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Whether you are accused of wire, credit card, health care, or insurance fraud, you will want to resist these charges with every means available, including an experienced Chicago fraud lawyer. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Price Benowitz know how prosecutors build fraud cases and how to challenge them.

What Is Fraud Under State and Federal Law?

Fraud, under both federal and state law, involves intentionally deceiving another party to secure an unlawful gain, such as money, property, or services. While the main issue is the same, federal fraud and state fraud differ in jurisdiction, applicable laws, and which agency prosecutes the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office handles federal fraud cases, and the state’s attorneys prosecute fraud in Illinois. Federal charges, such as those found in 18 U.S.C. § 1341–1349, typically involve crossing state lines, using the internet or mail while committing the fraud, or defrauding federal agencies. Common state charges include insurance fraud, unemployment fraud, forgery, and welfare fraud. Both state and federal prosecutors could charge you if the alleged fraud breaks state and federal laws.

A Chicago fraud defense attorney can explain how these laws apply to your situation and help you navigate the complexities of state and federal courts.

Common Types of Fraud Charges

Prosecutors file fraud charges anytime they believe that you have used deception to obtain money or property. There are many different scenarios and contexts that can lead to fraud charges, including:

• Wire and mail fraud: Using these communication systems to commit fraud
• Insurance fraud: Filing false claims or exaggerating losses
• Credit card fraud: Using someone else’s card or creating fake accounts
• Health care fraud: Overbilling, phantom billing, or making false medical claims
• Tax fraud: Intentionally underreporting income or inflating deductions
• Securities fraud: Insider trading or misrepresenting investments
• Bank fraud: Forging, check kiting, or creating fraudulent loan applications
• Mortgage fraud: Inputting misrepresentations on loan applications

If you have been accused of any of these intentional deceptions, you need experienced legal counsel in Chicago to learn how to proceed.

The Consequences of a Fraud Conviction

One consequence of a fraud conviction is substantial jail time. The exact penalty depends on the law that pertains to the charges. For example, you could be sentenced to as much as 20 years in prison for wire fraud. The jail sentence depends on the value of the goods or cash involved, and if the value is over $100,000, you could face a 30-year jail sentence.

Additionally, the courts consider fraud to be a crime of dishonesty. This may affect your life, even after you have served the jail sentence and paid your fines. You may have difficulty finding a job or a place to live. Therefore, you should not quickly accept any plea bargain to resolve charges before you have received advice and legal representation from a Chicago fraud attorney.

Defenses to Fraud Charges

Fraud requires the prosecutor to prove that you intended to engage in it, so your Chicago defense attorney will work to prove that you lacked the necessary intent. Common defenses include arguing:

• Mistake of fact
• Insufficient evidence to convict
• Lack of knowledge
• Entrapment
• Expiration of the statute of limitations
• Duress

An experienced lawyer can assess which defense strategies may apply to your case and fight to achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact a Chicago Fraud Defense Attorney Today

If you are facing fraud charges, you need skilled legal representation immediately. The experienced attorneys at Price Benowitz understand the complexities of state and federal fraud cases and could fight to protect your rights, freedom, and reputation. Our team works quickly to assess your situation, build a strong defense, and pursue the best possible outcome.

Contact a reputable and hardworking Chicago fraud lawyer at our firm today for answers to your legal questions during a free case evaluation.