Fraud can have a devastating impact on your life. A conviction for fraud can result in high fines and jail time. It can also leave you with a permanent criminal record. Even without a conviction, an accusation of fraud can damage your reputation and finances. You will face severe penalties if you are convicted.
It is, however, difficult to understand the criminal laws of Georgia. So, if you have been accused of fraud in Union City, GA, it is in your best interest to speak with a Union City fraud defense lawyer. Defense attorneys have several years of experience fighting fraud charges. So, they are capable of helping you get a better outcome.
Have been accused of fraud? Call Attorney Gil at 404-418-7816 to assist you to evaluate your legal options. At the Law Offices of Gilbert Sperling, III, P.C. in Union City, we understand the criminal laws of Georgia. We will guide you throughout the entire case and help you craft a solid defense.
If you have been accused of fraud, call 404-418-7816 to schedule your free initial consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Union City.
What Is Considered Fraud in Georgia?
According to Section 16-8-3 of Georgia’s Code of Crimes and Offenses, fraud occurs when an individual intends to use artful practice or deceitful means to obtain property from another individual. It is, therefore, impossible for an individual to accidentally commit fraud.
You may also face a related charge for theft. A skilled criminal defense lawyer in Union City can help you understand the charges and potential penalties.
Working with a fraud defense attorney, like Attorney Gil, can make a huge difference.
What Are the Common Types of Fraud?
There are many types of fraud. If you are accused of fraud, you should reach out to a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Union City who can help you understand the charges and potential penalties. You shouldn’t go it alone. You can make mistakes, which can cost your case.
Working with a fraud defense attorney, like Attorney Gil, can make a huge difference. Here are the common types of fraud.
Bank Fraud
Bank fraud occurs when an individual use deceitful means to receive money, credits, securities, assets, or even property from financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions. The individual intends to defraud a financial institution.
Bank fraud carries heavy penalties. Bank fraud includes stolen checks, bank impersonation, fraudulent loans, and forgery.
Embezzlement
People usually entrust an individual to manage or monitor their assets. However, the individual, who is entrusted to manage or monitor someone else’s asset, may decide to take that asset for their own financial gain. For example, if a company gives an employee access to their bank accounts, the employee may misuse the funds in those accounts. This constitutes embezzlement.
Welfare or Other Public Benefits Fraud
Some people cannot afford basic living expenses. The government assists these people with benefits and money since they do not have any source of income. These people use the money to obtain food, health care, housing, childcare, and clothing.
Welfare or other public benefits fraud occurs when an individual wrongfully obtains public benefits from the government. The individual will lie about their eligibility or needs for welfare benefits.
Tax Fraud
Tax fraud occurs when an individual use false or fraudulent statements to file their tax return or file a claim for a tax refund. The individual may misrepresent the facts or make a wrongful statement to obtain tax returns. Any plan or scheme to avoid paying taxes constitutes tax fraud. A tax fraud conviction can result in high fines and jail time.
Unemployment Benefits Fraud
Unemployment benefits fraud occurs when an individual provides false or inaccurate information to collect unemployment insurance benefits. The individual collects the personal information and the place of employment of an unsuspecting person. The individual, then, uses the information to file their claim and collect unemployment benefits.
Deceptively Obtaining Drugs from a Pharmacy
It is illegal in the state of Georgia to obtain some drugs from a pharmacy without a prescription. If an individual uses dishonest or fraudulent means to obtain drugs from a pharmacy, then the individual can be charged with a misdemeanor. The individual can also go to jail for up to one year for deceptively obtaining drugs from a pharmacy.
Intentionally Causing a Car Accident in Order to Collect Money
There are so many people looking for ways to make easy money due to the slow economy. Therefore, some people are willing to intentionally cause a car accident in order to collect money from the insurance company. If you are a victim of these accidents, you may suffer severe injuries and financial losses.
In fact, some drivers may stage accidents to collect money from their insurance companies.
Real Estate Fraud
Real estate fraud occurs when an agency or individual provides false information to obtain money from fraudulent real estate transactions. For instance, the individual may provide false information regarding the amenities and square feet of their property to get more money from the buyer.
Real estate fraud includes value fraud, mortgage fraud, title fraud, foreclosure fraud, and syndicator fraud.
Ponzi Schemes
A Ponzi scheme generates high returns for older investors. The new investors will lose their money. The older investors promise new investors high rates of returns. The older investors take money from the new investors. The individuals engaging in a Ponzi scheme focus on getting new investors. If they do not get new investors, they do not make money.
Money Laundering
Criminals make large amounts of money from criminal activities. They cannot, however, spend the money since they cannot explain the source of the money. They, therefore, use money laundering to make their “dirty” money appear legitimate.
What Are the Penalties for Fraud in Georgia?
It is illegal to use deceitful or dishonest means to obtain money or property in the state of Georgia. It is difficult for an average person to understand all the criminal laws and navigate the court system. It is better to hire a Union City fraud defense lawyer to help you fight the charge.
Here are some of the penalties for fraud in Georgia.
- The penalty for forgery in the 1st degree is 1 to 10 years in prison with variable fines while the penalty for forgery in the 2nd degree is 1 to 5 years in prison with variable fines.
- The penalties for credit card fraud are 1 to 3 years in prison and a fine of not more than $5,000.
- The penalties for identity fraud are a fine of up to $100,000 and 1 to 10 years in prison.
How a Union City Fraud Defense Lawyer Can Help
If you want to get the best outcome, you need strong legal representation. Hiring the right Union fraud defense lawyer can make a huge difference in your case.
Classify the Type of Fraud
There are so many types of fraud, including business fraud, bank fraud, embezzlement, securities and investment fraud, and many more. You will need to correctly classify your case before building your court strategy. You can trust your lawyer to correctly classify your case and craft a strong defense strategy.
Understand the Laws
Criminal laws are complicated. It is difficult to understand the laws surrounding fraud. It is in your best interest to hire an attorney with years of experience defending victims who have been accused of fraud. Do not go it alone. Your lawyer will handle the paperwork and collect solid evidence on your behalf.
Plea Bargains
A plea deal with the prosecution may allow you to secure a lesser sentence. It is essential to consult a skilled criminal defense lawyer before taking a plea deal. Gilbert Sperling will explain your options, and allow you to make an informed decision. He will negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf.
Trial Experience
Working with a reputable fraud defense attorney is essential. Over the years, attorney Gil has worked on several criminal cases, garnering immense trial experience.
Contact Law Offices of Gilbert Sperling, III, P.C. to Help You With Your Case!
If someone accuses you of fraud, you should not try to fight the charges on your own. If you are found guilty, you may spend years in prison and pay steep fines. A conviction can also be devastating for your finances and reputation.
If you have been accused of fraud, you need to take action immediately to protect your rights. It’s critical to retain an experienced and skilled fraud defense attorney in Union City, GA. Your lawyer will help you develop a strategy for fighting the charges you are facing. Having strong legal representation ensures the greatest chance of success.
At the Law Offices of Gilbert Sperling, III, P.C., we understand fraud investigations are complex and lengthy. We are committed to fighting for your rights. Attorney Gil will fight for the best outcome in your case, whether that means going to court or negotiating a favorable plea deal.
If you are facing fraud charges, you need to speak to Attorney Gil immediately. Please call us 404-418-7816 to schedule a free consultation.
