Protecting Your Future Against Fraud Charges

Fraud charges have the potential to change everything. They can threaten your freedom, your career, your professional reputation and your financial future. Take back control with strong defenders on your side. Turn to our experienced fraud lawyers at the Law Offices of Richman Hill & Associates, PLLC. We can help with every step of responding to the charges you face. Our team is here to give you the knowledgeable guidance, personalized support and dedicated advocacy you need in this difficult time. We proudly serve The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island and the whole New York City area.

What Is Fraud?

Fraud is a deceptive action aimed at securing an unfair/unlawful gain. Authorities take fraud very seriously and can be incredibly aggressive in their enforcement efforts against it. When facing fraud charges, you need a team you can count on to fight fiercely for you. Our attorneys are known for their tenacious, determined approach when it comes to standing up for clients in criminal cases.

Dedicated Defense Services For All Types Of Fraud Charges

We defend individuals facing fraud charges, including but not limited to:

• Tax fraud: Knowingly putting incorrect information on returns to unlawfully avoid paying taxes or getting a refund
• Insurance fraud: Falsifying claims to receive payouts from an insurer
• Medicaid fraud: Engaging in conduct such as false billing to get money from Medicaid
• Unemployment compensation fraud: Lying to receive unemployment benefits you don’t actually qualify for
• Bank fraud: Engaging in deceptive conduct that harms financial institutions, such as check fraud, account fraud or credit card fraud
• Investment fraud: Drawing in funds by lying to investors about how you will use the money, rates of return, etc.
• Securities fraud: Manipulating financial markets through misrepresentation
• Mortgage fraud: Lying on, or in relation to, a mortgage application to get a property or steal money
• Consumer fraud: Unfair/unlawful business practices aimed at deceiving customers or potential customers
• Wire fraud: Using the electronic communications for fraudulent purposes
• Mail fraud: Committing fraud through the mail

Our firm also helps fight charges of other white collar crimes, including embezzlement, identity theft and falsifying business records.

State Vs. Federal Fraud Charges

Some types of fraud are state crimes, while others are federal offenses. Whether you are facing state or federal charges has a huge impact on your case. These charge types differ in many ways, including investigation procedures, what agencies are involved, prosecution strategies, levels of resources for prosecutors and potential penalties. Our criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience with both state and federal cases, so you can count on them for comprehensive, knowledgeable support, whatever fraud charges you are facing.

Could You Go To Jail For Fraud?

Yes, prison time is among the penalties that can be given in fraud cases. Others include hefty fines and restitution payments. How severe of penalties you could face, including how much prison time could be on the table, can vary based on many factors, including:

• The type of fraud alleged
• Whether the charges are state or federal
• How much money the alleged fraud involved
• Whether there were any mitigating or aggravating factors

We can help you understand what is specifically at stake in your case.

How Can You Fight Fraud Charges?

Fighting such charges requires a strategic approach. Common defense tactics include:

• Challenging evidence: Questioning the strength, accuracy, validity or admissibility of the evidence against you
• Arguing lack of intent: Demonstrating that you did not intend to defraud
• Presenting exonerating evidence: Showing that you did not or could not have committed the alleged crime

Our firm can help you seek to have fraud charges minimized or dismissed through these methods or other defense approaches.

The Trusted Support You Need During Fraud Investigations

Fraud cases often involve in-depth investigations by government agencies. These probes can include extensive reviews of financial records, interviews, and detailed analyses of electronic communications and data. When you discover you are the target of a fraud investigation, it is critical to act quickly. Even if you haven’t been charged yet, it can be very beneficial to promptly reach out to a fraud lawyer, like a member of our skilled team. Generally, the sooner you bring us in on your case, the better. Our government and consumer fraud lawyers can help you navigate the investigation process and protect your rights.

Is It Against The Law To Buy A Fake ID?

Many types of fraud involve impersonating another individual. Given this, New York law takes fake IDs very seriously. It is illegal to possess a fake ID with the intent to deceive or defraud someone. Being accused of such conduct could lead to a charge of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, which is a class D felony. You could face up to seven years in prison if convicted. So, being accused of buying a fake ID is no small matter. Our attorneys stand ready to defend you against such allegations.

A Step-By-Step Guide: How Fraud Cases In New York Move Forward

A fraud case in New York follows these steps:

• Investigation and arrest: Law enforcement gathers evidence, reviews financial records and may conduct interviews before making an arrest or issuing a warrant.
• Arraignment: The accused appears before a judge, hears the charges and enters a plea. Bail or release conditions may also be decided at this stage.
• Discovery and pretrial motions: Both sides exchange evidence, challenge the legality of evidence and raise procedural issues that may affect the case.
• Negotiations or plea discussions: Prosecutors and defense attorneys may attempt to resolve the matter without trial through negotiated agreements.
• Trial: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where evidence is presented and guilt or innocence is determined.
• Sentencing: If convicted, the court imposes penalties such as incarceration, fines or probation.

Early involvement of a defense attorney helps protect rights and challenge weak evidence.

How Fraud Allegations Can Affect Your Career, Reputation And Rights

Fraud allegations can create consequences that extend far beyond criminal penalties: 

• Professional license risks: Medical, legal and financial professionals may face suspension or revocation of licenses, while CPA and accounting certifications can be jeopardized. Real estate license holders may also lose their ability to practice.
• Immigration consequences: Noncitizens may face removal proceedings, visa denial or barriers to naturalization after certain fraud convictions.
• Employment challenges: Background checks may reveal criminal records, limiting job opportunities and career advancement.
• Loss of civil rights: Some felony convictions may result in the temporary loss of voting rights or other legal privileges.
• Financial and housing difficulties: Individuals may struggle to obtain loans, secure housing or maintain financial credibility.
• Reputation damage: Allegations of dishonesty can permanently affect professional standing and community trust.

These consequences can reshape your future long after a case ends. 

Criminal Penalties For The Distinct Levels Of Felonies

In fraud cases, felony classifications include:

• Class B felony: Prison sentence of up to 25 years, involving large-scale or high-value fraud schemes.
• Class C felony: Prison sentence of up to 15 years for serious financial misconduct.
• Class D felony: Prison sentence of up to seven years involving moderate financial losses or deceptive practices.
• Class E felony: Potential prison sentence of up to four years, generally considered the least severe felony category.

Courts may also impose additional penalties beyond incarceration:

• Mandatory restitution requiring repayment to victims.
• Fines based on the offense and financial impact.
• Probation or parole with strict supervision and compliance conditions.

Because of the severity of these penalties, it is important to have a strong legal defense.

Take Swift Action To Protect Your Rights

Reach out to our experienced fraud lawyers today to discuss your case and explore your legal options. You can get a confidential consultation by calling 929-730-7698 or sending us a message online.