Frederick Fraud Lawyer
Fraud is a broad category under the law that includes a variety of activities, such as identity theft, counterfeiting, and forgery. Some forms of fraud are punishable by up to 20 years in prison. If you are facing any of these types of charges, it may be beneficial to seek assistance from an experienced Frederick fraud lawyer who could help with your case. A seasoned attorney could advise you regarding what steps to take when facing these criminal charges as well as work to protect your constitutional rights.
Types of Criminal Fraud
The local laws prohibit several forms of fraud, including activities that involve:
- Writing bad checks
- Creating fake checks
- Insurance fraud
- Healthcare fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Counterfeiting
- Identity theft
Many of these offenses also involve forgery, a related criminal offense. For example, a person who steals a check and attempts to cash it by forging the name of the account holder can be charged with check fraud.
Pyramid schemes are also considered fraud. Under state law, pyramid promotional schemes and are described as business operations that require payment to join and only compensate members after they recruit other paying individuals to join. A local attorney could explain what activities constitute different forms of fraud under the law.
Sanctions for Fraud and Counterfeiting Offenses in Frederick
The sanctions for fraud convictions include incarceration and fines. The length of confinement and the amount of the fine depend on the specific offense. Other factors, such as prior arrests or convictions for fraud, could also have an impact on the sanctions imposed at sentencing.
Selling or offering to sell identification cards with an incorrect name or date of birth, such as a fake ID for someone under the legal age, is punishable by up to two years in prison and fines up to $2,000. The penalties for certain types of credit card fraud, such as creating fake cards, can include a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine.
The sanctions for operating or advertising a pyramid scheme may include a one-year jail sentence and up to $10,000 in fines. The penalties imposed for writing bad checks depend on the total amount of money the accused attempted to take, although the consequences could involve spending up to 20 years in prison and paying $25,000 in fines. A Frederick lawyer skilled in handling these types of cases could explain the sanctions associated with convictions for specific forms of fraud.
Consult a Frederick Fraud Attorney
Fraud is a serious criminal offense. Even misdemeanor charges can result in a jail sentence if you are found guilty. If you are charged with any form of fraudulent behavior, contacting a Frederick fraud lawyer could be the best decision you make when trying to protect your rights.
An attorney from our dedicated team could speak on your behalf during court proceedings, so that you do not have to take on the pressure of representing yourself in a criminal trial. Consult with an attorney today to discuss your legal options.
