Colonial Heights Fraud Lawyer

Fraud is considered a lie or a knowing misrepresentation by the accused. It must be a lie that is made to their gain or benefit in some way, shape or form, to help them gain money or property, and to avoid arrest. Cases that involve fraud can be extremely confusing to navigate if a fraud lawyer is not involved in the process. Without a distinguished criminal lawyer, individuals may find themselves facing charges that could have been avoided. Colonial Heights fraud lawyers are highly experienced in this matter and can help individuals determine the best ways to proceed with their cases.

Common Types of Fraudulent Crimes

Although there are many ways one could be charged with the falsification of legal documents, there is a list of more frequent fraud charges often seen in Colonial Heights. As Colonial Heights fraud lawyers know, normally witness the following cases:

  • Forgery and uttering
  • Issuing a bad check with the intent to defraud
  • Credit card or credit card number theft
  • Identity theft

It could be critical for someone facing the aforementioned charges to speak with legal counsel regarding the consequences following their arrest.

Potential Penalties for Fraud Offenses

Forgery and uttering is obtaining money by false pretenses with the intent to defraud money, a gift certificate, or other property. The penalty for forgery and uttering is a Class 5 felony that carries a maximum charge of up to 10 years in jail.

The penalty for issuing a bad check with intent to defraud is based on the value of the fraudulent check. If the value is under $200, an individual is charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor which carries a maximum penalty of up to 1 year in jail.  If the value is more than $200, an individual is charged with a Class 6 felony that carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in jail.

Credit card or credit card number theft in Virginia is considered grand larceny and can carry a maximum charge of up to 20 years in jail. Identity theft is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor for the first offense. If the violation resulted in a financial loss of over $200, or if this violation has been committed before, the individual is charged with a Class 6 felony.

Determining Types of Evidence in a Fraud Case

What evidence needs to be collected in a fraud case depends on the specific details of ones case. A Colonial Heights fraud lawyer may want to identify the information the police have, such as what type of evidence corroborates the individual’s involvement in the fraud, and if the individual has confessed to the fraud.

A lawyer may also want to see an individual’s statement. Many fraud cases are a person’s first. They make the mistake of believing they can talk their way out of something if they are just polite and cooperative. Colonial Heights fraud attorneys may also try to determine the value of what was allegedly obtained fraudulently because this will determine if a case is a misdemeanor or a felony.

How a Fraud Attorney Could Help

The primary mistake that people make when it comes to fraud charges is believing they can outsmart the police. Often times, individuals believe that if they simply repay the defrauded money, they can avoid arrest. Offering to repay the money is an admission of guilt, a confession that can be used against them by the police and prosecutor. By talking to a Colonial Heights fraud lawyer beforehand, individuals can avoid making such a mistake.