

Our Investigation:

• Interview you thoroughly about circumstances
• Gather evidence of innocent mistakes vs. intentional fraud
• Obtain documents showing good faith efforts to report
• Review confusing county forms and instructions
• Investigate language barriers, literacy issues
• Collect evidence supporting eligibility
• Interview witnesses supporting your version

Critical Pre-Trial Motions:

Motion to Suppress Evidence (PC § 1538.5):

Challenge illegally obtained evidence:

• Statements obtained without Miranda warnings
• Bank records obtained without proper subpoena
• Surveillance exceeding legal bounds

Motion to Dismiss:

• Insufficient evidence of willful intent
• Statute of limitations expired (3 years for felony)
• County failed to prove fraud amount

Plea Negotiations:

We negotiate with Los Angeles County District Attorney Welfare Fraud Unit:

Negotiation Strategies:

• Present evidence of innocent mistake vs. intentional fraud
• Demonstrate language barriers, confusion about reporting requirements
• Show good faith efforts to comply
• Offer immediate restitution payment
• Emphasize lack of criminal history, hardship circumstances
• Negotiate civil settlement avoiding criminal conviction

Possible Negotiated Outcomes:

Best Case—Diversion or Civil Compromise:

• Pre-filing diversion (charges not filed, complete conditions)
• Civil settlement (pay restitution, no criminal charges)
• County agrees to civil recovery only
• Requires early attorney involvement

Favorable—Misdemeanor with Probation:

• Felony reduced to misdemeanor
• Probation, no jail
• Restitution
• Avoids felony record

Acceptable—Felony Probation:

• Formal probation with county jail (not state prison)
• Restitution over time
• Complete probation, eligible for expungement

Avoid—State Prison:

• Prison sentence for high-dollar fraud
• Permanent felony record
• Deportation for non-citizens

Stage 5: Trial or Resolution

If Case Goes to Trial:

Jury Trial:

Prosecution Case:

• Fraud investigator testimony
• Documentary evidence (applications, reports showing false statements)
• Employment records proving unreported income
• Bank records showing unreported assets
• Witness testimony (neighbors, employers)
• Calculations of fraud amount

Defense Case:

• Your testimony explaining innocent mistakes, confusion
• Evidence of good faith reporting efforts
• Expert testimony (if applicable) on confusing forms, language barriers
• Character witnesses
• Documentation supporting eligibility claims

Closing Arguments:

• We create reasonable doubt on willful intent
• Emphasize complexity of rules, honest mistakes
• Challenge fraud amount calculations
• Humanize circumstances (caring for children, financial hardship)

Verdict:

• Guilty or Not Guilty
• If Not Guilty: Acquitted, case over
• If Guilty: Sentencing hearing

If Case Resolves Through Plea:

• Plead no contest or guilty to negotiated charges
• Sentencing per agreement

Powerful Defenses to Welfare Fraud Charges

1. Lack of Intent—Honest Mistake

Most Common and Powerful Defense:

Welfare fraud requires willful intent to defraud. If mistake was innocent, you’re not guilty.

What We Prove:

• You didn’t knowingly make false statement
• You didn’t intentionally conceal material information
• Mistake was innocent, not fraudulent

Common Innocent Mistakes:

Confusion About Reporting Requirements:

• Didn’t understand what income to report
• Thought only certain types of income counted
• Didn’t realize cash tips must be reported
• Confused about gross vs. net income

Language Barriers:

• English not first language
• Misunderstood complex forms
• Couldn’t read fine print or instructions
• Relied on incorrect translation

Literacy/Education Issues:

• Limited reading ability
• Didn’t understand legal terminology
• Forms too complex

Good Faith Belief:

• Believed you were eligible based on caseworker advice
• Reasonably interpreted rules differently
• Made disclosure but county failed to process

Evidence:

• Your testimony showing genuine confusion
• Documentation of attempts to comply
• Correspondence with caseworker asking clarification
• Evidence of language barriers
• Character witnesses testifying to your honesty

Result: If prosecution cannot prove willful intent beyond reasonable doubt, cannot convict.

2. Reliance on Caseworker Advice

Legal Defense:

If you relied on county caseworker’s advice about reporting or eligibility, you acted in good faith.

