Chester County Fraud Crimes Attorney

Chester County Fraud Offenses & Crimes

Anytime an individual is charged with a fraud related offense, he or she is being accused of intentionally attempting to take advantage of a person or business for personal gain. These types of cases are taken very seriously by law enforcement, and those convicted of fraud are often subjected to harsh penalties. Once charged with a fraudulent offense, it’s important to understand your legal options prior to speaking to law enforcement or prosecutors. Get more information by speaking to a white collar crimes attorney in West Chester.

Are you facing criminal charges for fraud or fraudulent deception in Chester County Pennsylvania? Then speak to us on how we can defend yourself from charges or arrest for fraud in Chester County.

The criminal offense of fraud involves a knowing or intentional attempt to deceive another for your own pecuniary gain. Examples of criminal fraud offenses include welfare fraud, unemployment compensation fraud, food stamp fraud, mail fraud, internet fraud and insurance fraud. In most cases these offense are graded as a felony offense.

West Chester Fraud Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a fraud related crime in Downingtown, Lancaster, Newton Square, Coatesville, , Exton, Norristown, or elsewhere in Southeastern Pennsylvania, contact Ciccarelli Law Offices. Our dedicated team of defense lawyers are passionate about fighting for the rights of their clients and are highly-experienced in complex white collar crime related charges.. They especially understand the implications of a fraud accusation and work hard to ensure your rights are always protected.

Contact Ciccarelli Law Offices today at (610) 692-8700, and let this experienced team of defense attorneys place their intense focus on protecting your freedom and future.

Information on Fraud Charges in Pennsylvania

Credit Card Fraud (Pa. Cons. Stat. Title 18 § 4106)

An individual is guilty of credit card or debit card fraud if he or she uses a counterfeit card, uses another person’s card without their consent, uses a card that has been canceled, or creates or aids in the process of creating a counterfeit credit or debit card.

This offense is considered a second degree misdemeanor if the individual used the card to defraud someone out of $50, a first degree misdemeanor if the value was between $50 and $500, and a third degree felony if the value was over $500.

Insurance Fraud (Pa. Cons. Stat. Title 18 § 4117)

When an individual files false insurance claims, falsifies information on insurance claims, intentionally files misleading insurance claims, uses someone else’s insurance, or assists in defrauding an insurance company, he or she can be charged with insurance fraud. This offense is typically considered a first degree misdemeanor, or a third degree felony in Pennsylvania.

Identity Theft (Pa. Cons. Stat. Title 18 § 4120)

If an individual uses or attempts to use identifying information that does not belong to them, with the intent to commit an unlawful act, he or she is guilty of identity theft. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, the offender can face misdemeanor or felony charges.

Forgery (Pa. Cons. Stat. Title 18 § 4101)

An individual is guilty of forgery if he or she alters the writing of another without his or her authority, creates or alters a document, or presents a document that is a known forgery, for the purpose of defrauding someone. This offense can be charged as a first degree misdemeanor, as well as a second and third degree felony.

Bad Checks (Pa. Cons. Stat. Title 18 § 4105)

When an individual intentionally writes or produces a check that he or she knows that there is not enough money in the corresponding account, he or she can be charged with check fraud. Depending on the value of the check, individuals can face charges for a summary offense, third degree misdemeanor, second degree misdemeanor, first degree misdemeanor, or third degree felony.

Penalties for Committing Fraud in Chester County

The penalties for committing fraud in Pennsylvania depend on the type of offense committed, as well as the amount of money an individual defrauded or attempted to defraud someone out of. Penalties include:

Summary Offense: Up to 90 days in jail and a $300 fine
Third Degree Misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine
Second Degree Misdemeanor: Up to two years in jail and a $5,000 fine
First Degree Misdemeanor: Up to five years in jail and a $10,000 fine
Third Degree Felony: Up to Seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine
Second Degree Felony: Up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine

Finding the Best Fraud Defense Attorney in West Chester

If you are facing charges for fraud in Exton, Norristown, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Downingtown, Willow Street, or Coatesville, contact Ciccarelli Law Offices. Our attorneys are well versed in the laws associated with fraudulent offense and will use their knowledge to craft the strongestdefense possible for your case.

With offices in Philadelphia, Plymouth Meeting, Westchester, Radnor, Malvern, King of Prussia, Lancaster, and Kennett Square, the team of attorneys at this firm are able to provide quality legal representation for individuals throughout the state. Contact us today at (610) 692-8700 and set up a consultation on your case so that these devoted defense attorneys can guide you through the legal process.

Committed to Helping You Avoid the Worst Possible Scenario

While there are no guarantees in Pennsylvania criminal defense law, understanding your rights and the legal options available to you can improve your chances when defending yourself from charges of burglary, breaking and entering or trespass. As criminal defense attorneys serving Chester County with years of experience in our criminal justice system, we understand how to negotiate with the court, how to identify questionable police conduct and suspicious testimony, and prevent clients from making certain kinds of mistakes.

When evidence and guilt is not in question, extenuating circumstances may convince the court to either reduce the charges against you or the sentence you face. As your defense lawyers, we work with prosecutors in exploring alternative sentencing options when a plea of “guilty” may be in your best interest. In certain cases where provocation, a medical condition, or alcohol is involved, it may be possible to avoid jail or a heavy fine in exchange for a promise to get counseling, provide community service, and agree to probation.

You also need Chester County criminal lawyers both passionate in what they do and compassionate in their treatment of their clients. You deserve a Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously. We make your choice all the clearer fighting for clients throughout Chester County. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer, contact us at (610) 692-8700.