Los Angeles, CA – Kickback Scheme Convictions: A California appeals court overturned 33 of 37 felony convictions against attorney Jon Woods on Tuesday. The court ruled that prosecutors improperly charged him with a general crime that carried harsher penalties instead of a more specific, lesser offense.
Appeals Court Cites Improper Charges
The 4th District Court of Appeal determined that prosecutors violated the “Williamson rule.” This rule prohibits charging a defendant with a broader crime carrying a harsher sentence when a more specific, lesser offense applies. Consequently, the ruling drastically reduced Woods’ convictions and associated sentencing enhancements.
Sentencing and Restitution Vacated
As a result of the court’s decision, it reversed a white-collar sentencing enhancement. Additionally, it vacated a $700,000 restitution order that Woods was supposed to pay to 17 insurers. Only four convictions remain intact after the appeal. Kickback Scheme Convictions
Background: Kickback Scheme and Conviction
In August 2022, an Orange County jury convicted Woods on 37 felony counts of insurance fraud. The charges arose from a scheme where Woods referred copy and subpoena work in exchange for kickbacks or client referrals.
In October 2022, the court sentenced him to four years in state prison. Moreover, he was ordered to pay restitution exceeding $700,000 to 17 insurers.
Williamson Rule Prohibits Harsher Charges
Woods argued that the Williamson rule should have prevented his conviction on most counts. The court agreed, noting that Counts 5 through 37 accused Woods of concealing or withholding information from an insurance company that affected entitlement to benefits. However, his conduct fell under a different legal provision, which classifies the same behavior as a misdemeanor offense for referring work to third-party services in exchange for compensation.
Impact on Future Sentencing and Restitution
With most convictions overturned, Woods’ sentence and restitution order must be reconsidered. Legal experts suggest that this decision underscores the importance of applying the correct statutory charges. Moreover, it highlights the consequences of charging defendants with broader crimes that impose harsher penalties.
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