Fraud Attorney In Edmonds

Strategic Defense When Fraud Allegations Threaten Your Future

If you have been accused of fraud or learned that you are under investigation, you are facing a situation that can affect your freedom, career, and reputation. You may be unsure what to say, who to talk to, or how serious this might become. I am a fraud attorney Edmonds clients can turn to for clear guidance and focused criminal defense. For more than 30 years, I have represented people across the Greater Puget Sound area in criminal, civil, and administrative matters. I also served as a prosecutor, which means I understand how law enforcement and charging attorneys build fraud cases. At Johanson Law Group, Inc., I personally handle each case from start to finish and work to protect both your rights and your long-term interests.

Facing fraud charges? Contact us for a free and confidential case analysis at (425) 341-4347 or using our online contact form!

Facing Fraud Allegations In Edmonds

Fraud allegations can arise in many different ways. You might have received a call from an Edmonds Police detective, a letter from a bank or insurer, or notice from an employer or government agency about suspected financial misconduct. Sometimes people first hear about a problem when they are served with a criminal complaint in Snohomish County Superior Court, depending on where the conduct is alleged to have occurred.

In Washington, fraud-related accusations can involve claims that someone used false information or omitted important facts to obtain money, property, services, or a benefit. That can include issues tied to business records, credit or loan applications, unemployment or other benefits, insurance claims, or online transactions. These situations often involve extensive documents and electronic records, and they can move from quiet inquiries to formal charges more quickly than most people expect. Potential consequences depend on the specific charge and the amount at issue. A fraud conviction can bring jail or prison time, probation, restitution, and significant fines. It may also result in a permanent criminal record that background checks will reveal. For professionals or business owners, allegations can lead to licensing questions, contract disputes, or civil lawsuits that move alongside the criminal process.

Beyond legal penalties, there are serious collateral risks. Employers may suspend or terminate someone who is under investigation. Professional boards can start their own disciplinary actions. For non-citizens, certain fraud-related convictions can have immigration consequences. These layers of risk are why people in the Edmonds area often feel overwhelmed as soon as allegations surface. At the same time, fraud cases are not always as clear as they may appear in a report. Disputes about business practices, misunderstandings in paperwork, and honest mistakes can be treated as intentional misconduct if the facts are not fully presented. My role is to review what has happened, help you understand what the government or opposing party believes, and begin building a response that takes both the charges and your broader situation into account.

How I Defend Fraud Cases

Fraud cases are often built on long timelines and large volumes of records. Investigators and prosecutors may conclude a person’s intent from emails, contracts, accounting entries, or forms. My work as a fraud lawyer Edmonds residents can rely on starts with a careful look at the details. I focus on how the investigation began, what evidence has been collected, and what assumptions are driving the allegations.

Intent is central in many fraud charges. The government usually must show that someone intended to deceive or mislead. In practice, that means small pieces of information can be taken out of context. I work with clients to understand the full picture, including business practices, internal procedures, and the circumstances surrounding each transaction or document. Often, there is another way to interpret events, and that is where preparation matters.

My prior experience as a prosecutor informs how I approach these cases. I have seen how local authorities and, when appropriate, federal agencies in the Western District of Washington evaluate potential fraud matters. That perspective helps me anticipate which issues may concern them most, how charging decisions are made, and where the evidence may be weaker than it appears on paper. It also assists in identifying whether there have been problems with how evidence was gathered or how interviews were conducted.

In many situations, there are opportunities to address concerns before or after charges are filed. That might involve providing context, pointing out gaps in the evidence, or negotiating resolutions that reflect the actual conduct rather than the worst-case version of events. When cases proceed in Snohomish County Superior Court or another court in the region, I prepare carefully for hearings and trials. I review reports, records, and witness statements in detail and discuss strategy with my clients so they understand available options.

Throughout this process, I stay directly involved. I do not hand fraud cases off to junior lawyers. Clients work with me on evidence review, preparation for interviews, and court appearances. My goal is to offer realistic assessments, explain what each step means for you, and pursue the approach that best protects your rights, your record, and your future.

What To Do If You Are Investigated

When someone in the Edmonds area learns that they are under investigation for suspected fraud, the first instinct is often to explain everything right away. That can create a serious risk. What you say in a phone call or meeting with law enforcement, a government agency, or a private investigator can be used later, even if you were trying to clear up a misunderstanding.

People may be contacted by Edmonds Police, the Snohomish County Sheriff, state agencies, or, in some cases, federal authorities. Each of these has its own procedures, and the person who calls you is usually already gathering information. Before you answer questions or provide documents, it is important to understand your position and your rights. Early advice from a fraud attorney Edmonds residents trust can make a real difference in how these interactions unfold.

