“Fraud” refers to any type of crime that involves using dishonesty or a false pretense to defraud another out of something of value. It is a broad category of crime that includes a number of state and federal charges.

Fraud charges can be very serious. Depending on the value of the property involved, many charges are felonies that carry severe mandatory prison sentences. For example, in North Carolina, the crime of obtaining property by false pretense may be punished as a low-level class H felony, but if the amount of loss involved is more than $100,000, it is punished as a class C felony that carries a lengthy mandatory jail sentence.

Don’t take chances with your future. Call Hale Law Firm, PC, today at 919-891-8995 for a free consultation.

About Fraud Charges

Many fraud offenses can be prosecuted in either state or federal court. Federal fraud offenses such as mail, wire, bank, and mortgage fraud are also very serious crimes that may carry substantial jail sentences, according to the monetary amount involved. Many fraud crimes also have longer statutes of limitations than most other federal crimes, meaning they can be prosecuted many years after the alleged offense. Additionally, complicated issues involving restitution and forfeiture typically accompany fraud-related crimes. For example, a defendant convicted of a fraud crime in federal court may be required to forfeit the entire amount of funds involved in the fraud and pay full restitution, in addition to any prison sentence imposed.

All types of fraud charges must be handled with the utmost degree of diligence, dedication, and care by an attorney who is experienced in handling both state and federal fraud cases. “Theft” refers to any crime that involves taking something that does not belong to you, such as larceny or embezzlement. Larceny, which includes stealing or shoplifting, is punished as a class 1 misdemeanor if it involves property valued at less than $1,000. However, certain types of serious larceny, including larceny of any property valued greater than $1,000, is a class H felony. Embezzlement, which is a type of larceny, occurs when an employee steals money or other property from his or her employer. Embezzlement is punished as a class H felony; however, embezzlement of property of a value greater than $100,000 is punished as a class C felony, which carries a mandatory prison sentence. Therefore, many larceny offenses and all embezzlement offenses are serious felonies that must be defended vigorously.

Providing Comprehensive Representation At All Stages Of The Process

At Hale Law Firm, PC, in Raleigh, we are dedicated exclusively to criminal defense, providing skilled representation against state and federal fraud and theft charges. Our lawyer has more than 25 years of experience in criminal cases. We have successfully defended corporations, corporate executives and many individuals charged with serious fraud-related crimes.

Our attorney has extensive experience handling all stages of criminal proceedings in state and federal courts. We have handled thousands of criminal cases, hundreds of trials, and appeals of trial court rulings at all levels of state and federal courts, including at the United States Supreme Court.

This breadth of experience is a significant advantage to our clients. We advise them of what to expect at each step of the process, from pre-charge investigation, to pretrial hearings and motions, to trials, appeals and post-conviction relief.

State And Federal Fraud And Theft Charges

Our attorney defends clients from all walks of life against any type of fraud or theft-related charge, including:

  • Bank fraud
  • Corporate fraud schemes
  • Embezzlement
  • Larceny and shoplifting
  • Tax evasion
  • Prescription drug fraud
  • Social Security, Medicaid and public assistance fraud
  • EBT or food stamp fraud
  • Check fraud
  • Forgery
  • Identity theft
  • Obtaining property by false pretenses
  • Mail and wire fraud
  • Crop insurance fraud

Free Initial Consultation

To learn more about how our attorney can defend your rights, liberties and financial assets, email our firm or call 919-891-8995.