Utah Fraud Lawyer
Facing fraud charges can be extremely stressful and confusing. Because fraud charges are often used as a catch-all bucket for white collar crimes, many people are understandably overwhelmed by the possible penalties and the details of their charges. Learn about the different types of fraud and the penalties that may come with being convicted of fraud. Above all, ensure that you have a trustworthy and qualified Utah fraud lawyer at your side to protect your rights.
"I learned a lot by talking to this attorney."
What is Fraud?
Too often, people who have simply made honest mistakes or who lied out of desperation without understanding the gravity of their actions will face unforgiving fraud charges. This can be understandably confusing and disorienting, especially because processes involving insurance, healthcare, and business can be difficult to understand already. Working with a trustworthy Utah fraud lawyer such as Branson West Law is the best way to protect your rights.
Fraud charges encompass various different crimes involving finances, investing and insurance. Examples of fraud include:
Even if you have not taken unauthorized funds from your employer, unfortunately you may face embezzlement charges as a result of making an honest mistake.
If you lie to a bank in order to get a loan, you may face charges for bank fraud.
While checks are less common now, it is still important to understand that if you write a check knowing you don’t have sufficient funds for that check to go through, you are committing check fraud. Credit card fraud often occurs in conjunction with identity theft, when someone tries to use someone else’s personal credit card. Other situations that can be charged as credit card fraud include attempting to steal credit card information, billing someone’s credit card for goods or services they did not purchase, and lying on a credit card application.
Lying to your insurance company with the aim of getting a larger payout for an incident or in order to get a lower insurance rate is insurance fraud.
Lying about yourself, your health or the health of someone in your care in order to get welfare, disability, or other social security benefits is a form of fraud.
Investor fraud encompasses real estate scams, Ponzi schemes and any other situation in which someone convinces another person to give them money by fabricating an investment opportunity.
Potential Penalties
Fraud falls under the umbrella of theft, and penalties for theft depend on the amount of money in question. Fraud convictions can range from a class B misdemeanor to a second-degree felony depending on how much money was involved.
- In cases involving less than $500, the potential penalty is a class B misdemeanor. This is punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and six months in jail
- Cases involving $500-$1,499 are class A misdemeanors, meaning penalties can include fines up to $2,500 and up to 364 days in jail
- If your fraud case involves $1,499-$4,999, you may face a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine up to $5,000
- Fraud cases involving over $5,000 are second-degree felonies, which can come with a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000
With prison time and serious financial consequences on the line, building the best defense possible is crucial in maintaining your rights and freedoms. Finding a qualified and compassionate Utah fraud lawyer such as Branson West Law is the first step in doing so.
Find an Experienced Utah Fraud Lawyer
If you’re facing fraud charges, there are serious and life-altering consequences on the line. Finding a Utah fraud lawyer who truly understands cases of this nature is the best way to approach this challenging experience.
With over 15 years as a criminal defense attorney, Branson West Law is thoroughly experienced and knowledgeable about fraud cases. Branson West Law is compassionate and understanding and will work hard to defend your rights, regardless of the circumstances of your case.
With potential jail time on the line, facing fraud charges is not something you should take on without help and representation. Branson West Law is a dedicated Utah fraud lawyer prepared to take on your case. Schedule your free consultation today!
