Fraud encompasses a long list of unlawful activities, from giving false information to the police to misusing credit cards and identity theft. The laws prohibiting such actions can be complicated to navigate, and the punishments can have far-reaching adverse implications for your future.
Fortunately, a qualified criminal attorney could help. Consult with an aggressive Fulton County fraud lawyer to fight for your rights and build a defense against these allegations.
Fraud generally involves using deceptive and illegal practices to deprive someone else of their property. The actor possesses, uses, or transfers the other person’s property for the actor’s gain. The state recognizes that fraud is not limited to property, but it can also relate to another’s services, such as billing for work never completed.
Fraud can occur in all aspects of life, wherever financial transactions occur. Violations commonly arise in the following areas:
These and many more deceptive behaviors can lead to fraud charges under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated starting at Section 16-9-1 through 16-9-150. When charged under Title 16 of the Code, it is wise to retain legal representation familiar with fraud cases. With their knowledge of the law and judicial system in Fulton County, a fraud lawyer may help the accused avoid the harshest of penalties.
Fraud crimes can be classified as both misdemeanor and felony offenses. However, in either situation, the consequences associated with these violations may include incarceration, fines, and restitution (repayment to alleged victims). The length of prison terms and the amount paid in fines increase with the severity of the infraction.
For example, making misleading statements during a telephone sales call, chargeable under O.C.G.A. §§ 16-9-54 and 17-10-3, is a misdemeanor carrying penalties of a maximum one-year imprisonment and up to $1000 in fines. However, the law assigns much harsher penalties to forgery. Under O.C.G.A. § 16-9-2, forgery may be a felony or misdemeanor, but when it is a felony, the defendant may receive a sentence of one to 15 years in prison.
In addition to the loss of freedom and hefty financial impacts, a conviction creates a criminal record that can follow an offender for the rest of their lives. A criminal history of fraud may exclude individuals from holding jobs that require certain licenses, professional affiliations, or background checks into the person’s integrity. Such records could also impede a person’s ability to secure housing and educational opportunities.
When looking at any time behind bars and such significant ramifications well beyond that, a suspect would be wise to seek an experienced fraud defense attorney in Fulton County to help them navigate the system and obtain the fairest outcome.
State prosecutors are well-trained, savvy trial attorneys with deep resources and support teams focused on obtaining a conviction. To counter that effort, defendants need a local attorney just as dedicated and skilled. Often, the accused argues they had consent to use the item or service or did not knowingly or intentionally deceive the rightful owner. In either case, solid evidence may undermine the allegation of illegal conduct.
Developing effective defenses such as these takes countless hours to review complex financial documents, retain experts, and apply the law to the circumstances. These are tasks best left to professionals who deal with these types of cases regularly.
A robust defense strategy may be crucial to a positive outcome for your case, so relying on just any lawyer may not be in your best interests. A formidable Fulton County fraud lawyer has the knowledge and experience to help you during this difficult time, so please contact the firm as soon as possible to set up your initial consultation.
518 Georgia Avenue
Phone: (423) 888-3030 