What We Prove:

• You disclosed information to caseworker
• Caseworker told you it was acceptable or didn’t need to be reported
• You reasonably relied on caseworker’s guidance

Examples:

• Told caseworker about income, caseworker said it didn’t affect benefits
• Asked whether to report household member, caseworker said no
• Disclosed assets, caseworker approved application anyway

Evidence:

• Notes from meetings with caseworker
• Emails or correspondence with county
• Witness testimony about caseworker statements
• County case file notes showing disclosure

Result: Reliance on official government advice negates willful intent.

3. Failure to Receive Reporting Forms

Defense if County Error:

What We Prove:

• County failed to send quarterly report forms
• You never received forms requiring disclosure
• Cannot be guilty of failing to report if never given opportunity

Evidence:

• County records showing forms not mailed
• Your testimony never receiving forms
• Postal issues, address errors

Result: If county failed to provide reporting mechanism, you didn’t willfully fail to disclose.

4. Attempted to Report but County Failed to Process

County Administrative Error:

What We Prove:

• You attempted to report change
• Submitted paperwork or called county
• County failed to process or lost paperwork

Examples:

• Mailed report form but county claims never received
• Reported change by phone but caseworker didn’t document
• Brought documents to office but not entered in system

Evidence:

• Copies of forms you submitted
• Certified mail receipts
• Phone records showing calls to county
• Witnesses who accompanied you to county office

Result: If you attempted to comply but county failed to process, no willful fraud.

5. Information Was Not Material

Legal Challenge:

Welfare fraud requires concealment of “material” fact—information affecting eligibility or benefit amount.

What We Prove:

• Information you didn’t report was not material
• Would not have affected eligibility or benefit amount
• Therefore not fraud

Example:

• Small amount of income that wouldn’t have reduced benefits below minimum
• Household member who doesn’t count toward household size
• Asset that’s exempt from resource calculations

Evidence:

• Benefit calculation worksheets showing information wouldn’t change outcome
• Expert testimony from welfare rights advocate or attorney

Result: If information wasn’t material, no fraud.

6. You Never Received Benefits (No Loss to Government)

Legal Element:

Prosecution must prove you actually received aid through fraud.

What We Prove:

• Application denied (fraud alleged in application but never received benefits)
• Benefits terminated before fraud occurred
• Overpayment was county error, not fraud

Result: If no benefits received through fraud, essential element missing.

7. Statute of Limitations

Time Limits:

• Misdemeanor welfare fraud: 1 year from discovery
• Felony welfare fraud: 3 years from discovery

“Discovery” Rule:

Statute begins when county discovers or reasonably should have discovered fraud, not when fraud occurred.

What We Prove:

• More than 3 years passed since county discovered fraud
• Prosecution time-barred

Result: If statute of limitations expired, charges must be dismissed.

8. Insufficient Evidence—Cannot Prove Amount

Challenge Fraud Calculations:

What We Prove:

• County cannot prove exact amount of fraud
• Calculations based on speculation or estimates
• Insufficient evidence of unreported income

Strategy:

• Challenge employment records (worked fewer hours than claimed)
• Dispute income amounts (tips lower than estimated)
• Show income was reported but incorrectly recorded

Result: If prosecution cannot prove fraud amount beyond reasonable doubt, may reduce charges or result in acquittal.

9. False Accusations

Vindictive Reporting:

What We Prove:

• Anonymous tipster has motive to falsely accuse (ex-partner, angry relative, jealous neighbor)
• Accusations based on speculation, not facts
• No actual fraud occurred

Evidence:

• Your testimony explaining legitimate circumstances
• Documentation proving eligibility
• Witnesses contradicting accusations

Result: If accusations lack factual basis, charges should be dismissed.

10. Constitutional Violations

Fourth Amendment:

If evidence obtained through illegal search or seizure, must be suppressed.

Fifth Amendment:

If statements obtained in violation of Miranda rights, excluded from evidence.

Result: Without suppressed evidence, prosecution may lack sufficient proof.

Why Welfare Fraud Requires Specialized Defense

Complex Regulations

Welfare programs have:

• Complicated eligibility rules
• Confusing reporting requirements
• Frequent rule changes
• Difficult-to-understand forms

Requires attorney who understands welfare law and can demonstrate reasonable confusion vs. fraud.

