If a person misrepresents facts for financial gain, this is crime referred to as fraud in Washington State. There are a number of crimes that fall under this umbrella. Some are misdemeanors, and others are felonies. Most are categorized as “white collar crimes,” because deception or a breach of trust is used to commit the crime without the use of violence or intimidation.
Some of the more common fraud crimes include:
Depending on the severity of the crime, a conviction could mean substantial time in prison, expensive fines, probation, and acquiring a criminal record with a felony charge front and center. Even the most minor fraud crimes can result in 364 days in jail and a small fortune in fines. Obviously, you should do whatever you can to avoid the full repercussions of a criminal conviction, which is why we urge you to speak with one of our Bremerton fraud attorneys without delay.
The number-one goal is always to seek any legal means to have your criminal charges dropped. If this is not possible, the next course of action is to mitigate the damage of a conviction by seeking an arrangement with the prosecutor that keeps you out of prison. This may or not be possible, depending on the evidence, but we will aggressively pursue all options on your behalf.
Some pertinent questions related to fraud charges that could help with your defense include:
Prosecutors in the Kitsap County District and Superior Courts, located in Port Orchard, will ask the same questions, and they will use this information to determine how they prosecute the case. Your Bremerton fraud lawyer will ascertain the nature of your situation and offer you valuable legal advice when you need it most.
What Should I do if I'm Charged with Fraud in Kitsap County?A conviction for any crime can be personally devastating, but this is especially true for many fraud-related crimes because prosecutors often seek maximum sentences. If you or a loved one is charged with any of these crimes, secure legal representation before you agree to an interview with any law enforcement official. Police and prosecutors will may tell you that they'll show leniency for cooperating, but it's far more likely that anything you say will be used against you in court.
Your Bremerton fraud attorney will be at your side when questioned by authorities to ensure that your legal rights are fully protected. They will also offer you sound legal guidance that you can use to make better choices regarding your situation. Dealing with the court system is never easy, but we will be with you throughout this process to ensure your case is resolved.
Our Washington Criminal Defense Lawyers Offer a Free Consultation for Anyone Charged with FraudWith more than 50 years of combined experience handling both misdemeanor and felony fraud cases, our legal team is well-equipped to defend your interests. Every case has a certain “value,” which is based on a variety of factors. When you contact us for a free consultation, we can ascertain the “value” of your case, and give you a better idea of how it may be resolved?
After conducting an independent investigation of the evidence surrounding your arrest, your attorney will determine if it was legally obtained. They will also look into whether you have an alibi or if the prosecutors assessment of the fraudulently acquired property is accurate. Even a small difference in this dollar amount can be the difference between a misdemeanor or felony. No matter what the evidence reveals, we will never give up.
Will you spend time in jail? Will you have a felony conviction on your permanent record? Can you avoid the devastating ramifications of a criminal felony conviction? Answering these questions starts with your free consultation, so contact our law office in Port Orchard today and make sure you have professional legal guidance that you can trust.