Understanding Fraud: Legal Definitions and Penalties in Pennsylvania
You might be terrified of the potential legal consequences if you are accused of fraud. Regardless of what the claims are, fraud convictions can bring serious consequences. Accusations of this kind of white-collar crime can lead to long-term damages across your progressional, personal, and public life. But you do not have to face this alone.
Even if you have been arrested for, or charged with, a crime does not mean you will be convicted. With a criminal attorney on your side, you can navigate the difficult and confusing legal situation you have been placed within. So call the Marinaro Law Office and get the guidance you need! With more than 25 years of experience in criminal law, Michael V. Marinaro knows the ins and outs of the legal field and will ensure you have the complete understanding that you need. Don’t hesitate to call; every moment counts when you face accusations of fraud.
Definitions of Fraud
If you have been accused of fraud, it is important to understand exactly what this means. Fraud is a type of theft that involves deception, misrepresentation, or lies. This can include something as simple as writing bad checks or as complicated as forgery. This is a broad category of crime, which includes specific actions such as:
- Forgery
- Bribery
- Embezzlement
- Health Care Fraud
- Tax Fraud
- Tax Evasion
- Mail Fraud
- Wire Fraud
- Credit Card Fraud
- Passing Bad Checks
- Bank Fraud
- Insurance Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Securities Fraud
- Access Device Fraud
- Simulating objects of antiquity
All of these crimes involve deceit of some kind: lies, falsified documentation, false statements, impersonation, or even misleading another individual for personal gain. Deception of this kind can be a serious crime, resulting in thousands of dollars in fines and many years of imprisonment.
Civil Vs. Criminal Fraud
Fraud is a common accusation across both civil and criminal law. Typically, criminal fraud accusations are only brought forth when prosecutors have shown sufficient evidence to bring the case to court. Then, the prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The perpetrator could be punished with imprisonment, restitution, and fines if found guilty.
Civil fraud accusations, on the other hand, have a lower standard of proof. For civil cases, whether someone is ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’ is based more on probability – the accusors and their evidence only need to prove that it is more probable than not that a fraudulent activity had occurred. In civil cases, only fines and restitution are possible punishments.
What are the Penalties of Fraudulent Crime
The penalties for fraudulent crimes are often dependent on the amount of money or value of the item defrauded. So the more expensive the crime, the harsher the punishment. Punishments are typically graded into misdemeanors or felonies, but the actual charges may vary depending on the specifics of the charge in question.
Typical Misdemeanor Penalties (Estimated)
- 3rd Degree: Up to 90 days in jail or $300 in fines.
- 2nd Degree: Up to 1 year in jail or $2,000 in fines.
- 1st Degree: Up to 2 years in jail or $5,000 in fines.
Typical Felony Penalties (Estimated)
- 3rd Degree: Up to 5 years in jail or $10,000 in fines.
- 2nd Degree: Up to 7 years in jail or $15,000 in fines.
- 1st Degree: Up to 20 years in jail or $25,000 in fines.
Knowing what accusations and charges of fraud could mean for your future is essential to protecting yourself and making good decisions for your future. Being able to understand what charges you are facing is why you must meet with an experienced Pennsylvania fraud lawyer if you are charged with any kind of fraud in PA.
Speak to a Legal Expert at the Marinaro Law Firm in PA
Fraud is a serious allegation that can have long-lasting effects if you don’t protect yourself. The best way to defend against criminal charges is to consult a legal expert who has worked in and around criminal law for over 20 years! The Marinaro Law Firm has been in operation for more than 25 years, providing people like you with the expertise needed to navigate the legal realm.
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