The term fraud applies to a wide range of deceptive behaviors designed to obtain another person’s property. It is a crime at both the state and federal levels, and convictions have significant consequences.
If you have been accused of fraudulent activity, our dedicated defense attorneys could assist you. Defending these charges and avoiding conviction could be possible, but having the right strategy is crucial. Our Cranberry Township fraud lawyer could help you understand your legal options. All of our lawyers are former prosecutors, which uniquely positions us to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Fraud covers a wide range of deceptive acts, each involving intentional misrepresentation for financial or personal gain. In Cranberry Township, our attorneys could defend you against the following fraud allegations.
Credit card fraud involves using someone else’s account information without their permission. This can include stealing a physical card or capturing their private information through skimming devices. Ultimately, this crime involves using stolen information to make fraudulent transactions or to illegally open lines of credit in someone else’s name.
Identity theft occurs when someone obtains and uses another person’s personal information for unlawful purposes. There are countless ways in which information, such as social security numbers, can be used to obtain benefits or loans illegally.
Insurance fraud involves making a false claim to an insurance company with the intent to gain financially. This type of fraud can be used with auto insurance or homeowner’s policies to get benefits for an accident that never happened or was intentional.
This category covers everything from writing bad checks to forging another person’s signature. Even a single falsified transaction can result in felony charges depending on the amount involved.
With the rise of technology, online scams have become increasingly common. These offenses often involve electronic communications and can be investigated by both state and federal authorities.
Fraud is a serious offense, and a conviction can impact you for the rest of your life. The primary concern for most individuals facing these charges is the possibility of incarceration. The risk of jail varies substantially from one type of offense to another, but generally, the amount of money fraudulently acquired will affect the sentence. For example, you will face misdemeanor charges if you commit credit card fraud involving goods worth less than $500. A conviction in that scenario could lead to up to 5 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. However, credit card fraud valued at more than $500 is a felony offense. The maximum possible sentence for a felony fraud case is 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
You should also be aware that collateral consequences may arise. In addition to jail time or fines, you may experience secondary effects of a conviction, such as losing your job or facing difficulty securing housing. The law also prohibits felons from owning firearms and voting, and your record could impact your legal status in this country if you are not a citizen. Our criminal defense lawyers in Cranberry Township could help you avoid the consequences of fraud charges.
If you have been accused of fraudulent activity, now is the time to explore your legal options. Our Cranberry Township fraud lawyer could represent you and get the fair outcome you deserve. Call us today for a private consultation.