In Michigan, “fraud” is an umbrella term encompassing a wide range of criminal offenses. What these crimes have in common is there must be some sort of essence of theft or attempted theft through misrepresentation or deception. Often these charges rely on the interpretations of the offender’s mind as the prosecution must prove the offender knowingly or intentionally set out to deceive another person or use misrepresentation to their benefit. However, there are always two sides to every story including a crime such as fraud that relies on the victim’s perception.
If you or someone you know has been charged with fraud, it’s within your best interest to gain legal representation immediately. The penalties for fraud-based crimes can vary from a misdemeanor to felony charges. If certain factors are proven to be true by the court, then you may be sentenced to spend years in prison and pay expensive fines. That is why we highly encourage you to contact a skilled Michigan fraud defense attorney to fight your charges.
Fraud Defense Attorney in Oakland County, Michigan
Cases of fraud normally involve complicated financial evidence and detailed documentation that requires a skilled eye to interpret and analyze. Hiring a knowledgeable white collar crime attorney such as J. Dallo of Dallo Law, P.C. is the first step in detangling this evidence and building your defense. Attorney J. Dallo has been representing people accused of financial crimes for years and has a thorough understanding of how the prosecution handles these cases. His detail-oriented and tough stance in court will give you an advantage when fighting your charges.
Call J. Dallo of Dallo Law, P.C. to set up your first consultation free at (248) 283-7000. Dallo Law, P.C. has offices based in Bloomfield Hills, but accepts clients throughout the greater Oakland County and Macomb County area including Clinton Township, Warren, Sterling Heights, Utica, Roseville, Eastpointe, West Bloomfield Township, Clarkston, Troy, Waterford Township, Pontiac and Royal Oak.
Information Center:
- What is Fraud?
- Common Fraud Charges in Michigan
- Possible Penalties for Fraud Crimes
- Additional Resources
What is Fraud?
Fraud is a type of offense involving deception or misrepresentation that results in the offender’s personal gain. There are many types of fraud crimes under the Michigan Code including using a credit card belonging to another person, misrepresenting facts on an insurance claim, or writing forged checks. For some offenders, even the mere possession of counterfeit items and notes is enough to support a fraud conviction.
The state of Michigan is incredibly harsh when it comes to fraud charges. Depending on what person or entity was defrauded, the defendant could face penalties that include up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000. Additionally, it’s especially difficult for those with a fraud conviction on their record to re-enter the workforce. Employers and licensing agencies may not be keen on allowing a person convicted of financial crimes to enter their profession.
Common Fraud Charges in Michigan
Under the Michigan Code, fraud is a broad term used to describe criminal offenses that rely on misrepresentation, deception, or other various tricks to obtain money/property/services through fraudulent means. These crimes are often charged as felonies and can result in prison time and hefty fines. Listed below are some common types of fraud crimes people are commonly charged with in the state of Michigan.
- Credit Card Abuse – Stealing, possessing, and using another person’s credit or debit card without their consent is a serious crime in Michigan. Using a stolen credit card is also considered to be credit card fraud in Michigan. There are various statutes related to credit card abuse in Michigan including possession of a financial transaction device with intent, forgery of a financial transaction device, and use of a financial transaction device in excess of funds or limits.
- Identity Theft – The Michigan Identity Theft Protection Act prohibits the unlawful act of obtaining credit, services, goods, money, property, employment, or confidential records by using or attempting to use another person’s identifying information with the intent to withhold, conceal, defraud, or misrepresent their identity. Identity theft is charged as a felony and a first-time conviction could result in a five-year prison sentence.
- Forgery – The state of Michigan reserves harsh penalties for people convicted with forgery. Typically, the crime is charged as a felony and sentencing includes prison time and huge fines. The crime of forgery itself can take many forms in Michigan’s including forging credit or debit cards, forging checks, or forging documents and signatures to obtain money/property/services.
- Insurance Fraud – It’s a crime in Michigan it’s illegal to make a false statement of material fact—whether oral or written—in an application for insurance to an insurer, reinsurer, agent, adjuster, or broker with the intent to deceive or misrepresent. Even assisting, abetting, soliciting, or conspiring with another person on insurance fraud could result in serious prison time and fines.
Possible Penalties for Fraud Crimes in Michigan
Because of the complicated and scheming nature of fraud crimes, the state of Michigan has implemented harsh penalties to deter the public from committing them. These penalties will vary depending on certain factors such as who was defrauded, how much was lost, and if you had a prior criminal history. Depending on the facts, you could be sentenced to spend years or even decades in prison as well as pay gigantic court fees.
Some possible consequences of a fraud conviction include:
- You could be sentenced to serve time in either jail or prison.
- You could be ordered to pay very expensive criminal fines, court costs or restitution.
- You will have a permanent criminal record that could stop you from future employment or housing opportunities.
- You could lose or have trouble obtaining your professional license.
- If you’re an immigrant, then you could lose your visa, green card, be denied citizenship, or be deported to your native country.
Additional Resources
Fraud Investigation Unit | MSP – Visit the official website for the Fraud Investigation Unit that comprises of two teams covering both the east and west side of the state. Access the site to learn their services, contact information, important forms to file a fraud complaint, resources for identity theft, letters to collection agencies or credit grantors, and other information.
Michigan Fraud Laws – Visit the official website for the Michigan Legislature to learn more about their laws pertaining to fraud. Access the Michigan Penal Code to learn the definition of fraud, the penalties for credit card debt, different forms of identity theft, and more.
Oakland County Lawyer for Fraud Charges in Michigan
If you or someone you know has been accused of a fraud-based crime, it’s imperative you pick up the phone and call Dallo Law, P.C. as soon as possible. Fraud cases are incredibly intricate and creating a defense for the crime involves layers of financial knowledge and years of experience with white collar crimes. To find an criminal defense attorney that fits that criteria, look no further than J. Dallo of Dallo Law, P.C.. He has extensive years of practice with fraud and other financial crimes in Michigan. With his skills and resources, J. Dallo can effectively defend your rights and future.
Call Dallo Law, P.C. at (248) 283-7000 to set up a case evaluation. During the appointment, you and Mr. Dallo will sit down to review the evidence and set up a defense plan. Dallo Law, P.C. accepts clients throughout the greater Oakland County and Macomb County area in Michigan.