Stafford County Fraud Lawyer
Fraud covers a category of different crimes that have in common the idea that someone illegally uses a misrepresentation or deception to get money or something of value from another person. Fraud charges carries heavy penalties, so if you are being charged with fraud, it is important to be as proactive as possible.
You can be proactive by retaining the services of a Stafford County fraud lawyer. If you face fraud charges, you should contact an experienced defense attorney as soon as you know you are being investigated for fraud or find out that a fraud charge is pending.
Common Fraud Cases
The most common types of fraud are credit card fraud, check fraud, forgery, embezzlement, and making a false representation on a gun application or other kind of credit application. The Internet provides new and different ways for people to commit different kinds of fraud. For example, it is now possible to go online and purchase the identifying information or credit card information of another person. This is something that comes up frequently in fraud cases.
Unique Investigations of Fraud
With most cases, the investigations happen directly after a crime is committed or even at the scene of the crime such as in a DUI or an assault case where police apprehend someone committing a crime or immediately afterward. Many fraud cases are not instantly detected and the investigations can go on for some time before charges are brought. The police may need to interview witnesses or examine electronic data or other tangible evidence. The investigations can continue for days or weeks before the police or prosecutors make a decision on the charges to bring.
There are several things to collect in terms of evidence for a fraud case. The first thing a Stafford County fraud lawyer looks at is the evidence the government has and the proof they are they going to bring. The evidence may include the testimony of the victim and other witnesses, and in some cases, the testimony or statements of the accused. In addition, there is often physical evidence in the form of the paper or electronically stored data.
Common Mistakes People Make Involving Fraud Charges
The most common and serious mistake people make during a fraud investigation is talking to police. An individual may learn that they are under investigation when an officer contacts them in person or by phone and wants to discuss something. It is important to understand that the police are not the person’s friend. They are not there to help the person. Their only function in that situation is to build a case against the person. The only thing that can happen in that conversation is that the person incriminates themselves or says something innocently that the government may later claim is inconsistent with something they previously said. It is critically important to not saying anything to the police prior to talking to a Stafford County fraud lawyer.
Another common mistake is when the person believes the charges are not serious because they are charged with a misdemeanor as opposed to a felony. The person may be innocent and trusts the process will prove their innocence without any effort on their part. That is simply not true. A fraud-related charge is a crime of moral turpitude. It involves lying, cheating, or stealing and can affect the person’s current and future employment. In addition, there are people who believed the truth would come out without the assistance of counsel and found themselves convicted.
Benefit of a Stafford County Fraud Lawyer
Although fraud is a serious charge, the best way to face fraud charges is by being proactive and contacting an attorney as soon as possible. A skilled Stafford County fraud lawyer can help you avoid incriminating yourself when talking to the police. Your lawyer can also look at the facts of the case and work hard to build a solid defense for you.
