The term “fraud” encompasses a wide range of deception-based crimes, ranging from credit card theft to forging documents. Because of this, knowing what to expect when charged with fraud is difficult. A Newark fraud lawyer could ensure you understand the charges and assess the evidence against you. An experienced criminal defense attorney could also help you avoid mistakes that can hurt your case while putting together the best possible defense for you.
Fraud can include multiple crimes with different penalties. Generally, any type of crime that involves deceiving others to get some sort of benefit is considered fraud, like forgery, credit card fraud, bank fraud, or insurance fraud. For example, submitting an insurance claim for an accident that did not happen is considered insurance fraud. Using someone else’s credit card without permission is credit card fraud. Fraud can also involve making an item for sale appear more valuable than it is, including lowering the mileage on a used car to get a higher price.
The penalties for a fraud conviction vary significantly depending on the type of fraud and the seriousness of the specific crime. Under New Jersey law, fraud is usually categorized as a disorderly persons offense, a third-degree indictable crime, or a fourth-degree indictable crime. The penalty for a disorderly persons offense, similar to a misdemeanor, is a jail sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000. Indictable crimes are more serious. Third-degree crimes can lead to a three to five-year prison sentence and up to a $15,000 fine, and fourth-degree crimes can result in a sentence of up to 18 months and a fine of up to $10,000. Some types of fraud, like tax or mail fraud, are also federal crimes, meaning the accused could face federal charges in addition to state charges. A knowledgeable Newark attorney could review the details of your fraud case to determine what kind of penalties may apply.
While fraud is a non-violent crime, a conviction can cause life-altering consequences. Being arrested and charged with a crime is stressful, making it easy to unintentionally admit guilt or make other mistakes that hurt your case. Having a fraud lawyer to avoid speaking with Newark police could help prevent these mistakes. A lawyer could review all involved evidence to determine whether it is legally admissible and establishes guilt. They could also use weak prosecutorial evidence to build defensive arguments. Fraud defenses can include questions of your intention, whether you had permission to access funds or a credit card, or evidence being collected illegally.
A fraud conviction could leave you with a prison sentence, substantial fines, and difficulty obtaining jobs and housing in the future. If you have been charged with any type of fraud, a Newark fraud lawyer could help you understand your options and build a strong defense in your favor. The sooner you hire the right attorney, the less likely you are to make mistakes that hurt your case. Contact the Law Office of Eric M. Mark to discuss your options today.
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