Fraud in Naperville

Fraud is a serious crime that has significant consequences as it can be prosecuted as a state and/or as a federal offense and may result in a felony conviction and a term in prison. In Naperville, the Police Department regularly receives reports concerning frauds and scams, including some instances of people impersonating city employees, and the department sends out alerts to keep residents informed of current fraud schemes.

Prosecutors have become extremely zealous about pursuing fraud, often by charging each transaction as a separate criminal offense.  If you are accused of a fraud crime, you face severe penalties, including jail time and fines. If your crime reaches the federal level, you may be subject to mandatory minimum sentencing in federal prison.  It is essential to get the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how to defend against these charges.

The skilled and seasoned Naperville criminal law attorneys at Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., offer aggressive representation for clients facing fraud and related criminal charges.  We are highly experienced trial lawyers who are committed to representing our clients with vigorous advocacy. 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.

Call our DuPage County fraud defense lawyers today at 630-305-0222 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.

Types of Fraud

There are many methods used to criminally defraud individuals, but they all involve intentionally deceiving others for personal gain. Often the fraud involves use of the Internet, phone or mail, or industries like insurance, securities, banking, medical insurance, or credit card companies. If the fraud involves government institutions, such as in the case of tax fraud, immigration fraud, Medicaid or Medicare fraud, federal charges become involved, which increases the possibility of longer prison time and larger fines.

Our attorneys provide vigorous defense against all fraud crimes, including:

• Credit card fraud
• Identity fraud and theft
• Bank fraud
• ATM fraud
• Health care fraud
• Consumer fraud
• Computer fraud
• Tax fraud
• WIC fraud
• Medicare/Medicaid fraud
• Auto insurance fraud
• Check fraud
• Forgery
• Fraudulent vehicle registration
• Gambling fraud
• Securities fraud
• Senior fraud
• Unemployment insurance/workers’ compensation fraud
• Welfare fraud
• Visa fraud

Penalties for Fraud

Penalties for fraud vary, depending on several factors, including the specific conduct, whether it is a state or federal offense, and the extent of the damages suffered by the victim. Potential penalties are based on the dollar value of the property or financial loss. The higher the loss amount, the longer the possible jail time and the higher the possible fines. For example, identity theft resulting in a loss of less than $300 in Illinois is a class A misdemeanor and  could bring a jail term of up to a year and a $25,000 fine.  For an amount over $100,000, it becomes a Class 1 Felony, with a penalty of up to 15 years in state prison and a $25,000 fine.

Since some fraud crimes are subject to mandatory minimum sentencing — a set amount of time that must be served in federal prison for committing a federal crime — it’s essential to get the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how to defend against these charges.

Defenses

While the penalties for a fraud conviction 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, if you are accused of fraud, you must act quickly to best prepare your defense. In some situations, 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.

Put Your Trust In Us — Contact Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. For A Free Consultation

When you are accused of fraud, you need to hire the best criminal defense attorney that you can find.  The Naperville fraud defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. are skilled trial lawyers who believe each case is unique, with its own set of circumstances. We take an assertive approach and thoroughly investigate every case. We examine the facts, the individuals involved, and the evidence available, and work hand in hand with our clients throughout the criminal process to come up with an effective defense strategy. Our goal is always to minimize the negative impact of the situation and to focus on protecting your freedoms, liberties and rights.

We will work with you to answer all your questions and make sure you fully understand the facts surrounding your case and what you can do to mitigate penalties. 

Delaying can only make your situation worse, so call 630-305-0222 or send us an email online today to schedule your free initial consultation and begin preparing a response to any accusations of fraud.