When you learn of a fraud investigation, there are several immediate steps to consider:

• Stay calm and avoid making detailed statements until you have spoken with an attorney.
• Preserve any documents, emails, messages, or records that may relate to the issue.
• Do not alter, destroy, or ask others to change records, even if you believe there is a mistake.
• Keep information about the situation private and avoid discussing details with coworkers or friends.
• Contact my office promptly to schedule a confidential consultation so we can review what has happened.

When you contact me, we can discuss who has reached out to you, what they have asked for, and what information they may already have. I can then help you decide whether to provide documents, respond through counsel, or decline an interview. In some cases, my involvement early in the process allows us to address questions before they become formal charges.

This early stage is also the right time to begin organizing your own information. Together, we can identify which records may be important, where they are located, and how they fit into the broader picture. By preparing in this way, you gain a clearer understanding of your situation and are in a better position to make thoughtful decisions as the investigation moves forward.

Why Clients Turn To My Firm

When people in Edmonds and nearby communities look for help with fraud allegations, they need more than a list of charges and penalties. They want someone who understands what is at stake and who will take ownership of the case. I have practiced law in the Greater Puget Sound area for over 30 years, and my work has included criminal defense, civil litigation, real estate disputes, and administrative hearings. This range gives me a broader view of how fraud-related issues can affect many parts of a person’s life.

Clients who come to Johanson Law Group, Inc. work directly with me. From the initial consultation through the final resolution, I am the attorney who reviews your records, communicates with the court and opposing counsel, and appears with you in hearings. That direct involvement allows me to understand both the legal and personal aspects of your situation and to adjust strategy as circumstances change.

My background as a prosecutor is another reason clients choose my firm. Having been on the other side of criminal cases, I am familiar with the pressures, policies, and constraints that government attorneys face. In fraud matters, that perspective helps in evaluating how a case may look from the prosecution’s side and where there may be room to challenge evidence or negotiate.

Fraud allegations can also trigger civil lawsuits, contract claims, or professional discipline. Because my practice includes civil litigation and administrative hearings, I can address related disputes while managing the criminal case. For someone who is a business owner or licensed professional, handling these issues together often provides a more coordinated and efficient approach. I am familiar with courts in Snohomish County and throughout the Greater Puget Sound area. Familiarity with local procedures and expectations helps me prepare clients for what to expect at each step. My goal in every case is to reduce the stress that comes with fraud accusations, provide honest and informed advice, and work diligently to pursue the best outcome that the facts and law will support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I talk to investigators before I call you?

It is usually safer to speak with an attorney before answering questions. Investigators and agency representatives are gathering information, and your statements can be used later. I can help you decide whether to answer, decline, or respond through counsel after we review your situation.

What penalties could I face for a fraud charge?

Possible penalties depend on the exact charge, the amount at issue, and your prior record. They can include jail or prison, probation, fines, and restitution. There may also be employment, licensing, and immigration consequences. I can explain likely ranges after I understand the specific allegations.

How will your past work as a prosecutor help me?

My previous work as a prosecutor gives me insight into how cases are investigated, charged, and prepared for trial. I understand what evidence government attorneys tend to rely on and where weaknesses often appear. I use that perspective to evaluate the case against you and to plan a defense strategy.

What happens at our first meeting about my case?

During our first meeting, I will listen to your account of what has happened and review any documents or notices you have received. I will explain the legal framework, outline potential next steps, and discuss how I can assist. You will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Can you help if my fraud case is federal?

I handle both state and federal criminal matters. If your case is in federal court, for example, in the Western District of Washington, the procedures and potential penalties differ from state court. I can walk you through those differences and discuss options specific to your federal situation.

Talk With An Attorney About Your Fraud Case

If you are facing a fraud investigation or charge, you do not have to navigate it alone. Speaking with an experienced attorney who understands financial allegations, local courts, and the broader impact on your life can help you move from uncertainty toward a plan.

When you contact Johanson Law Group, Inc., you speak with the attorney who will handle your case, not an assistant or intake department. I will review your situation, explain what you are dealing with, and discuss how I can help. There is no obligation to move forward, and our conversation is confidential. Whether your matter is in Edmonds, elsewhere in Snohomish County, or in another part of the Greater Puget Sound area, I am available to talk with you about next steps. I work to protect your rights, clarify your options, and provide steady guidance during a difficult time.

Call (425) 341-4347 to schedule a confidential consultation today.