What are Fraud Crimes?
4 years ago by Justin M. Schiks
There are several different fraud crimes defined by the Minnesota Statutes. There is also a wide variety of behaviors that can constitute fraud, depending on which fraud crime you have been charged with. It is important to get legal advice from a knowledgeable fraud attorney when you are facing these charges. Attorney Justin Schiks is an experienced Woodbury theft crimes lawyer. He can help protect your constitutional rights throughout the criminal case process and help develop the best strategy for resolving the charges against you.
The types of white-collar theft crimes that are defined by Minnesota law
There are many different types of fraud prohibited by the Minnesota Statutes. They include:
- Financial transaction card fraud (Section 609.821)
- Fraud in obtaining credit (Section 609.82)
- Unemployment benefits fraud (Section 268.182)
- Check forgery (Section 609.631)
- Identity theft (Section 609.527)
- Retailers that misrepresent a “going out of business” sale (Section 325F.69)
- Counterfeiting, altering, obtaining, possessing, using, or selling a certificate, vital record, or similar report (Section 144.227)
- Insurance fraud (Section 609.611)
The potential penalties for fraud
Fraud is a category of theft crimes. Like theft crimes, the penalty for fraud depends on the value of the stolen goods or services. For example, the penalty for financial transaction card fraud is up to one year in prison and a $3000 fine if no property (other than the card itself) has been stolen. The penalties increase in stages as the value of stolen goods increases. If the credit card fraud resulted in the theft of $35,000 or more, the defendant faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine of $100,000.
Some fraud cases do not result in the defendant getting a clear financial benefit as a result of the fraud. For example, fraud in vital records is a gross misdemeanor. The penalty for forging a birth or death certificate is up to one year in prison, a fine of $3000, or both. The penalty is less severe because the defendant has not stolen goods or services that can be easily valued. Of course, in such a case, there are often other crimes that the defendant can also be charged with (such as perjury). It is important to consult with a lawyer about all the charges you face and the best strategy for resolving the entire case.
The right lawyer for any Woodbury theft or fraud case
The penalties for fraud charges can vary greatly. Some cases involve a single simple misdemeanor, but complex cases can involve multiple felony charges that are aggravated by the circumstances. In either situation, the consequences of a fraud conviction can make your life difficult for years after your case is done. This is why it is so important to work with a skilled fraud attorney as soon as you learn that charges have been filed. Attorney Justin Schiks is an experienced Woodbury theft crimes lawyer. He has handled many fraud cases, and he can help you mitigate the consequences of fraud charges. Contact us or call today to schedule a free consultation (651) 986-9652.
