Facing Fraud Charges? Hire an Experienced Bellingham Defense Attorney

Facing accusations of fraud puts your entire life in jeopardy, especially if you are located in the state of Washington, which takes fraud and other financial crimes very seriously. Penalties for fraud include heavy fines, probation, and even prison time.

If you are facing fraud charges, you must speak to a Bellingham fraud defense attorney immediately. Having a defense attorney by your side at the Whatcom County Courts will ensure you get the best outcome possible for your case.

No matter the circumstances, we can help. Call us now for a free case evaluation from a qualified Bellingham fraud defense attorney. We'll help you explore your legal options and protect your future.

What Is Considered Fraud Under Washington Law?

Under Washington law, fraud is broadly defined and includes various offenses that generally involve deception, breach of trust, or dishonest conduct intended to gain financial or personal benefits. Here are key categories and specific examples of fraud as defined by Washington statutes:

1. Forgery: This involves falsely making, completing, or altering a written instrument or possessing or using a forged instrument, such as checks, licenses, or legal documents under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9A.60.020.
2. Obtaining A Signature Through Deception Or Duress: This crime occurs when you induce someone to sign a document through deceptive means or under duress, which is considered a class C felony under RCW 9A.60.030.
3. Criminal Impersonation: There are two degrees of this crime:
   • First degree involves assuming a false identity with the intention of defrauding the victim or for any other unlawful purpose (RCW 9A.60.040).
   • Second degree includes actions such as falsely assuming the identity of a law enforcement officer or a member of the armed forces (RCW 9A.60.045).
4. False Certification: This includes certifying false information in an official capacity, often seen in cases involving notaries or other officials (RCW 9A.60.050).
5. Insurance Fraud: Various deceptive practices related to insurance claims and policies, including filing false claims or misleading information to obtain insurance benefits (RCW 48.30.230), are considered fraud.
6. Financial Fraud: This encompasses a range of activities, including check fraud, credit card fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft. The state supports task forces through the Financial Fraud and Identity Theft Task Force Program, which tackles these crimes (RCW 43.330.300).

These statutes address the multitude of ways people commit fraud, ensuring there are remedies for deceptive practices that can financially harm individuals and businesses.

What Are The Penalties For Fraud Charges?

When facing fraud charges in Washington State, you must understand the penalties you might face. Fraud, generally classified as an act of deceiving or misleading another for financial or personal gain, encompasses various offenses under state law.

It can be prosecuted under numerous statutes, depending on the specific nature of the crime. For instance, RCW 9A.60.040 covers forgery, while RCW 9.45.070 deals with obtaining a signature by deception. More encompassing statutes, such as RCW 9A.60.020, outline criminal impersonation, which often relates to identity theft, a common form of fraud.

In Washington State, the penalties for fraud are severe and can vary significantly based on the amount of money involved, the specific acts committed, and the defendant's criminal history. For crimes involving smaller amounts (typically under $750), the charge may be classified as a gross misdemeanor and carries a jail term of up to one year and a fine of up to $5,000.

However, as the amount increases, so does the severity of the charges. Fraud involving larger sums can be prosecuted as a Class B or Class C felony, leading to a potentially long prison sentence of up to 10 years, along with heavy fines of up to $20,000 or more.

In the Bellingham area and Whatcom County, local courts are known for their detailed scrutiny of fraud cases, adhering strictly to the legal standards set by state law. The Whatcom County Superior Court, for example, handles felony fraud cases and has a track record of enforcing stringent penalties in alignment with Washington State's directives to deter future offenses and uphold justice.

Additionally, it's important to note that fraud can be prosecuted at the federal level, especially if the fraudulent activities cross state lines or involve federal agencies. Federal fraud charges often come with their own set of complexities and severe penalties, including longer prison terms and heftier fines.

Given the complexities and potential consequences of fraud charges, understanding the legal framework and seeking competent legal advice early in the process is imperative. Taking a strategic approach not only manages the immediate challenges of the legal process but also mitigates the long-term impact of such charges on your personal and professional life.

FAQs About Fraud Charges In Washington StateQuestion: What should I do if I am accused of fraud in Washington State?

Answer: If accused of fraud, it's crucial to consult with a defense attorney experienced in fraud cases, as they can help you understand the legal system, develop a defense strategy, and manage court appearances and negotiations. Legal representation is vital due to the complexities of fraud laws and the potential consequences of a conviction.

Question: Does Washington law recognize different types of fraud?

Answer: Yes, Washington law recognizes several types of illegal fraud, including but not limited to identity theft, forgery, insurance fraud, and credit card fraud. Each type has specific statutes, such as identity theft under RCW 9.35.020 and forgery under RCW 9A.60.020.

Question: How does a fraud conviction impact a person’s future?

Answer: A fraud conviction can have severe and long-lasting effects, including difficulty finding employment, loss of professional licenses, significant financial penalties, and social stigma. A felony conviction, in particular, leads to the loss of your voting rights and restrictions on gun ownership as per RCW 29A.08.520 and RCW 9.41.040.

Question: Can fraud charges be expunged from my record in Washington State?

Answer: Expungement is possible if certain conditions are met, including the completion of all sentence terms and a waiting period, which varies based on the severity of the offense. Details on the expungement process can be found under RCW 9.94A.640, which outlines the criteria and procedures for vacating misdemeanor and felony convictions.

Question: How does Washington State investigate and prosecute fraud cases?

Answer: Local police departments or specialized units like financial crime units investigate fraud. The state also has a Financial Fraud and Identity Theft Task Force, which focuses on complex fraud cases involving multiple jurisdictions. Depending on the case's complexity and severity, county prosecutors or the Washington State Attorney General's office handle prosecutions.

How A Fraud Defense Attorney Can Help

A Washington State fraud defense attorney can provide several crucial services to help someone accused of fraud. These include:

1. Legal Guidance And Representation: As your defense attorney, we will navigate the complex legal system on your behalf, ensuring you understand your rights and the charges against you. We will interpret the specific fraud statutes relevant to your case and help you better understand your charges.
2. Defense Strategy Development: Based on the evidence, we will build a defense strategy, often focusing on the lack of intent to commit fraud, which is a required element for many fraud charges, as outlined in various sections of RCW 9A.60.
3. Negotiation With Prosecutors: Our experienced attorneys will negotiate with prosecutors to reduce your charges, potentially leading to lesser penalties or even dismissal. This may involve plea bargaining, which can significantly alter the outcome of your case.
4. Representation In Court: If your case goes to trial, we will represent you in Whatcom County courts, handling all aspects of the trial, from jury selection and presenting arguments to cross-examining witnesses.
5. Appeals Management: If the trial does not go favorably, we can handle appeals. Our team will argue for a reversal of the decision or a new trial based on potential legal errors or new evidence.
6. Plea Deals And Sentencing Advice: Our skilled Bellingham attorneys will advise you on whether to accept a plea deal and will advocate for fair sentencing based on mitigating factors and the specifics of the law, such as those outlined in RCW 9A.20.021 regarding sentencing and punishment for misdemeanors and felonies.

Each of these roles is vital in ensuring the accused receives a fair trial. For those facing fraud charges, consulting with a Bellingham fraud defense attorney is crucial to managing the situation effectively.

Contact Our Bellingham Fraud Defense Attorneys To Learn More

Reach out to our Bellingham fraud defense attorneys today to leverage our deep expertise in Whatcom County courts. Our committed team is devoted to offering robust defense and steadfast support to safeguard your rights.

With an understanding of the complexities of fraud cases, we will work tirelessly on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome for your situation. Reach out to us for a free consultation, and let us help you through this difficult time.