A Lynwood woman faces federal charges for identity theft and mail fraud. According to the US Attorney’s Office, the woman used the identity and bar license number of a California attorney. The woman used the information to fool clients into believing she was an immigration attorney. The woman also filed immigration petitions on behalf of clients.

Allegedly, the woman took thousands of dollars from dozens of clients seeking legal immigration status in the United States. In some cases, the woman actually filed the immigration petitions. In other cases, she pocketed the money. She also created false immigration papers that one person used to enter the United States.

A number of the clients became suspicious after she directed them to go to US Customs and Immigration Services to pick up their green cards. Once there, they discovered that they did not have permanent resident status.

According to US officials, the fake immigration filings the woman entered on behalf of her clients could impair legal immigration.US Customs and Immigration Services forwarded the matter to Homeland Security Investigations. Investigators there uncovered the scheme and then discovered the fraud.

She could face as much as 20 years in prison if convicted on mail fraud charges. She also could receive a mandatory consecutive sentence of 2 years for aggravated Identity Theft.

Lynwood identity theft attorney

Money often motivates identity theft. In this case, a woman allegedly posed as a court officer and conducted court business. Federal authorities take such cases very seriously. When you face identity theft charges in either federal or state court, hire an experienced attorney like Robert Helfend. Mr. Helfend has nearly 35 years of experience in courtroom criminal defense. He takes cases in both federal and state courts.

The right Attorney can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. An experienced attorney knows what the prosecution will do. A good defense attorney will attempt to get the charges against you reduced or dropped. In addition, a good defense attorney will fight to have important evidence against you excluded. He or she will also work to blunt the impact of a conviction on sentencing.

Don’t settle for an attorney who won’t fight aggressively for you. Contact Robert Helfend or call toll-free at (800) 834-6434, (310) 456-3317, (818) 591-2809 or (805) 273-5611 for an immediate consultation on your Los Angeles County identity theft case.

Photo Credit: Karn Bulsuk, via Flickr.com

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