Fraud in Seattle

With thriving business districts like South Lake Union, Pioneer Square, and Belltown, Seattle is a leader in financial sectors like e-commerce, software development, and real estate. In an economic powerhouse like Seattle, fraud is a common charge due to the high volume of financial transactions. While it is a serious allegation, it's important to remember that not all charges result from deliberate wrongdoing. Errors, misunderstandings, or regulatory confusion often lead to accusations that can disrupt careers and lives. If you're facing fraud charges in Seattle, you need a skilled attorney by your side.

Fraud Charges Our Seattle Legal Team Has Defended Against

When you’re up against fraud charges in Seattle, you need our skilled and proven legal representation. Our attorneys bring over 20 years of dedicated experience specializing in fraud defense. We've earned a strong reputation for success in Seattle and King County courts for crafting strategic and strong defenses to financial crimes. We know the local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures, allowing us to anticipate challenges and present arguments that resonate.

Contact us today if you or someone you love is facing any of the following charges in Seattle or surrounding areas:

• Identity Theft In The First Degree
• Identity Theft In The Second Degree
• Credit Card Fraud
• Bank Fraud
• Securities Fraud
• Insurance Fraud
• Check Fraud
• Unemployment Benefits Fraud
• Health Care Fraud
• Welfare Fraud
• Tax Evasion And Tax Fraud
• False Claims Or Statements To Public Agencies
• Mortgage Fraud
• Real Estate Fraud
• Wire Fraud (State-Level)

What Are The Penalties For A Fraud Conviction In Washington State?

Fraud charges in Washington state carry serious penalties, reflecting the financial harm and breach of trust often involved in these crimes. Penalties for fraud include:

• Imprisonment:
  • Gross Misdemeanor: As many as 364 days
  • Class C Felony: As many as 5 years
  • Class B Felony: As many as 10 years
  • Federal Offenses: Sentences can exceed 10 years, depending on the severity of the crime and federal sentencing guidelines
• Fines:
  • Gross Misdemeanor: Fines of up to $5,000
  • Class C Felony: Fines of up to $10,000
  • Class B Felony: Fines of up to $20,000
  • Federal Offenses: Fines of up to hundreds of thousands of dollars or more
• Restitution: Courts may order repayment to victims for financial losses caused by fraud.
• Probation: Fraud convictions can lead to probation with conditions like counseling and community service.
• Loss of Professional Licenses: Professionals may lose their licenses, ending their careers.
• Permanent Criminal Record: A fraud conviction leaves a lasting criminal record, affecting jobs, housing, and education.
• Asset Forfeiture: Property or assets gained through fraud may be seized by the government.

If you're facing fraud allegations in Washington state, contact our Seattle law offices for a consultation. Our experienced attorneys will help defend you against them.

How Can I Defend Myself Against Fraud Allegations In Seattle?

Fraud defenses focus on challenging the legal elements of fraud and the evidence used to prove them. Here are some defenses we will explore for your case:

• Lack Of Intent To Defraud: Fraud requires proving that you acted with the intent to deceive or defraud. If your actions were accidental, negligent, or based on a misunderstanding, we argue that the prosecution cannot prove intent. For example, a clerical error or oversight in financial documentation does not meet the legal standard for fraud.
• No Material Misrepresentation: We challenge whether the alleged false statement or act was significant enough to influence the victim's decision. If the misrepresentation was minor or irrelevant to the transaction, it does not meet the materiality requirement for fraud.
• Lack Of Knowledge: Fraud also requires that you knowingly make a false statement or representation. If you were unaware that the information you provided was incorrect or if you relied on information from others that turned out to be false, this defense negates the knowledge requirement.
• Absence Of Victim Reliance: Fraud charges hinge on the victim relying on the false representation to their detriment. If the victim did not act based on the alleged misrepresentation or if their reliance was unreasonable under the circumstances, they would not meet this crime element.
• No Resulting Harm: Fraud requires that the alleged actions caused harm or loss to the victim, such as financial loss or property damage. If there is no clear evidence of harm, the prosecution's case weakens significantly.
• Regulatory Or Compliance Confusion: Many fraud cases arise in industries with complex regulations. If the alleged fraud resulted from unclear or ambiguous regulatory requirements, we argue that the actions were compliance errors rather than intentional fraud.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement or regulatory agencies induced or coerced you into committing fraudulent acts that you would not have otherwise undertaken, we argue that entrapment occurred, which can lead to the dismissal of charges.
• Statute Of Limitations: Fraud charges must be brought within a specific time frame under Washington law. If the alleged offense occurred outside this period, we file motions to dismiss based on the statute of limitations.

With the right defense, we can reduce your fraud charges and penalties. We may even be able to have them dismissed.

Don't Face Fraud Charges Alone! Call Our Expert Seattle Fraud Defense Team Now

Seattle is a major hub of business and economic activity, home to thriving business districts like Downtown Seattle and Capitol Hill. We host industries that drive Washington state's economy, including technology, real estate, banking, e-commerce, and healthcare. Further, major companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Expedia, and Nordstrom are headquartered in Seattle, contributing to its reputation as a leading economic center.

With such a high volume of transactions, fraud charges are not uncommon in the city. That is why we firmly believe that all fraud charges can and should be challenged. With over 20 years of experience and a strong reputation in Seattle's courts, our attorneys know exactly how to challenge fraud cases. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our fraud attorneys fight to protect your rights and your future.

You Have Options – Contact Our Seattle Fraud Attorneys for Help

Seattle State law defines fraud as intentionally distorting the truth of a situation in an attempt to convince a person to give up something of value, and it comes in many different forms. Just some of the types of fraud recognized in Seattle are tax fraud, bank fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and credit card fraud.

If you’ve been charged with Seattle fraud you need to take steps to prevent the devastating effects a conviction could cause. Our Seattle fraud lawyers can help. There are many factors that must be considered in a fraud case, and your judicial sentence can vary greatly as a result. The court is going to consider your role in the fraud, previous convictions, and the value of the goods, service, or monies in question. Other factors can also come into play when assessing a Seattle fraud crime, so you need to have a working knowledge of the law in order to create an aggressive defense.

Our team of Seattle fraud attorneys will fight to have your charges reduced or dropped, but much will depend upon the evidence in the case and your willingness to address the charges in a timely manner.

Seattle attorney Jason S. Newcombe deals with all varieties of criminal cases, and will handle your Seattle fraud case with the seriousness it commands. Before speaking with any law enforcement officer, consult privately with one of our experienced litigators and make sure your rights are protected.

Why it Makes Sense to Retain One of Our Seattle Fraud Lawyers

As mentioned, time is of the essence if you’ve been charged with fraud in Seattle State. You have rights that the law mandates, so you should speak with one of our Seattle fraud attorneys before talking with authorities so that you do not say anything that could be used against you in court. This gives your Seattle attorney time to thoroughly review your case, including the evidence against you, so that they can be sure it was lawfully obtained.

Being arrested for any crime in Seattle can be an emotionally devastating experience that affects everyone you care about. Our Seattle fraud lawyers understand that you want to put these events behind you as quickly as possible, but we will leave no stone unturned when conducting our investigation. Our goal is to minimize the damage of a Seattle fraud charge as much as possible, and with over 30 years of combined experience we are prepared to give you the representation you deserve.

Our affordable rates and flexible payment plans make it possible for anyone charged with Seattle fraud to have a professional litigator defending their interests in court. Contact us today for a private and confidential consultation to address your Seattle fraud charges.