Fraud Charges come in many forms, and fraud crimes in New Jersey are categorized differently. But no matter your case, you must hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer if facing fraud charges. Here’s what you should know when facing these charges:
Fraud Charges Can Lead to Hefty Penalties
Penalties for a fraud conviction depend on the fraud you allegedly committed. Some fraud crimes are considered disorderly person offenses, which carry a fine of $1000 and six months in jail. But fraud crimes regarded as indictable offenses can carry a penalty of up to $15000 and five years of imprisonment. Fourth-degree indictable offenses can carry a fine of $10000 and up to 18 months of jail time.
But a fraud charge in federal court can lead to even more severe penalties. For instance, a mail and wire fraud conviction can carry a maximum of 30 years of prison time and a fine of $1 million. Other fraud statutes that can have severe penalties include internet, healthcare, tax, and mortgage fraud.
Apart from statutory penalties, a fraud conviction can lead to negative consequences such as limited education, housing options, and employment. Also, a fraud conviction can lead to losing voting and parental rights.
Defenses to Fraud Charges
Your attorney will use different defenses to try to get your fraud charges dismissed. These defenses include insufficient evidence and violations of your rights. Given your circumstances, your attorney can assess these defenses and pursue the right strategy.
In fraud charges, the prosecutors have the burden of proof. It would help if you raised a reasonable doubt regarding your commission of the crime. Your attorney may argue that your constitutional rights to ensure evidence illegally obtained or withheld cannot be brought to court. Also, they can show that the prosecution has not proven every element of the charges despite the evidence presented.
Protecting Yourself
When you face fraud charges, you must protect yourself carefully. This means you must assert your rights to stay silent, avoid social media if possible, and ensure you appear in your hearings on time.
In addition, you must be careful when you make decisions. Even simple mistakes can lead to severe consequences. To ensure you always make informed decisions, consult your attorney throughout your case. Always ask questions about what you must and must not do to increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
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