Financial fraud, or white collar crimes such as passing bad checks or credit card fraud are often mistakes in times of desperation, or serious personal financial crisis.
Of course, it is very possible to be mistakenly charged with these offenses. You can innocently use a check you believe to be good, or be using a credit card for purchases you believe to be legitimate and authorized, such as for an employer.
Whether you admit that you made a mistake or if you are accused of something you simply didn’t do, you need help. The laws surrounding these types of offenses can be complex and confusing. A free case evaluation with an experienced defense attorney will help you make sense of your case.
Bad Checks
You may be charged with bad checks, also called “worthless checks” if you knowingly write a check when funds are not available to cover the amount. In most states this is a misdemeanor offense punishable by less than one year.
However, if this isn’t your first worthless checks charge, the potential penalty will likely increase exponentially. In some states, the charge and penalty you face depends wholly on the amount of the check(s) in question.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is defined as theft from an employer. This may occur when you knowingly physically take something from your job or even if you fudge your time card to get extra hours. Any situation in which you deprive your employer of money, goods, or services that you don’t have a legal right to, you can be charged with embezzlement.
In most states, embezzlement is considered a theft offense. You will be charged according to the value of the property or money you are accused of taking. So if the amount is minimal, $175 for example, you may only face misdemeanor charges. When that amount climbs into the thousands, however, you could be looking at a felony charge and a prison sentence.
Charges like this are particularly difficult because of the long lasting effects a conviction can have on your future employment opportunities. A defense lawyer that truly understands can be a worthy advocate to have in your corner.
Fraud
There are many different offenses that fall under the heading of fraud. Although the exact charges vary from state to state, fraud is most often defined as obtaining something of value through deception.
Some examples of acts that may be considered fraud are:
- Using someone else’s credit card without their permission
- Obtaining a line of credit under someone else’s name
- Check forgery
- Using a credit card that is expired or on an account that has been closed
- Lying on a credit application
In most states, the exact charge you face is often dependant on the amount of money that you are accused of defrauding. While this isn’t true everywhere, a fraud charge can often carry many years in a state prison.
Oftentimes, being in possession of fraudulent materials is a criminal offense, even if you don’t get the opportunity or have any intention of using them.
For many people, the most difficult part of being charged with a crime is the embarrassment. A fraud or embezzlement charge can seriously hurt both your professional and personal reputation. This is why it is crucial that your case be handled delicately and aggressively.
There are many potential approaches we can take on your defense. Contact our attorneys today to discuss the charges against you in more detail. We can give you guidance on how you should be preparing for trial and what steps might be in your best interest.
