It can be difficult to talk in an informed and helpful manner about “fraud,” as this is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of accusations and possible consequences. The important thing to understand, however, is that being convicted of fraud is quite serious.
As experienced criminal defense attorneys, The Oklahoma Criminal Defense Group has fought on the behalf of numerous defendants accused of fraud. This experience often proves vital in the courtroom, as fraud cases often turn on complicated questions of law and finance.
What is Fraud?
In general terms, fraud is defined as the willful use of dishonesty and deception in order to achieve some sort of gain, usually (but not always) financial. It is a common white collar crime that has been long-recognized across a variety of legal traditions, yet never seems to go away.
Examples of fraud have only proliferated as time and technology has advanced. We have seen fraud charges arise out of cases involving:
- Embezzlement;
- Identity theft;
- Illegally acquiring someone’s credit card information and using it (commonly known as “credit card fraud”);
- A wide range of computer crimes;
- False promises involving insurance policies;
- False promises involving banking institutions;
- Securities and stock market fraud;
- Writing fake checks; or
- Using the federal mail system to perpetrate a fraud.
This is far from an exhaustive list, but emphasizes that “fraud” can mean just about anything involving deception and money. If you have been accused of a crime involving some sort of financial aspect, there’s a good chance that fraud will be one of the charges.
Consequences of a Fraud Charge
The severity of a fraud sentence is dependent on a number of factors, including the extent of the alleged crime and how effective the prosecuting attorney is at their job. In almost every fraud case, however, a significant fine is usually a part of the sentence. Jail time is also common for those convicted of fraud, as well as other civil or punitive penalties.
The Oklahoma Criminal Lawyer Group is well-equipped to provide you with vigorous legal representation throughout the process. We understand fraud cases, know how to investigate them and realize their seriousness. We will make sure you get a fair trial where your defense is heard and respected.
At every step of the legal process, we will be fighting for your rights.
For more information about fraud defense or to discuss your case with us, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.