DuPage County Fraud Charges Attorney

DuPage Fraud Crimes Attorneys

Fraud offenses can lead to state and/or federal prosecution, resulting in felony convictions and significant prison sentences. In cases involving government institutions, such as tax, immigration, Medicaid, or Medicare fraud, federal charges may apply, increasing the risk of longer prison terms and larger fines. Prosecutors vigorously pursue financial crimes, often treating each transaction as a separate offense.

Penalties for fraud depend on the monetary value of the property or financial loss. Higher loss amounts can result in longer jail sentences and heftier fines. Some fraud offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences in federal prison, making it crucial to seek assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney familiar with defending against these charges.

The skilled and experienced Illinois criminal law attorneys at Wolfe & Stec understand the seriousness of your situation and offer aggressive representation for clients facing criminal fraud charges.  We know the courts and the criminal justice system and how to plea bargain, negotiate guidelines, and recognize when to take your case to trial.  We offer a free consultation to examine the facts of your individual situation and find the best way to defend your rights and liberty. Contact us for a free consultation at 630-305-0222.

Types of Fraud

There are many methods used to defraud individuals, but they all involve intentionally deceiving others for personal gain. Often, the fraud involves the use of the internet, phone or mail, or industries like insurance, securities, banking, medical insurance, or credit card companies. The following are some of the most common types of fraud crimes:

• Auto Insurance Fraud — any deception committed against an auto insurance company for financial gain. Common schemes include vehicle dumping (disposing of a vehicle by leaving it somewhere, then claiming it was stolen), exaggerating repair costs after an accident, and fraudulently claiming airbag or windshield replacement.
• Check Fraud — using checks to unlawfully acquire funds that belong to someone else, often by writing a check for insufficient funds or on a closed account.
• Counterfeit Fraud – passing off any fake good, service, or material as an authentic article, including counterfeiting money or goods such as fake handbags, clothing, and pharmaceuticals.
• Credit Card Fraud – includes making false statements to get a card; possession, use, or sale of someone else’s card; using counterfeit, forged, or expired cards.
• Fake IDs – using someone else’s identity or creating a new identity in order to defraud others.
• Forgery – forging documents, credit cards, a subscription, or currency in order to defraud others.
• Fraudulent Vehicle Registration — registering in areas with lower insurance rates to avoid higher premiums in the actual area.
• Gambling Fraud — falsely claiming that internet sports or casino gambling services are legal, or fixing gambling results and engaging in fixed games like three card monte.
• Healthcare Fraud — the filing of dishonest healthcare claims in order to turn a profit. Schemes include obtaining unneeded covered prescription pills and selling them on the black market; billing for care that was never given or filing duplicate claims; altering the dates or description of services; billing for a non-covered service as a covered service; modifying medical records; prescribing unnecessary treatment.
• Identity Theft — the manufacturing, counterfeiting, alteration, sale and/or use of identity or other fraudulent documents. Utilizing personal information such as social security number, name, credit card number, or banking information without consent for the purpose of seeking financial gain.
• Insurance Fraud — any act committed with the intent to obtain a benefit from an insurance provider to which a person is not entitled. Also, when an insurer knowingly denies a benefit that is due to the claimant.
• Securities Fraud — also known as stock or investment fraud, is a deceptive practice in the stock or commodities markets that induces investors to make purchase or sale decisions on the basis of false information.
• Senior Fraud – any practice of deceiving and fraudulently extracting money from elderly individuals.
• Unemployment Insurance/Workers Comp Fraud — willfully making a false statement or concealing information to receive or prevent someone from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Examples include working while allegedly disabled and not reporting income, falsely claiming a job-related injury, and claiming a non-work-related injury.
• Welfare Fraud — the deliberate abuse of the welfare system to unlawfully receive public funds by providing false income or health information.
• Visa Fraud— the sale, provision, or transfer of otherwise legitimate visas, misrepresentation of reasons for traveling, and forgery or alteration of a visa.

Punishments for Fraud in Dupage County

Penalties for fraud vary depending on several factors, including the specific conduct, state or federal offense, and the extent of the damages suffered by the victim.

For example, Illinois penalties for identity theft are:

Why You Need Experienced Fraud Defense Attorneys

While the penalties for conviction for fraud are severe, keep in mind that the prosecutor has to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  An experienced fraud defense attorney can often find ways to have computer data or financial documents excluded on grounds such as obtaining information through an unlawful search or in violation of the Miranda Act or based on procedural or substantive grounds such as duress, entrapment, or ignorance.

Because of the mandatory minimum sentences, it is essential that people accused of fraud act quickly when preparing their defense. It may be possible to get sentencing departures if an offender cooperates with an investigation. An experienced attorney can explain how this works and help determine what would be the best option. Here are reasons why you need one:

Strategic Case Assessment

Fraud cases often involve complex financial transactions and intricate legal details. Our attorneys will conduct thorough case assessments and identify key legal and factual issues. This meticulous approach allows for the development of effective defense strategies that address the specific elements of the alleged fraudulent activities.

Expertise in White-Collar Crime Defense

Fraud charges frequently fall under the umbrella of white-collar crimes, necessitating a specialized skill set for an effective defense. Our legal team brings extensive expertise in handling white-collar crime cases, including fraud, embezzlement, and financial misconduct. This focus ensures that our clients receive targeted and nuanced representation in the face of complex legal challenges.

Investigative Resources and Connections

Our experienced fraud defense attorneys understand the importance of a thorough investigation to uncover evidence that can strengthen our client’s defense. We possess the analytical acumen necessary to scrutinize financial records, electronic data, and witness statements. We maintain a network of investigative resources, including forensic accountants and experts, to gather and analyze evidence crucial to building a robust defense strategy. By leveraging our experience, our attorneys identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and present compelling counterarguments, protecting the rights and interests of our clients.

Negotiation Skills and Trial Experience

Effective negotiation skills and courtroom experience are indispensable assets in fraud defense. Our legal team brings a wealth of experience to the negotiating table, striving to secure favorable plea deals when appropriate. In cases that proceed to trial, our attorneys demonstrate a formidable presence in the courtroom, skillfully presenting evidence and arguments to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.

Contact Wolfe & Stec DuPage County Fraud Defense Attorney

When facing fraud allegations, the choice of legal representation can be the deciding factor in the outcome of a case. At Wolfe & Stec, we recognize the gravity of fraud charges and are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest caliber of defense. Contact us at 630-305-0222 for a free initial consultation. Our experienced fraud defense attorneys stand ready to protect the rights and futures of those facing fraud allegations.