Criminal Fraud in Homewood

Fraud offenses can be handled as both civil and criminal cases. In a civil case, one person can sue another person for damages if they claim they have been defrauded. If someone is charged with a crime of fraud, they face a potential criminal conviction, and consequences such as probation, fines, or even jail time.

Fraud laws in Alabama are extensive and cover many areas. Homewood fraud lawyers have seen that convictions can vary from a misdemeanor to a serious felony. Contact a skilled criminal attorney who can help you fight fraud allegations.

Someone can be considered to have the intent to defraud if they have a purpose to use deception to obtain goods, money or other value from another person. They can be found guilty of fraud whether or not they are successful in attempting to defraud someone.

If they are caught in the attempt, or with the attempt, to commit an act of fraud, that can be enough to charge them. It may be critical for someone to hire a Homewood fraud lawyer when confronted with these charges.

Fraud charges in Alabama can fall into several specific categories. They include forgery, criminal possession of forged documents, negotiating worthless negotiable instruments/check fraud, criminal impersonation, and credit card fraud. If anyone finds themselves facing these charges, they should contact a Homewood fraud lawyer as soon as possible.

Forgery, or faking of documents, can be in the first, second or third degree. First-degree forgery is the forgery of stamps, securities or other instruments issued by a government agency, or of a series of stocks, bonds or similar. Forgery in the first degree is a Class B felony, punishable by two to twenty years in jail and a fine up to $30,000. Forgery in the second degree applies to documents such as wills and deeds and is a Class C felony.

It can be a crime not just to forge documents, but to be in possession of forged documents. Criminal possession of forged documents in the first, second and third degree tracks the same categories of documents as the crime of forgery – possessing a forged instrument issued by a government agency is a Class B felony. The person charged must knowingly possess the forged document.

If someone uses a check with the intent or knowledge or expectation that it will not be honored, they can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine and up to one year in jail. If someone impersonates another person with intent to gain economic benefit for themselves or someone else, or to defraud someone, they can be convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $3,000 fine.

Illegally possessing a credit card falls under the fraud statute in Alabama. If someone knowingly uses or allows others to use a credit card that is stolen, or that has been revoked or canceled, they can be charged with a Class C felony. The right attorney can take vigorous early steps to provide defenses, negotiate, and work to improve the outcome for someone charged with a crime of fraud.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime involving fraud or faces a situation where charges are likely, do not hesitate to communicate with a seasoned Homewood fraud lawyer. Your attorney will advocate and help their individuals understand the consequences the may face, and options to resolve the charges.