Tucson Fraud Crimes Defense Attorney

Tucson Criminal Defense Lawyer - Federal & State Fraud Crimes Defense

Fraud is wrongful deceit of another for financial or personal gain, and covers a broad range of criminal conduct, including: tax fraud, insurance fraud, credit card fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, unemployment fraud, welfare fraud, business fraud, internet fraud, bank fraud, election fraud and more.  Because of the nature of the crime, fraud often goes undetected, and under reported, but law enforcement agencies have made dealing with fraud a priority, and have better resources at their disposal to uncover and prove fraud.  Similarly, available technology and an ever changing world create new fraud opportunities, as sophisticated fraud schemes can stay under the radar of law enforcement.  In today's electronic world, a lot of fraud is international and interstate, resulting in federal investigations and charges (more on Federal Crimes).

FEDERAL FRAUD CRIMES DEFENSE LAWYERA fraud crimes may be prosecuted at either the state or federal level, depending on a number of factors, including, the type of fraud scheme, the amount of money stolen, which laws were violated, which agency investigated the crime, use of public services (e.g. US Mail), and the location of the crime.  Federal fraud crimes often involve the use of mail, wire transfers, and other remote communications and currency transfers.  This is because of the federal government's power to regulate interstate commerce gives it clear authority and incentive to step in and prosecute these types of fraud.  Some of the most common fraud charges in federal court include mail fraud, wire fraud, tax fraud, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, and securities fraud. 

The vast majority of federal fraud crimes are charged as felonies, and can carry harsh penalties.  Federal sentencing takes into account the seriousness of the offense, as well as the defendant's prior criminal history.  Although fraud crimes are nonviolent, they are not victimless crimes, and tend to be punished rather harshly in federal court.  Penalties can include lengthy prison sentences, high fines, and restitution.  It is also possible to avoid prison with a probationary sentence; such a sentence will likely involve paying restitution first and foremost, and come with other restrictions aimed at protecting the public from future fraud.

If you or a loved one is facing federal fraud charges, understand that this is a very serious matter.  Having an experienced attorney on your side can go a long way towards achieving a better outcome.  You need a lawyer who knows how to investigate your case, prepare for trial, file and argue the proper motions, and negotiate a favorable disposition with federal prosecutors and agents.

ARIZONA STATE FRAUD CRIMES DEFENSE ATTORNEY
While federal fraud charges are generally the most serious, Arizona has some of the harshest state-level criminal penalties in the country, and fraud crimes are no exception, with several chapters of the Criminal Code devoted to fraud-type offenses.  Some examples of Arizona fraud crimes include forgery, criminal possession of a forgery device, criminal simulation, obtaining a signature by deception, criminal impersonation, unlawful use of slugs, identity theft, aggravated identity theft, credit card theft, credit card forgery, fraudulent use of a credit card, possession or use of scanning device/reencoder, deceptive business practices, false advertising, defrauding creditors, usury, bribery, fraudulent schemes and artifices, fraudulent schemes and practices, willful concealment, computer tampering, unlawful possession of an access devise, money laundering, mortgage fraud, and more.

Defending fraud crimes starts with painting a complete picture.  In many cases, a disgruntled customer or business associate will report alleged fraud, painting the situation in a one-sided manner.  Police, who are primarily interested in building a case, do not seek out the potentially exculpatory information that goes against their version of the events.  For this reason, thorough investigation is a primary step, and includes extensive document and digital review, interviews with witnesses, and close cooperation between attorney and client.  A strong understanding of the law, business, the rules of evidence, and our constitutional protections are all vital to a strong defense in fraud cases.  A skilled trial lawyer can paint the full picture for a jury should the case end up going to trial, as well as negotiate a favorable outcome with the prosecution. 

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAS BEEN ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH A FRAUD CRIME, OR IS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY A LOCAL OR FEDERAL AGENCY, CONTACT THE TUCSON DEFENDERS NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION WITH A TUCSON CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY   520-585-5757

RELATED ARTICLES:  Theft Crimes Lawyer, Federal Criminal Defense Attorney, Tucson Embezzlement Defense, Forgery/Counterfeiting, Money Laundering Defense Attorney

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Helpful Links:
US District Court - Tucson
FBI - White Collar Crime Investigations
US Attorney's Office - Fraud

Pima County Superior Court
Arizona Revised Statutes - Criminal Code
Pima County Sheriff - Inmate Lookup