Consequences for Fraud?

There are many types of fraud and I can represent you in any case. It is important to have an experienced attorney by your side when accused of this crime.

Fraud can be criminal or civil in nature. Criminal fraud requires criminal intent on the part of the perpetrator, and is punishable by fines or imprisonment. Civil fraud, on the other hand, applies more broadly to circumstances where bad-faith is usually involved, and where the penalties are meant to punish the perpetrator and put the victim back in the same position before the fraud took place.

While the exact wording of fraud charges varies among state and federal laws. the essential elements needed to prove a fraud claim in general include:

(1) a misrepresentation of a material fact;

(2) by a person or entity who knows or believes it to be false;

(3) to a person or entity who justifiably relies on the misrepresentation; and

(4) actual injury or loss resulting from his or her reliance.

Most states require that each element be proven with "particularity" -- meaning that each and every element must be separately proven for a fraud charge to stand.