Facing a felony welfare fraud charge under California Penal Code 10980 can be overwhelming, stressful, and confusing — especially if the individual accused has never been in trouble with the law before. In Roseville and the greater Placer County region, these cases are handled aggressively by prosecutors and investigated closely by the Placer County Sheriff and state agencies.
When an arrest happens under PC 10980, the stakes are high. Felony welfare fraud charges can lead to long-term legal consequences, restitution requirements, and potential jail time. Because of this, securing the services of an experienced Bail Bondsman, such as Bail House Bail Bonds, is often the first step families take to regain stability and begin building a defense.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about California Penal Code 10980 Felony, including what welfare fraud looks like, how it’s investigated, the penalties involved, and how posting a Bailbond can help during the legal process.
Penal Code 10980 makes it illegal to obtain or attempt to obtain public assistance benefits through fraudulent means. These benefits may include:
CalFresh (food stamps)
CalWORKs cash aid
Medi-Cal
General Assistance
Childcare or housing assistance
Fraud under PC 10980 can involve false statements, withholding information, using someone else’s identity, or providing misleading documentation to receive benefits.
PC 10980 is one of the most common white-collar crimes prosecuted in Placer County, especially in cities like Roseville where investigators receive frequent reports of suspected violations.
Not every welfare fraud investigation leads to a felony. In fact, minor violations can be charged as misdemeanors. However, PC 10980 becomes a felony when:
In California, fraud involving more than $950 in benefits can be charged as felony-level welfare fraud.
This includes cases where the defendant intentionally:
Concealed income
Lied about employment
Hid household members
Used forged documents
Applied for benefits in multiple counties
Using someone else’s personal information elevates the offense.
These may include prior convictions or attempts to defraud multiple state programs.
In Roseville and Placer County, felony welfare fraud cases often trigger substantial investigations before an arrest is ever made.
The Placer County Sheriff and welfare fraud investigators typically look for:
Unreported income from employment or side jobs
Failure to disclose roommates, spouses, or partners
Using false Social Security numbers
Applying for duplicate benefits in more than one jurisdiction
Misrepresenting childcare or housing expenses
Claiming dependents who do not live in the home
While some cases involve intentional fraud, many investigations arise from misunderstandings, paperwork errors, or changes in circumstances that were not properly reported.
PC 10980 cases often begin long before the defendant even realizes they are under investigation. Welfare agencies routinely audit accounts, compare databases, and cross-check information with state and federal records.
In Roseville, a welfare fraud investigation may involve:
Income reported to the IRS or Employment Development Department is compared with data provided to welfare agencies.
Neighbors, coworkers, or acquaintances may report suspected welfare fraud.
Caseworkers may notice inconsistencies or unusual changes.
In some cases, investigators may observe the home or workplace of the individual under suspicion.
Before filing charges, investigators may invite the individual to attend a “fraud interview.”
If substantial evidence exists, the case is forwarded to prosecutors, leading to an arrest and formal charges.
Felony welfare fraud is taken seriously in Placer County. Consequences can include:
A felony conviction may result in:
Up to 3 years in county jail
Felony probation
Mandatory restitution
Fines can reach $5,000 or more, depending on the severity of the fraud.
Courts require repayment of all benefits obtained through fraud. This amount can be thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.
Individuals convicted of welfare fraud may become ineligible for certain programs.
A felony conviction affects:
Employment
Housing
Licensing
Government benefits
Immigration status
Many probation orders include:
Financial review
Counseling or classes
Community service
Because of the long-term consequences associated with felony welfare fraud, securing release quickly through a Bailbond is crucial.
When charges are filed under PC 10980, the defendant may be:
Arrested at their home
Arrested at their workplace
Arrested during a traffic stop
Ordered to surrender voluntarily
The Placer County Sheriff is often the arresting agency, especially when charges originate from a county welfare office.
Once arrested, the defendant is booked and processed at the local jail. Bail is then set based on county bail schedules. For felony PC 10980 cases, bail can range from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on:
Severity of alleged fraud
Amount of loss
Prior criminal history
This is where a professional Bail Bondsman becomes essential.
Using a Bailbond through Bail House Bail Bonds provides immediate relief by:
Instead of paying thousands of dollars in full bail, families only pay a percentage.
Welfare fraud cases require:
Financial documents
Employment records
Tax statements
Communication logs
Preparing this evidence is much easier outside of jail.
Many individuals arrested for PC 10980 are working or caring for families. Obtaining quick release helps maintain stability.
A defendant who is out on bail can actively communicate with their attorney, attend meetings, and gather necessary information.
The faster the defendant is released, the sooner they can address family responsibilities and begin repairing the situation.
No. Fraud under $950 may be charged as a misdemeanor. However, larger amounts or cases involving deliberate deception often lead to felony charges under PC 10980.
Felony welfare fraud bail typically ranges from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the severity of the allegations. A Bailbond reduces the upfront cost significantly.
Yes, it is possible. Felony convictions can result in up to 3 years in jail, though many first-time offenders receive probation if restitution is paid.
In some cases, yes. Common outcomes include:
Restitution agreements
Reduced charges
Civil settlements
Diversion programs
Every case depends on its specific facts.
Possibly. A felony PC 10980 conviction can impact eligibility for certain assistance programs, but outcomes vary depending on the type of benefits.
When dealing with complex charges like felony welfare fraud, choosing the right bail agency matters. Bail House Bail Bonds is the top choice for families in Roseville and Placer County for several reasons:
They understand:
The Placer County jail system
County bail schedules
Local prosecutors and court procedures
This results in faster releases and more accurate guidance.
Welfare fraud accusations can be embarrassing or misunderstood. Bail House Bail Bonds offers nonjudgmental, private support.
No hidden fees. No gimmicks. Clear explanations of all costs involved.
Fraud-related arrests can occur at any time. Their agents are always ready to help.
They have handled numerous PC 10980 cases and understand how to navigate these specific charges efficiently.
A felony welfare fraud charge under California Penal Code 10980 is a serious matter with long-term consequences. Whether the allegations stem from misunderstandings, errors, or accusations of deliberate deception, navigating the legal process in Roseville and Placer County can feel overwhelming.
During these stressful moments, a knowledgeable Bail Bondsman becomes a crucial lifeline. Bail House Bail Bonds provides fast, reliable, and compassionate assistance — helping individuals secure release quickly and begin building their defense.