Fraud Charges
Fraud is not a crime you hear people being charged with too often, but if you’re accused of or charged with fraud, it can mean a lot more than just fines and jail time. Fraud is the type of crime that can cause a businessperson to lose their license as well as the trust of their customers, so if you’re facing fraud or other financial crime charges, you need an experienced legal team on your side to help clear your name or straighten out the charges.
David Shircliff is passionate about criminal defense, and in his over 20 year career has handled over 200 cases. Many of these cases have had positive results. If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney that knows the law, knows how to handle the prosecution, and is part of the local community, then David Shircliff is the attorney you need, and Shircliff Law LLC is the firm in Indianapolis for you.
New clients can receive a free consultation where we will discuss your case and figure out whether we may be able to get the charges and penalties reduced or possibly get you acquitted of the charges completely. Call 317-279-4894. If professional licenses and certifications are at stake, we may be able to help protect them as well.
What Is Fraud?
Fraud in its various forms is defined as knowingly presenting false documentation. Fraud can come in a whole range of types such as check fraud, ID fraud, and wire fraud. There are also other charges that may accompany fraud or that are related in some way to fraud, such as forgery. The scope of fraud has increased with the advent of telecommunications technology, the internet, and payment technology.
The key component to a fraud charge is that a person knowingly performs the action of submitting false documentation. One such example is an underage person purposely using a fake ID to get into a bar or club. However, this also means that for the prosecution to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, they have to prove knowledge and intent to deceive.
Also, Indiana considers insurance fraud a different charge and considers it a higher tier offense than other types of fraud, meaning insurance fraud carries increased penalties.
For instance, if a person unknowingly receives fake currency, and then tries to use that currency to make a purchase, they are not likely to be charged with fraud as there was no knowledge or intent.
Penalties For Fraud
Most fraud crimes, as well as forgery and counterfeiting are known as “wobbler” crimes. This means that they can be classified as either a class A misdemeanor or a felony 6. To have fraud classified as a misdemeanor the person must have no prior convictions. However, even if a person has a clean record, it is up to the prosecution how to charge them and if multiple charges are filed together, the prosecution goes for the highest charge possible, in this case felony 6 fraud.
Class A misdemeanor fraud carries a penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Felony fraud can carry a penalty of 6 to 30 months in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Contact Shircliff Law LLC Today
Now that you know just how difficult it can be to deal with a fraud charge, what are you waiting for? Don’t go to jail, send an email or call Shircliff Law LLC and let us fight to keep your record clean.