My fiancee is being charged with welfare fraud in california, what penalties is she looking at?

Eugene K: My fiancee is being charged with welfare fraud in california, what penalties is she looking at?
My fiancee is being charged with 16 counts of welfare fraud (felony) each check is one count, so a total of 16 checks. They said she stole $ 40,000 she have no priors, no criminal history or record. She must appear at Los Angeles, superior court in California.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Will
a large fine or prison most likely a fine. Just take the prison idea as a 15% chance. She will probably pay double if shes guilty. She can countersue also. Just find the crook

Answer by Sunnie
This would be some serious trouble. She needs to talk to an attorney and see what options are available for her. I don’t live in CA,so I don’t know the specifics of that state’s law, but I know felony fraud can most certainly land her in jail if found guilty!!

Answer by l18dreamon
Even with an excellent attorney – JAIL!

Answer by getagrip
First off, I’d make her my ex fiance, and second, she’s looking at restitution, maybe some time. Depends on how good of a lawyer she gets. Either way, she’ll carry the felony record with her, and it’ll be difficult to find a job. Are you willing to be financialy responsible for her and her kids?

Answer by R.I.P. U.S.A
naahh nah nah nahh nah nah nah hey hey goodbye.

my bet is 5 to serve 3.

Answer by just say nobama
16 checks = $ 40.000?? wow im going on welfare.that’s whats wrong with this country.well she stole 40.000..she needs so be in prison.if you steal $ 40.000 from you employer that’s where you would go.but im sure the messed up state of California will say.oh she needs it,lets give here more.make pelosi pay it.

hey R.I.P. i think your right.our country is done.

Answer by daedreamr
Your fiancee will have to pay back the 40,000.00. Your fiancee will have to do jail time and pay back the resulting fines. Having no priors will not matter because she ‘stole’ from the government. These kinds of cases usually are not negotiable.

Answer by Jan
Welfare fraud is a pretty serious offense.
The amount they stated includes all the benefits she received while she wasn’t eligible,such as cash assistance,food stamps,medical assistance,housing,child care.
She will definitely have to pay back the government for the benefits she received fraudulently and also the court fees.
She could also be looking at a large fine,jail time and losing custody of her children.