Prince George’s County Fraud Lawyer
Fraud is loosely defined as using false or misleading information or data to obtain a product or service or to convince another person to make a business decision. Fraud is a serious crime, and it is outlawed by both the state and federal governments.
Penalties ranging from small fines to lengthy prison sentences are imposed on those convicted of fraud, and if you want to avoid such penalties, it would be wise to hire a Prince George’s County fraud lawyer immediately.
Fraud refers to a variety of different crimes, and charges can be difficult to understand. Contact a skilled criminal attorney to learn more about the various types of fraud. En Español.
What is Identity Fraud?
Identity fraud is one of the most common crimes in the country, and to deter criminals, the state has begun to aggressively prosecute those charged with the crime. It is illegal to use the personal information of another person to avoid paying a debt or to pay for an item or service, and anyone who is believed to have engaged in these acts can be charged with identity fraud.
The penalty for identity fraud depends on the value of the products or services received using the personal information of another person. Prison sentences ranging from 18 months to 15 years are common, as are fines between $5,000 to $25,000. If a person is charged with identity fraud in Maryland, they should contact a fraud attorney.
Understanding Credit Card Fraud
When a person uses the credit or debit card of another person without their consent or produces or uses a counterfeit card, they can be charged with credit card fraud. It is also illegal to use the personal information of another person to obtain a credit card, and anyone who is believed to have done so will need to contact a PG County fraud lawyer.
Using a credit card belonging to another person without their consent is a misdemeanor that can result in up to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $500. Producing or using a counterfeit credit or debit card is a felony in the state of Maryland, and those convicted of this type of fraud will face up to 15 years in jail and fine of up to $1,000.
Severity of Using False Information
There are many types of fraud, some more serious than others, but if a person is charged with any type of fraud, they may need assistance from an experienced Prince George’s County fraud attorney.
Individuals can also be charged with fraud if they knowingly use false or misleading information to do the following:
- Obtain a loan or mortgage
- Open a bank account
- File taxes or avoid paying taxes
- Sell or purchase real estate
- Convince others to invest money in a company or stock
- Sell an item to another person
Speak with a Prince George’s County Fraud Attorney
When a person commits tax fraud, they are committing what is known as tax evasion, which can result in jail time. If a person is charged with any of the acts above, they will need to work closely with a lawyer to craft a defense strategy.
If you have been charged with any type of fraud, it is best to avoid defending yourself in court. Courts harshly prosecute those accused of fraud, and if you jeopardize your case in any way, you could end up in jail. Consult a Prince George’s County fraud lawyer if you need legal assistance.