When Should You Hire a Fraud Defense Attorney?
If a client claims that you made an unjust gain or were negligent in performing your professional duties, you may face a fraud charge. An accusation of financial or corporate fraud is a serious matter.
In addition to facing civil or criminal charges, a fraud offense can lead you to financial hardships and being ostracized both in business and personally. Most professionals convicted of fraud also lose their licenses. With their careers destroyed, the overwhelming nature of these repercussions causes many to suffer from depression and feelings of hopelessness or despair.
Fraud allegations can be daunting to face considering the severe consequences. Should you hire a fraud defense attorney to help defend yourself against these claims?
When To Invest In Fraud Defense Attorney Services
In general, you should hire a fraud defense lawyer whenever you face accusations of fraud. An attorney with experience in fraud defense can assist you with your participation in any relevant investigation, whether from a civil lawsuit, law enforcement or a professional association. They can also help you prepare a strong case for a potential trial.
However, there are certain situations where investing in the services of a fraud defense law firm is especially important.
Exaggerated Or False Claims Are Made
Many times, an innocent misstep or simple misunderstanding can lead to an accusation of fraud. There are also situations where a client will make an exaggerated allegation against a professional service provider.
In these circumstances, hiring a fraud defense lawyer is essential. They can help you pursue a day in court to defend yourself, especially if the claims against you are false. At trial, an experienced fraud defense attorney can employ a wide range of defenses to get your charges dismissed or minimized, depending on the case.
Facing Prison Time, Fines, Or Other Severe Penalties
Most states have enacted civil or criminal laws which penalize various fraudulent activities. Some examples of conduct that is often categorized as a fraud crime by states include:
- Forgery
- Check fraud
- Credit card fraud
While in some state fraud crimes are only classified as misdemeanors and result in small fines, other criminal charges are felonies. A felony is a serious offense that can lead to expensive fines and a prison sentence of many years (or possibly a life sentence without parole).
The federal government also criminalizes certain forms of fraud. For example, the federal wire fraud statute makes it a criminal offense to engage in fraud using radio or television communication. These federal crimes carry severe penalties depending on the type of fraud committed, including fines and imprisonment.
When facing a state or federal fraud charge that carries a severe punishment like a significant fine or prison time, you should retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. They can protect your rights and prepare a thorough defense for your case.
Property Or Reputation Of Business Is At Stake
In addition to individuals, fraud accusations can also have collateral consequences for businesses. Allegations of fraud often occur against someone who is an employee or officer of a corporation. A company's business practices can also lead to accusations of fraudulent conduct.
Fraud claims have the potential to cause significant harm to your corporation. Many times, your business's reputation or assets could be at risk.
Given the nature and complexity of these cases, you need to hire a business litigation lawyer when your company is involved in a fraud dispute. They have the experience to handle your case cost-effectively and can help your business defend against significant reputation or financial losses.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Fraud Charges?
Fraud is a broad term that encompasses many crimes. In general, a fraud crime involves using deceitful words or conduct to obtain an unlawful benefit.
While there are different types of fraud, the most common types of business fraud claims are:
Corporate, Accounting, Or Financial Fraud
This type of fraud affects many individuals and businesses every year, often resulting in malpractice claims against professionals like lawyers and accountants.
For accountants, accounting fraud is a form of accounting malpractice. An accountant commits accounting fraud when they unjustifiably alter corporate financial documents to change the company's profits or losses. The goal of accounting fraud is either personal or corporate enrichment.
In addition to accounting fraud, accounting malpractice includes many kinds of corporate or financial fraud. These fraud crimes are usually (but not always) committed by accountants and include:
- Billing fraud: Invoicing an employer for personal expenses or false services performed.
- Tax fraud/evasion: Willfully failing to file a corporate tax return or falsifying income to avoid tax liabilities.
- Embezzlement: Taking control of or using entrusted corporate (or individual) assets for a different purpose.
Hire An Experienced Lawyer In Chicago For Your Fraud Legal Defense
Facing a fraud allegation can be intimidating, especially when the consequences of a conviction are substantial. You need a lawyer to help you navigate the fraud charge process.
When searching for a Chicago civil fraud defense attorney, King & Jones is the firm you can trust with your legal defense. Our lawyers have decades of experience and can help determine the best strategy for you or your business. Contact us today for an initial consultation.
