What Are the Consequences of Fraud Charges?

August 22, 2024

Fraud charges can alter your life dramatically, whether the accusations consist of identity theft, credit card fraud, or wire fraud. They carry severe penalties if a court finds you liable in a civil case or guilty in a criminal one, which can look like heavy fines or extended jail time.

If a prosecutor brings criminal fraud charges against you, you need an experienced West Chester criminal defense lawyer to defend your rights and advocate for your interests in court. Our lawyers at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes have put together a comprehensive overview of what you can expect if charged with fraud.

What Is Fraud?

When a person or entity commits fraud, they engage in deceit or trickery to gain an unfair or unlawful benefit, which usually results in financial harm to another party. Identity theft, one of the most common types of criminal fraud, involves stealing another person’s personal information to assume their identity and drain personal funds. Mortgage scams, another common type of fraud, target distressed homeowners with misleading or disingenuous real estate plans with the aim of siphoning more cash from them.

Other common types of fraud include embezzlement, insurance fraud, tax evasion, and securities fraud. Each has specific elements that attorneys must account for in court, but each involves intentional deception for personal gain.

What Are the Legal Penalties for Fraud?

Depending on the nature and severity of the offense in question, the consequences can vary in type and severity. Misdemeanor fraud charges can result in shorter jail sentences, fines, or community service. However, felony fraud charges can result in lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and victim restitution.

Additionally, the scale of the fraud can increase the scale of the penalties: federal fraud generally carries harsher penalties than state- or personal-level fraud does. If the case involves a public institution, as in securities or healthcare fraud, you may need to deal with mandatory minimum sentences.

How Can Fraud Charges Affect Your Personal and Professional Life?

A guilty fraud verdict can give you a permanent criminal record, which can make it difficult for you to find future employment, secure housing, or apply for professional licenses — especially if background checks are involved.

Plus, the social stigma can affect how your friends and colleagues view your trustworthiness, which can lead to isolation, difficulties for your loved ones, and issues with your mental health.

Are There Defenses Against Fraud Charges?

Just because a party accuses you of fraud, it does not mean that you are out of legal options. For example, to prevail in court against you, the prosecution must prove that you intended to commit fraud. If, however, you can persuasively demonstrate that you did not intend to deceive or that you made an honest mistake, the court may dismiss the charges.

If you believe that entrapment was involved — which occurs when law enforcement officials induce you to commit a crime for the purpose of making an arrest — you could raise that as a defense. And if the prosecutor lacks sufficient evidence or a thorough investigation, the court could throw out the charges.

However, in all these cases, we strongly urge you to contact an experienced West Chester criminal defense lawyer to explore all possible defenses, develop a robust strategy, and present your best possible case in court.

What Should You Do if You Are Charged With Fraud?

If you receive word that a prosecutor or entity has levied fraud charges against you, we highly recommend getting in touch with an experienced fraud defense lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and represent your interests.

A seasoned lawyer will likely request that you gather and provide any documentation or evidence that may support your case — this could include financial records, emails, letters, text messages, and witness statements.

Lastly, avoid discussing your case without your lawyer present. The prosecution can potentially use anything you say against you in court.

Contact the West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyers at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes Today

Fraud charges can impact your life dramatically, but you should not face them alone. Contact the West Chester criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes to mount your best possible defense against the accusations. Call us at 610-431-7900 or complete our online form for a free initial consultation. Our West Chester, Pennsylvania, office serves clients in Chester County, Bucks County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County.