New Jersey recognizes wrongful deception intended to result in personal or financial gain as fraud. Fraud is considered a white-collar crime in New Jersey. However, this does not mean it does not come with severe consequences. Continue reading to discover the types of fraud in New Jersey, fraud defenses, and the penalties for fraud. Reach out to our experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney who will walk you through the legal process ahead if you are facing fraud charges. Contact our firm today to schedule an initial consultation.
Types of Fraud in New Jersey
The following types of fraud are the most common in New Jersey:
- Credit card fraud: Unauthorized taking of another’s credit card information for the purpose of charging purchases
- Tax fraud: Falsely claiming deductions or credits, submitting false information to the New Jersey Division of Taxation or the IRS, or including underreporting taxable income
- Bank fraud: Use of potentially illegal means to obtain assets, money, or other property owned or held by a financial institution
- Insurance fraud: Selling fraudulent auto insurance cards or filing a fraudulent insurance claim
- Internet fraud: Hiding or providing incorrect information to trick victims out of their money, property, or inheritance
- Embezzlement: Theft or misappropriation of funds place in one’s trust or belonging to one’s employer
- Bankruptcy fraud: Intentionally filing incomplete or false forms regarding bankruptcy
- Mail or wire fraud: Mailing or electronically transmitting something associated with fraud
- Forgery: The act of forging or producing a copy of a document, banknote, signature, or work of art
Fraud Charge Defense
Providing criminal culpability for fraud requires the prosecution to prove that the defendant has intent. If you did not have the intent to defraud a person, bank, government agency, or company, you should not face criminal offenses. This is why it is essential to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you can raise any questions about your subjective intent at the time of the alleged offense, you may protect yourself against a conviction at trial. With an experienced attorney in your corner, you will challenge the government’s evidence of intent as a defense. Our firm will pursue every strategy available to us to prevent prosecution. Give our firm a call today to get started.
Criminal Penalties for Fraud
The penalties for fraud in New Jersey are as follows:
- Disorderly Persons Offenses: $1,000 fine and up to six months of jail time
- Fourth–Degree Indictable Offenses: $10,000 fine and up to 18 months of prison time
- Third-Degree Indictable Offenses: $15,000 fine and three to five years of prison time
Contact our Firm
Our firm understands how serious criminal and personal injury cases are. We are prepared to guide you towards a favorable outcome because we believe false accusations or preventable injuries should never cause a person harm. This is why those who require experienced legal counsel in New Jersey should do themselves a favor and contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze today for any criminal and personal injury matters.
