Mission Viejo Construction Fraud Lawyer

Trusted Construction Fraud Attorney in Mission Viejo, CA

Construction is one of the most important industries in California and throughout the US, and it is also one of the most heavily regulated. Unfortunately, some people choose to take advantage of others through construction projects in various ways. If you believe this has happened to you, it is crucial to speak with a Mission Viejo construction fraud lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you connect with legal counsel, the more time your attorney has to build your case.

Experienced Legal Counsel for Construction Fraud Cases in Mission Viejo, CA

The attorneys at Engels O’Brien have decades of combined experience handling a wide range of construction law cases in Mission Viejo and surrounding communities of Orange County, including construction fraud cases. These cases can arise in various ways and can easily lead to disruptions in work and heavy financial losses. Any party found guilty of construction fraud is also likely to face criminal charges that could result in fines and imprisonment.

In 2023, the US non-residential construction sector accounted for about $979.5 billion in spending, and as much as about 10% of this was attributed to fraud. That same year, almost 75% of commercial construction, infrastructure, and engineering companies across the US reported experiencing some type of fraud.

Our firm represents property owners, contractors, developers, and other parties that have been accused of fraud, and we can also help clients who wish to investigate suspected construction fraud. With an extensive record of success with these cases throughout Orange County, we are confident we can guide you through the legal proceedings necessary to resolve any allegation of construction fraud in the Mission Viejo area.

What to Expect From Your Mission Viejo Construction Fraud Lawyer

When you believe you have encountered any type of construction fraud, or if you have been accused of any type of construction fraud, it is crucial to hire a construction fraud lawyer who has proven experience handling cases similar to yours. At Engels O’Brien, we have resolved many cases involving: 

• Accounting fraud. Construction fraud cases may involve billing for services that were never performed, intentionally over-billing for materials and labor, or intentionally misrepresenting project financial data.
• Licensing fraud. The Contractor State Licensing Board (CSLB) currently manages about 290,000 actively licensed contractors across 44 specializations in California. A contractor could be charged with fraud if they misrepresent their qualifications or present any fraudulent license.
• Procurement fraud. Construction projects often require multiple interconnected parties, including contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and material suppliers. Some cases involve conflicts of interest, such as failure to disclose relationships between these parties, unmerited contract awards, and unauthorized purchases.
• Bid rigging. Construction companies compete on bids for various projects. When these companies conspire to rig bids, corner markets, or share pricing information, this is both illegal and unfair to clients who expect honest competition between contractors.
• False Claims Act cases. Construction fraud that occurs in connection with any type of government project can lead to severe penalties. Some of these cases can involve misrepresentation of work performed, intentional overbilling, procurement, and regulatory compliance.

These are just a few examples of how construction fraud cases might arise in Mission Viejo. Whether you are accused of fraud or believe you are the victim of any type of construction fraud, it is crucial to hire a construction fraud lawyer with proven experience to represent you in the difficult legal proceedings ahead of you.

If you are accused of construction fraud, you need an attorney you can trust to protect your professional reputation and minimize disruptions to your business. You also face significant financial losses, even if you know you have done nothing wrong, due to the potential expenses related to litigation. If you have a claim for damages regarding construction fraud of any kind, you need a skilled attorney to pursue accountability and fair compensation.

Ultimately, these are complex cases, and any party accused of construction fraud potentially faces severe penalties. The team at Engels O’Brien has years of proven experience handling these cases for clients in Mission Viejo and throughout Orange County. We are confident we can help you resolve your case efficiently, so reach out to our firm right away to learn how a Mission Viejo construction fraud attorney can assist you.

FAQs

What Are Construction Fraud Penalties in California?

In California, construction fraud penalties may include disciplinary action from a licensing board, such as suspension or revocation of a contractor license, and also criminal penalties from the state. Fraud typically qualifies as a felony, and the defendant’s penalties if convicted could include heavy fines and incarceration.

Can You Sue a Contractor for a Work Defect in California?

Yes, you can sue a contractor for a work defect in California. However, if the defect is spotted relatively quickly after work was done, then the property owner must provide the contractor an opportunity to fix it under California’s Right to Repair Act. If, however, the defect went unnoticed for a long time and has caused extensive damages, then the property owner likely has grounds to file a civil claim against the contractor for the results of the defect.

What Damages Can You Claim in a Construction Fraud Case?

The damages you can claim in a construction fraud case typically depend on the nature of the fraud and the scope of the damages you suffered. For example, accounting fraud may have led to overbilling and other economic losses. Your Mission Viejo construction fraud lawyer can calculate all of the damages you are eligible to claim from the defendant.

Why Should I Hire a Construction Fraud Lawyer in Mission Viejo?

You should hire a construction fraud lawyer in Mission Viejo on either side of this type of case. If you have been accused of fraud, you need an attorney you can trust to clear your name and help you avoid unjust penalties. If you believe you are the victim of any type of construction fraud, you need legal counsel to help you hold the fraudulent party accountable and recover compensation for your damages.

The team at Engels O’Brien is confident we can guide you to a positive resolution to any type of construction fraud case in Mission Viejo. You have a short time to build and file your claim, and you can rely on our team for assistance through all litigation your case entails. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with an experienced Mission Viejo construction fraud lawyer.