Freehold Fraud Lawyers
Freehold, NJ Criminal Defense Lawyers Experienced in Fighting Fraud Charges
From tax fraud to odometer fraud, all types of fraud charges are subject to serve penalties under New Jersey law. At Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., we provide experienced and aggressive legal representation for individuals and organizations charged with fraud in Freehold, NJ. If you are under investigation or facing charges, it is important that you seek legal representation promptly. Our Freehold fraud lawyers are available to defend you, and we can take action immediately if necessary in order to protect your legal rights.
What is Fraud?
“Fraud” is a criminal offense that involves obtaining something of value through the use of deception or false pretenses. It is often considered a "white collar crime." This could mean misrepresenting your income on your annual tax return, forging a stolen check, or submitting a false insurance claim or claim for health care benefit program reimbursement. New Jersey law establishes numerous different types of fraud offenses, each with its own elements of proof and penalties for criminal culpability. Our Freehold fraud lawyers represent individuals throughout New Jersey facing investigations and charges for alleged:
- Bank fraud
- Bankruptcy fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Embezzlement
- Forgery, counterfeiting and criminal simulation
- Insurance fraud (including producing or selling fraudulent auto insurance cards)
- Internet fraud
- Mail or wire fraud
- Medicaid fraud
- Odometer fraud (misrepresenting motor vehicle mileage)
- Tax fraud
What are the Penalties for Fraud?
The penalties for fraud vary depending upon the specific type of fraud alleged. In most cases, fraud will be charged as a third-degree indictable offense, fourth-degree indictable offense or disorderly persons offense. The penalties for these offenses include:
- Third-Degree Indictable Offenses – Three to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine
- Fourth-Degree Indictable Offenses – Up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine
- Disorderly Persons Offenses – Up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine
Certain fraud offenses, such as odometer fraud, can result in loss of your driver’s license as well. Depending upon the circumstances involved other potential penalties may include restitution, community service and revocation or suspension of your professional license.
What are Some Potential Defenses to Fraud?
In most cases, intent is a key element of the prosecution’s case when attempting to prove that an individual or organization is guilty of fraud. If you engaged in conduct that could be considered fraudulent but you did not do so knowingly or intentionally, this may provide a defense to criminal culpability (though you could still be subject to civil penalties in some cases). Some other potential defenses to fraud charges in New Jersey include:
- Failure to read your Miranda rights
- Lack of evidence
- Unlawful search or seizure
- Other Constitutional and statutory violations
With centuries of combined experience, our Freehold fraud lawyers can identify all of the defenses that you have available and pursue a comprehensive defense strategy focused on protecting you to the greatest extent possible. To learn more, please contact us to schedule your confidential initial consultation.
Schedule Your Confidential Initial Consultation with Our Freehold Fraud Lawyers
If you would like to speak with a fraud defense lawyer at our offices in Freehold, please call 1-877-435-6371 or contact us online. We will make arrangements for you to meet with one of our experienced attorneys as soon as possible.
