Hartford Fraud Defense Attorneys
Defense for fraud and white collar crime offenses in Manchester & Hartford
Today, with technology allowing us access to just about anything, fraud has become easier to commit, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Bits of information can cross state, federal and international lines in the blink of an eye – making it tempting to acquire property or money that isn’t yours. Or, in some cases, you could commit fraud by accident. Either way, fraud is a crime and comes with serious consequences.
A conviction of fraud charges can permanently impact your life. You could face jail time, high financial penalties and – worse – a criminal record. This can affect your employment opportunities and your professional and personal reputation, as well as repercussions that can ripple throughout the rest of your day-to-day life. The Hartford criminal defense lawyers at Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC are dedicated to defending their clients against all types of fraud and white-collar crime charges. Contact us today if you’ve been arrested or have learned you are under investigation so we can begin working on your defense today.
Fraud crimes in Hartford
The most basic definition of “fraud” is lying with deceitful intent for personal property gain. Allegations of fraud can encompass anything from writing bad checks to complex embezzlement schemes that cross state lines. Generally, fraud crimes fall into three distinct categories:
- Employee fraud. A common example of this would be an employee filing a false workers’ compensation claim by faking or overstating an injury.
- Consumer fraud. For example, if a customer takes merchandise from a store without paying for it and attempts to return it for a refund or credit.
- Government/business fraud. This type of fraud occurs when an individual attempts to defraud the government via assistance or aid services.
Depending on the circumstances and the amount of benefits obtained, the Connecticut criminal code lists fraud as misdemeanors or Class B felonies, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced fraud defense lawyer who can explain the charges against you in detail, and build a strong case on your behalf – either minimizing the charges or working to get them dropped altogether.
Defending Hartford clients against fraud offenses and allegations
There are a variety of different kinds of fraud to be aware of. If you are being accused of fraud or any other white-collar crime in the Hartford area, it’s important to understand the charges against you. Following are the most common types of fraud we’ve successfully defended our clients against.
Any type of fraud crime can result in significant penalties, including jail time, probation, fines and restitution.
Identity theft
Identify theft is typically considered to consumer fraud. This is when someone uses another party’s personal and identifying information without their consent to obtain property, goods or services. Under Connecticut law, identity theft may be a Class B, C or D felony, depending on the circumstances.
Internet crimes
Computer and internet crimes in CT can run from felonies to misdemeanors, depending on the amount of financial damages or the value of the property or goods stolen. These types of crimes include:
- Unauthorized access to a computer system or network
- Theft or interruption of computer services
- Misuse of computer system information
- Destruction of computer equipment
You can be charged with an internet crime for sending a computer virus that causes equipment to be damaged or destroyed – even if you did it unintentionally. This is why it’s so important to have knowledgeable legal representation from a Hartford fraud defense attorney.
Credit card fraud
Credit card fraud falls under Connecticut G.S. 53a-128c. These charges can be either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the amount and breadth of financial damages. Examples of credit card fraud include:
- Buying a credit card from someone other than the issuer
- Falsely making or embossing credit cards
- Receiving a stolen or lost credit card with the intent to transfer to someone other than the cardholder
- Receiving credit cards in someone else’s name that were knowingly taken via credit card theft
- Signing another person’s credit card without authorization
- Taking another person’s credit card without consent
An individual may be charged with credit card fraud if they use a credit card with the intent to defraud another party providing goods and services. In these cases, the user is aware the card is forged, expired or revoked, or does not belong to them.
Often, someone may not know they’re using an expired or revoked credit card. The fraud attorneys at Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC will help you get the details straightened out and help clear your name and your record.
Check fraud
Bouncing a check once in a while isn’t a crime. However, intentionally writing multiple bad checks and failing to refund the goods you purchased or the money you owe is a crime under G.S. 53a-128. Depending on the amount, check fraud can be charged as a Class D felony or Class A, B and C misdemeanors. The courts tend to enforce these penalties more when the individual attempts to pass checks with the knowledge that they have insufficient funds, or that the bank will refuse the check.
Fraud and other white-collar crimes are typically non-violent. However, this doesn’t mean the penalties will be any less severe. If you’ve been charged, or are under investigation, for a fraud crime, talk to a Hartford attorney with experience in this complicated area of law. We can advise you of your rights and legal options and guide you toward a favorable outcome.
Professional Hartford fraud and white collar crime defense lawyers
The criminal defense attorneys at Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC have decades of experience providing legal assistance to clients facing fraud charges throughout Hartford County. We’ll work on your case, crafting a defense to help avoid jail time and financial penalties, and to keep your criminal record clear. Call us today to learn more. We’re located minutes off I-384 in Manchester. To schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers in Hartford or Manchester, please call 860-649-4400 or fill out our contact form.