California Mother/Daughter Face Federal Fraud Charges and Bail Issues
Accused of defrauding mortgage lenders for about $5 million, mother and daughter are facing serious federal charges following an arrest by the FBI. Now, the Greek American duo face problems trying to convince a federal judge to release them on bond so that they can travel to Greece.
The 49 year old mother Helen Sotiriadis and 23 year old daughter Irene Sotiriadis are accused of selling 30 properties to Cambodian nationals, promising the buyers that their mortgage payments would drop after time. The women inflated the buyers incomes on financing applications and all of the homes went into foreclosure.
Both women have obtained representation and their lawyers are arguing they need to be released on bail to see a relative perform in a televised talent competition in their native Greece.
When someone is released on bail it means the judge has determined they will return and don’t pose a threat to themselves or the community. The problem with this case is that the judge must be convinced the women will return to face the charges after visiting Greece for several months, a decision not easily made.
The process of bringing someone back to the United States on criminal charges is called “extradition.” As this article from the Sacramento Bee points out, extraditing people from Greece is not that easy if not downright impossible.
Although this case points out some extremes, these are decisions that judges on the state level make everyday, determining if defendants can be released pending future court dates. When making that decision a judge will look at your criminal history and your ties to the community (employment, family), all indications of whether you would stick around or not.
Whether you are facing fraud charges or drug charges, getting out pending trial is a big matter. You may have a job and family to tend to and you can’t handle your business when you are sitting behind bars.
As experienced criminal defense attorneys, we have helped numerous clients facing a variety of criminal charges. We can help you explain to the judge why you should be released on bond, fight your charges at trial, or help you even work out a plea bargain with the prosecution.
In order to help you with your case, however, I need to know the details. Call me today to discuss your case and to see how I may be able to help.
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