Many types of fraud can result in criminal charges and prosecution, and a person convicted of fraud could face substantial fines and several years of imprisonment.

If you have been accused of any type of fraud, let a Summerville fraud lawyer represent you. With your best interests in mind, an attorney could raise a strong defense and help protect your legal rights. Additionally, a lawyer could help obtain a positive resolution to your case.

Fraud Laws in Summerville

Fraud laws in Summerville are outlined under Chapter 13 of Title 16 of South Carolina Code of Laws. There are several types of fraud offenses a person could be charged with, such as:

  • Document Fraud — Creating or using fraudulent birth certificates, licenses to drive, and other documents or forms of identification
  • Identity Fraud — Attempting to use another person’s identifying information for various purposes, such as gaining employment
  • Bank Fraud — Committing fraud to gain unauthorized access to another person’s financial information
  • Loan Fraud — Intentionally providing false or deceitful information to obtain a financial loan
  • Mortgage Fraud — Intentionally providing false or misleading information to obtain mortgage loan approval
  • Insurance Fraud — Intentionally providing false or dishonest information on an insurance claim to receive unwarranted compensation for damages

The above offenses are just a few examples of fraudulent actions prohibited by law. A criminal defense attorney who handles such cases in Summerville could explain other types of unauthorized financial violations, such as tax or securities fraud.

Summerville Penalties for Falsifying Financial Credentials

The penalties for committing fraud offenses in Summerville often include a term of incarceration and a hefty fine. The length of confinement and the amount of the fine depend on the specific type of fraud and whether it is classified as a misdemeanor or felony. Subsequent convictions could result in more severe sanctions than first offenses.

The penalty for misdemeanor fraud, such as intentionally selling fake identification cards, passports, or driver’s licenses with inaccurate date of births, is imprisonment for up to one year and a fine up to $1,000. For a felony offense, such as certain forms of identity theft, the punishments could include a sentence of up to ten years in prison and a fine, the amount of which is left to the discretion of the court.

In addition to incarceration and a substantial fine, a defendant could be ordered to pay restitution in some cases. A Summerville lawyer who provides legal representation in fraud cases could answer questions about the penalties for specific types of offenses, such as false insurance claims.

Speak with a Summerville Fraud Attorney About Your Case

Defending yourself against fraud charges may not be in your best interest if you want to achieve the best outcome in your case. Fraud laws can be complicated, and it can be challenging to navigate the criminal justice system alone. With a Summerville fraud lawyer by your side, you could have someone who understands the law working on your behalf to secure a favorable resolution to your case.

An attorney could work to preserve your legal freedoms, such as the right to be presumed innocent and to be protected against self-incrimination. Speak with an attorney to pursue relief from your allegations today.