Fraud Lawyers Knoxville TN
Fraud Attorneys Knoxville TN
A false representation of facts that deceives another to act upon it and suffer financial or some other loss is considered fraud. In simpler terms, fraud involves being dishonest for financial or some other gain.
Fraud can include forgery, identity theft, embezzlement, credit card or tax fraud, as well as other illegal actions. It’s a specific white-collar crime. Fraud charges can also be brought through theft charges.
Deceiving another person for your own gain can result in civil fraud lawsuits. However, deceiving government can result in criminal charges of fraud. In addition, fraud charges can be brought through Tennessee state law or federal law.
Being accused of fraud can affect both your reputation and freedom. These cases can be complicated since victims of fraud may pursue a civil case to recover their losses. In addition, financial crimes often involve detailed paperwork and a careful review of bank records or other documents.
An experienced fraud attorney can help you figure out your charges and give their best to get the charges reduced. The team of attorneys at Stephens, DiRado & Caviness, LLP is ready to carefully approach your case and help reach the best outcome possible.
Types of Fraud Crimes
The government uses “fraud” to criminalize a wide range of conduct. Some types of fraud crimes involve allegations of dishonesty or theft, while other types of fraud prosecution relate to what the government considers deception or misrepresentations. As a result, criminal fraud charges can be wide-ranging – from writing a bad check to fraudulently obtaining money or something else of value from the government.
Some other types of fraud charges are: mail fraud or wire fraud, which means using the United States Postal Service, the phone, or the internet to commit a fraudulent act; computer fraud, such as hacking; counterfeiting; credit card fraud; or identity theft. These crimes charges are often charged as felonies and carry serious potential penalties.
Potential Penalties in Fraud Cases
Potential penalties for white-collar crimes like fraud vary. They can depend on the nature of the crime as well as on the amount of money or property taken if the fraud is financial.
If convicted, the penalties for fraud can range from spending six months in jail to 30 years in federal prison. When it comes to fines, they can go from $2,500 to $25,000 for every violation. Bear in mind that these fines do not include restitution to the victims of fraud.
For example, forgery can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony crime. Charges are typically classified according to the values of goods. On the other hand, tax fraud involving making false tax returns to avoid taxes is a Class E felony.
However, if fraud is prosecuted on the federal level, the judge will use the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines to determine the penalty. Other factors can also be considered, such as the accused’s criminal record and whether the accused was in a position of trust with the victims. If convicted on federal charges, penalties will be harsher than those imposed on individuals convicted on the state level.
Facing Fraud Charges? Contact Us Today
In fraud cases, the severity of the charges and the associated penalties can depend on the crime’s circumstances and the amount of money involved. Understanding why you are being accused, what you have been accused of, and who is accusing you can be crucial.
Fraud charges can be prosecuted by the state or federal government and against individuals or business owners. If the government is targeting you in a fraud investigation, it is important that you consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who will advocate for you. Call the team of attorneys at Stephens, DiRado & Caviness, LLP to begin discussing your case.
