Fairfax Fraud Lawyer

The term “fraud,” in its broadest terms, involves the act of deceiving someone for personal and/or financial gain. This includes allegations of falsifying documents to obtain money for services that were not provided, or to gain access to someone’s financial holdings. Fraud charges are defined by the Code of Virginia, Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally) Chapter 6 (Crimes Involving Fraud.)

Convictions for these offenses often come with severe penalties including fines and jail time so if accused it’s important that you contact a Fairfax fraud lawyer as soon as possible so they can begin to build your defense. Our experienced criminal attorneys are passionate about defending people’s rights.

Types of Fraud in Fairfax

Examples of various fraud charges that you may face that warrant contact with a Fairfax attorney include, but are not necessarily limited to:

Obtaining Money by False Pretenses

Section 18.2-178 makes it illegal to intentionally defraud someone to obtain money or goods or services of monetary value. In lay terms, false pretenses means the defendant is accused of misrepresenting the truth in order to obtain the money or property. A false pretense could be a forged signature on a document or a false statement. This is a Class 4 felony.

Forging Public Records and Falsifying Transcripts/Diplomas

Per Section 18.2-168, it is illegal to forge any public record, return, or certificate of any public agency or officer. This is a Class 4 felony.

A person who alters or falsifies a diploma or transcript from a university or college may be found guilty under Section 18.2-172.1. It must be proven, however, that the falsification or alteration was to further a person’s professional or financial gain. This is a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Money Laundering

Section 18.2-246.3. states that a person who knowingly conducts a financial transaction where the person knows the property involved represents the proceeds of an illegal activity may be found guilty of money laundering. The maximum penalty for this fraud offense is up to forty (40) years and a fine up to $500,000 making it imperative that a Fairfax lawyer is contacting as soon as possible.

Subsection B notes that any person who converts cash into electronic funds for another, and who knows the cash resulted from some form of felonious activity, may be found guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any second or subsequent violation is punishable as a Class 6 felony.

False Statements or the Failure to Disclose Material Fact

According to 18.2-186.2, false statements or failing to disclose material fact to obtain local, state, or federal housing assistance is illegal and punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Credit Card Theft and Forgery

Per Section 18.2-192, it is unlawful to knowingly take possession of someone’s credit card information with the intent to use it and without the consent of the owner.

An individual isn’t allowed to intentionally defraud someone, an issuer, or an organization by falsely providing credit account information. This includes the use of a credit card by someone who is not the holder of the card and who is not authorized to use the account.

Writing Bad Checks

According to Section 18.2-181, it is illegal to draft, make, order, or deliver a check as payment from an account that does not have sufficient funds.

What are the Possible Penalties for a Fraud Conviction?

In the interest of full disclosure, you need to know what type of penalties you face if you are charged and convicted of fraud. A dedicated Fairfax attorney can go into more detail about the possibility of getting your fraud charges reduced, or eliminated. The following, however, are potential penalties for misdemeanor and felony fraud convictions.

• A Class 1 misdemeanor for making false statements to obtain public housing assistance and money laundering can result in 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

• A Class 2 felony can result in a minimum of 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Depending on the circumstances and the charge, you could be sentenced to life in prison.

• Obtaining money through false pretenses and forging public records may be filed as a Class 4 felony. If convicted, you could face two to 10 years in prison plus a fine up to $100,000.

• A Class 5 felony for credit card forgery can range from one year to 10 years in prison, or a jail sentence of up to 12 months and/or a $2,500 fine.

• Class 3 misdemeanors, which may be filed in cases involving falsification of a transcript or diploma, may be punishable by a fine up to $500.

Fraud is a wrongful criminal deception via false statements or otherwise that an individual does to obtain money or services. The possible penalties for these cases can range from 12 months in jail and up to $2,500 fine if the fraud is under $200. If it is over $200, it would be up to five years in jail and a much higher fine. The most common penalties in these cases are Class I misdemeanor charges. Since most fraud cases do not typically involve a great deal of money, penalties can range from probation to up to a year in jail.

Plea Deals for Fraud Charges

If charged with fraud, there is an increased likelihood of a plea deal if an individual can pay back any funds that were stolen. Typically, this involves some sort of restitution paid back to the hearing date. If that is the case, you either have a charge to produce or the punishment may be given.

Fraud cases that include a lower amount of money are more likely to lead to a plea deal. With a case where the amount in question is under $200, it is more likely to lead to a plea deal.

What Are the Possible Defenses for Fighting a Fraud Charge?

A dedicated Fairfax lawyer will have the experience and knowledge needed to craft a defense tailored to the facts of your fraud case. Defense strategies are often complex and involve a variety of factors, though the general approach is to show that the Commonwealth lacks the evidence necessary to prove your alleged crime. This is typically referred to as insufficient evidence.

Your attorney may also challenge the legality of the evidence presented against you, or establish a defense based on reasonable doubt. Some strategies include a combination of these methods and more. Absence of intent to commit fraud is another defense that may be exercised in your case. Intent is the foundation of the vast majority of fraud allegations. Other potential defense strategies include entrapment and arguing the statements at issue were not false. Your local attorney may challenge whether the alleged fraudulent statements you made were opinion or fact, rather than motivated to defraud an individual or organization. In many cases, those accused of fraud are unaware that the statements they made or the actions they took could be considered fraudulent.

Consult with a Fairfax Fraud Attorney

Being charged with fraud can be a worrisome and time-consuming process, which is why it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. By contacting a Fairfax fraud lawyer you are taking an important step toward minimizing the harm of your charges. Call today to set up a free consultation to discuss your specific case and the legal options at your disposal.

A person charged with this offense should contact a lawyer for several reasons. Primarily, the possible implications of a criminal conviction, if you are convicted, can be up to a year in jail and up to $2,500 fine. In addition, it will likely affect your employment. It is a crime of moral turpitude, so it could result in the loss of your job or the loss of future employment.