What is Fraud?
Many people think of crime as something that always involves physical violence. However, some crimes that result in the loss of large sums of money involve no physical violence. Most of these types of crimes involve some kind of fraud, which is the intentional use of deceit, a trick, or some dishonest means to deprive another person of his or her money, property, or legal right. It is sometimes called white-collar crime or crime in the suites. These crimes may result in a single individual or business losing a large amount of money, as in embezzlement. Or they may result in a large number of people each losing a small amount of money, but collectively totaling up to a large sum.
Fraud is when one gets involved in a scheme to receive property or a benefit without a lawful claim to that property or benefit. Fraud charges are based upon the government’s belief that a person has either misrepresented themselves or in some other way secured access to a resource to which they are not entitled.
When the alleged fraud involves the use of interstate means of communication—such as the mail, telephones, fax, or the internet—federal authorities may get involved and issue charges under federal mail or wire fraud statutes. In any case, proving fraud can be complex. And defending against allegations of fraud often requires examining hundreds of documents or transcripts of communications.
Washington DC Fraud Offense Attorney at Lotze Mosley, LLP,
At Lotze Mosley, LLP, our Washington DC fraud offense attorney understands that it can be difficult to discern the difference between a good faith business transaction and an intentionally deceitful act. Information that everyone engaged in your business can reasonably be expected to understand does not always need to be explicitly disclosed or explained. Non-disclosure does not always equal a deceit. Our Washington DC fraud offense lawyer takes the time to get to know you and your business in order to defend you against fraud charges that may not take into account the underlying nature of your business.
Lotze Mosley’s Experience with Fraud Crimes
Our Washington, D.C. fraud offense lawyer has handled many cases in which individuals have been charged with fraud offenses. They include:
- Voter
- Campaign finance
- Possession and/or procurement of fake identification
- Welfare
- Tax evasion
- Bank
- Illegal check writing
- Forgery
Can I Avoid Jail Time after Committing Fraud?
It is possible to avoid jail time if you have committed a crime. Depending on where the charge is brought, there is a variety of resolutions that would not involve jail time.
In both D.C. and Maryland state courts, fraud cases are more readily resolved with probationary sentences. However, if a crime is prosecuted in federal court, it will be governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which can be complex and factor in things such as prior criminal history.
The scope of the alleged fraud is also important. Furthermore, the harmed party is always taken into account when the prosecution seeks incarceration as part of the sentence for the defendant.
How Can I Prove My Innocence in a Washington, D.C. Fraud Case?
Consulting with Nikki Lotze, a Washington, D.C. fraud offense attorney, prior to responding to any questions from an employer or institution affected by the crime is key. It is important to hire an attorney who is prepared to thoroughly investigate the case. Effective investigation in a fraud case requires a lot of things, such as gathering records, computer data, and surveillance footage. These things may be key to a defense, and securing a Washington, D.C. Fraud Offense attorney like Nikki Lotze, who can access them, is important.
If I Plead Guilty Will I Get a Lesser Sentence?
In cases where the government’s evidence makes the risk of going to trial too large, entering into a favorable plea agreement may be the best course of action. It is important to have a Washington, D.C. fraud offense attorney like Nikki Lotze, who is persuasive and can paint your situation in the most favorable light possible to ensure a favorable resolution and plea agreement.
As a skilled Washington, D.C. fraud offense lawyer, Nikki Lotze uses her knowledge and experience to ensure that she gets the best possible result for her clients. Even if you have committed an offense, pleading guilty may not be the best course of action for your situation. Fraud cases are difficult for the government to prove, and Nikki Lotze may be able to resolve your charge without pleading guilty.
Benefits of Calling Lotze Mosley LLP in Washington DC
Nikki Lotze provides excellent advocacy from the beginning of every case. She will aggressively investigate your case and rely on her years of good standing in the court community. As a well-respected fraud offense attorney in Washington, D.C., Nikki Lotze strives to negotiate favorable resolutions for her clients’ cases. When necessary, she is prepared to pursue trial and work diligently to secure positive jury verdicts whenever possible.
Nikki Lotze covers all bases and provides her clients with all the needed information to make an informed, intelligent decision about their case. She has full faith and confidence in her ability to investigate a case, know more about a case than the prosecutor, and make an informed decision about whether or not a case should go to trial. Call today for assistance with your fraud charges at (202) 393-0535.
Our Washington, D.C. criminal lawyer has helped people who were suspected or accused of committing:
- Drug Crimes
- Gun Crimes
- Sex Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- Traffic Offenses, such as driving under the influence
- Theft
- Embezzlement
Call Our Fraud Offense Lawyer in Washington, D.C.
If you or your business has been targeted for investigation or prosecution of a fraud offense, you need a Washington, D.C. criminal defense attorney who understands you and your business as well as the law. Contact Lotze Mosley, LLP at (202) 393-0535 to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation as soon as you believe a criminal fraud investigation or prosecution is in the works.
Related Links:
- Understanding Fraud
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- Defective Search Warrant Can Be a Strong Fraud Defense
- In Seafood Fraud Cases, It May Be the DA Who Is Committing the Crime
- Racial Profiling as Credit Card Fraud Defense
- Strong Fraud Defense Leads to Not-Guilty Verdict
- EMV Cards and Credit Card Fraud Defenses
- Company’s Honest Belief May Be Fraud Crime Defense in Securities Fraud Case
- Innocent Parties Being Accused of Credit Card Fraud
- What are the Defenses for Credit Card Fraud in Washington D.C. and Maryland?
- Understanding The Differences Between Theft, Robbery, And Burglary