Immigration at Stake

For non-citizens:

• Conviction triggers deportation
• Crime of moral turpitude
• Permanent bar from benefits

Must coordinate with immigration attorney.

Family Impact

Welfare fraud conviction affects entire family:

• Loss of benefits family depends on
• Children lose CalFresh, Medi-Cal
• Housing assistance terminated

Fighting conviction protects family’s survival.

Intent is Key

Most welfare fraud defenses focus on lack of willful intent:

• Innocent mistakes
• Confusion about rules
• Good faith compliance efforts

Experience presenting intent defenses essential.

Early Intervention Critical

Many cases resolved civilly before criminal charges:

• Attorney negotiates with county during investigation
• Arrange restitution payment
• Avoid criminal prosecution

Early attorney involvement can prevent charges entirely.

Long Beach Court Location

Los Angeles County Superior Court – Long Beach Courthouse

275 Magnolia Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: (562) 491-6230

Handles:

• Welfare fraud arraignments
• Pre-trial conferences
• Trials
• Sentencing

Why Choose Tu Defensor Criminalista for Long Beach Welfare Fraud Defense

Long Beach Welfare Fraud Experience

Local Court Knowledge:

• Regular appearances at Long Beach Superior Court
• Extensive experience with Los Angeles County District Attorney Welfare Fraud Unit
• Knowledge of judges handling welfare fraud cases
• Understanding of Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services investigation procedures

Welfare Law Expertise

Complex Regulations:

• Deep understanding of CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal eligibility rules
• Knowledge of reporting requirements and common confusion areas
• Experience demonstrating innocent mistakes vs. fraud

Immigration Protection

Coordinate with Immigration Attorneys:

• Understand crime of moral turpitude classification
• Structure pleas avoiding deportation triggers
• Fight for dismissals protecting immigration status

Early Intervention

Negotiate Before Charges Filed:

• Contact county during investigation phase
• Negotiate civil settlement avoiding criminal prosecution
• Arrange restitution preventing charges

Trial Experience

Courtroom Skills:

• Jury trial experience in welfare fraud cases
• Effective presentation of intent and mistake defenses
• Compelling humanization of circumstances

Bilingual Services—Critical for Welfare Cases

Complete Spanish Representation:

• Full legal services in Spanish (Hablamos Español)
• Many welfare fraud defendants Spanish-speaking
• Language barriers often cause innocent reporting errors
• We communicate effectively, understand cultural context

Proven Track Record

Client Success:

• Perfect 5.0 Avvo rating
• 34 five-star client reviews
• Three consecutive Client’s Choice Awards (2023, 2024, 2025)
• Numerous welfare fraud dismissals and favorable outcomes
• Clients’ benefits and immigration status preserved

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista for Long Beach Welfare Fraud Defense

Being accused of welfare fraud is terrifying—threatening criminal prosecution, loss of benefits your family depends on, deportation if you’re non-citizen, permanent criminal record. Whether charges based on innocent mistakes, confusion about complex rules, language barriers, county errors, or you’re falsely accused, you need immediate, aggressive legal representation.

Many welfare fraud cases resolved favorably through demonstrating lack of intent, proving innocent mistakes, or negotiating civil settlements. Early attorney involvement can prevent criminal charges entirely.

Free Confidential Consultation – Available 24/7

Call (888) 315-3326 Now

Speak directly with Attorney Armando Josué Cespedes about your Long Beach welfare fraud case. Your consultation is completely free and confidential. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Contact Information

Long Beach | Downey | Lakewood | Signal Hill | Bellflower | Cerritos | Hawaiian Gardens | Paramount | Norwalk | Carson | All Los Angeles County Communities

Critical Action Items:

• Do NOT speak to county fraud investigators without attorney
• Do NOT sign any documents (repayment agreements, admissions)
• Remain silent—invoke Fifth Amendment rights
• Do NOT try to explain to investigators
• Gather all documentation (benefit applications, correspondence with county, proof of reporting attempts)
• Contact attorney immediately—even during investigation phase before charges filed

Why Act Immediately:

• Early attorney intervention can prevent criminal charges from being filed
• Negotiate civil settlement with county before prosecution begins
• Preserve evidence supporting innocent mistake defense
• Protect immigration status through strategic defense
• Your family’s benefits and your freedom depend on immediate action