Annapolis Fraud Lawyer
A fraud offense in the state of Maryland could be pertaining to several types of illegal acts. Fraud charges could be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the value of goods or services involved in the fraudulent activity. Penalties could range from monetary fines to years in prison.
If you have been charged with fraud in Maryland, reach out to an Annapolis fraud lawyer as soon as possible. Misdemeanor and felony fraud convictions could have serious consequences, but an experienced attorney could help you understand the charges brought against you and develop a suitable legal defense on your behalf.
Fraud Charges in Annapolis
Fraud is generally defined as a misstatement of material fact with the intent to deceive another individual or entity or induce them into relying on those facts to illegally obtain goods, services, or other types of property. Maryland criminal code title 8 governs the specific offenses constituting fraud, which lists the following acts as fraud:
- Bad checks
- Credit card fraud
- Identity fraud
- Commercial fraud
- Counterfeiting
- Estate fraud
There are several other miscellaneous offenses that could be considered as fraud and are listed in Title 8 of the Maryland criminal code. An Annapolis fraud lawyer could know how to define the charges given to the defendant and help to combat them.
Check Fraud
Under Section 8-103, a person could be charged with bad check fraud if they issue a check to obtain goods or services:
- Knowing they have insufficient funds to cover those goods or services
- Believing that the bank will refuse payment upon cashing the check; and
- Payment for the check is refused
The penalties for check fraud vary depending on the value of the goods or sernnavices obtained from the bad check. Under Section 8-106, if the value is $500 or more, the offense is a felony and punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Credit Card Fraud
Under Section 8-203, it is illegal for a person to make a false statement in order to obtain a credit card when they know the statement is untrue. Under Section 8-204, it is also illegal for a person to steal, sell, buy or illegally use another person’s credit card.
Credit card theft is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a maximum fine of $500.
Identity Fraud
Assuming or stealing the identity of another person with the intent to obtain something of value, avoid paying a debt or avoid apprehension for a criminal violation is illegal under Section 8-301 of the Maryland criminal code.
Penalties for identity fraud depend on the specific situation and could range from fines between $5,000 to $25,000 and up to 15 years in prison. In addition, a person convicted of identity fraud may also have to pay restitution to the victim, including the value of the goods or services obtained, attorney’s fees, and the costs of clearing their credit history.
Let an Annapolis Fraud Attorney Assist Your Case
If you have been charged with fraud in Maryland, contact an Annapolis fraud lawyer immediately. A qualified attorney could represent you in court and fight to reduce the charges brought against you.