Auto insurance fraud is a crime in California. It is also a crime to make a referral to an auto repair shop for fraud. California uses Penal Code 549 to prosecute this criminal act. Individuals who make a referral when they know it will lead to a false auto insurance claim can face this charge.
PC 549 can result in felony charges in Los Angeles. A conviction can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in fines, as well as incarceration. Get additional information about how to fight PC 549 violations from the Simmrin Law Group. Just call us at (310) 997-4688.
Information About Referrals to Auto Repair Shops for Fraud
PC 549 is used in very specific cases to handle crimes related to auto insurance fraud. Individuals face this charge if they know someone intends to submit a false auto insurance claim and they still refer them to an auto repair shop.
Auto repair shops can also face charges for a PC 549 violation. This occurs if the auto repair shop attempts to get business while knowing it will result in a fake auto insurance claim. The state of California can also bring these charges against:
- Associations
- Corporations
- Firms
- Partnerships
Individuals can face PC 549 charges if they make a referral as part of their job. Call now to get additional information about how to fight PC 549 accusations with an auto insurance fraud lawyer in Los Angeles.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving California, call (310) 928-9347
How to Fight Auto Insurance Fraud Charges in California
PC 549 is tied closely to charges for auto insurance fraud. Auto insurance fraud occurs anytime someone tries to get money out of an auto insurance company through deceit.
There are many different ways to commit auto insurance fraud in California. Individuals can face this charge if they:
- Submit false claims or statements
- Stage car accidents
- Damage their vehicle on purpose
- Claim that the damage to a vehicle is more severe than it actually is
- Bribe people to get business for an auto repair shop
Auto insurance fraud is a white-collar crime. White-collar crimes are treated harshly in California, even though they don’t involve causing physical harm to other people. The team at the Simmrin Law Group is here to help with these charges. Find out how by calling (310) 997-4688.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 928-9347
Results of a Conviction Under PC 549
Making referrals to auto repair shops for fraud is a “wobbler” charge in California. This means individuals can face misdemeanor or felony charges. The prosecution looks at an individual’s past criminal record and current charges when deciding how to handle PC 549 offenses.
The penalties for a conviction vary, depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor charges are less serious. A conviction of a misdemeanor could result in:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Incarceration of up to one year
Felony convictions, on the other hand, can lead to:
- Fines of up to $50,000
- Incarceration of up to three years
In some cases, the fines for a PC 549 violation are much higher. The court could order an individual to repay twice the dollar value of the money they gained through fraud. This could substantially raise the normal fines for a PC 549 conviction.
Click to contact our California Penal Code today
Possible Defenses
You do not have to simply accept a PC 549 conviction. Reach out to a white-collar crime lawyer today to get legal assistance with your defense. A lawyer can work to show that:
- You did not know the individual you referred planned to commit fraud
- You were mistakenly accused of making a referral
- You were coerced into giving a confession
We can handle all aspects of your legal case here in Los Angeles. Our team works to build defenses for clients in situations similar to yours. You can depend on us to provide you with up-to-date information about your claim. Let us work to get your charges reduced, dismissed, or otherwise resolved.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Talk to a Lawyer About Penal Code 549 Charges
Contact us if you were accused of making a referral to auto repair shops for fraud. Let us handle Penal Code 549 charges for you and help you build your defense. Learn more by calling (310) 997-4688. We also have an online contact form.
Review your legal options right now with a free consultation. Don’t delay in getting legal help in your corner.
Call or text (310) 928-9347 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form