WHAT IS FRAUD? (UNDERSTANDING AND FIGHTING A FRAUD CASE)
Most of us are familiar with terms like “theft” and “forgery” given that they immediately bring to mind the taking of something that does not belong to someone or making a misrepresentation in writing. When we hear the term “fraud”, we are often left confused by the exact meaning.
Fraud, technically speaking, is defined as: “A knowing misrepresentation of the truth or concealment of a material fact to induce another to act to his or her detriment. Fraud includes any intentional or deliberate act to deprive another of property or money by guile, deception, or other unfair means.” In other words, fraud is wrongful deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
When facing criminal fraud charges, the fraud is typically of two kinds: fraud against a company (either by those that work inside or by vendors or customers) and fraud against an individual (such as identity theft or schemes).
What Type Of Fraud Charges Can I Face?
Fraud charges can be filed in various ways. Most of these charges are filed as felonies given that they typically involve a significant loss and deliberate action carried out. Fraud charges may also be filed by way of a federal indictment. A federal fraud case is a very serious and complicated process with significant exposure. It is critical to be properly represented from the earliest stage possible to protect yourself. A felony criminal case can carry significant penalties and usually there are complex factors involved. For a skilled and experienced criminal lawyer, these factors mean an opportunity to formulate an intelligent defense based on the case in front of you.
There are many different types of fraud charges. You may hear many of them referred to as “White Collar Crimes” because they generally relate to financial matters and are committed by professionals or people while at work. Types of fraud cases include:
- Embezzlement
- Insurance Fraud
- Forgery
- Extortion
- Credit Card Fraud
- Bribery
- Commercial Burglary
- Mail and Health Care Fraud
- Income Tax Fraud
- Insider Trading
- Money Laundering
- False Financial Statements
- Grand Theft
- Computer Access and Fraud
- Welfare Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Workers Compensation Fraud
- Receiving Stolen Property
Every fraud case is different given the circumstances, people involved, and actions carried out. At first, some of these types of fraud may not even be perceived to be criminal actions such as when facing income tax or insurance fraud charges. There are situations where someone may have been following the advice of someone else and is now in trouble. Regardless of the type of fraud charges filed, it is critical to have an attorney on the case who knows how to navigate through the paperwork and speak to the right parties.
What Do I Do Now?
If you or a relative or friend is currently in custody, has recently been arrested, or is facing a fraud investigation or case; you must seek professional counsel. It is critical you consult with an experienced and qualified Criminal Defense Lawyer. Our California team has years of experience making pre-filing fraud intervention and resolving these cases successfully. Remember, you cannot leave your defense up to fate or the parties that are trying to convict you. Contact us now for a Free Consultation.