Defending Against Fraud Charges in New Jersey

Fraud is defined as wrongful deception intended to result in personal or financial gain. New Jersey recognizes any practice that results in obtaining something of value through the use of false pretenses as fraud. Fraud is considered a white-collar crime, but this does not mean that it does not come with severe consequences.

If you are facing fraud charges in New Jersey, it is important that you reach out to our experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney who can walk you through the legal process ahead. We are prepared to fight for your rights in court. Give our firm a call today.

Types of Fraud in New Jersey

The following are the most common types of fraud in New Jersey:

• Tax fraud: Falsely claiming deductions or credits, submitting false information to the New Jersey Division of Taxation or the IRS, or including underreporting taxable income
• Insurance fraud: Selling fraudulent auto insurance cards or filing a fraudulent insurance claim
• Credit card fraud: Unauthorized taking of another’s credit card information for the purpose of charging purchases
• Bank fraud: Use of potentially illegal means to obtain assets, money, or other property owned or held by a financial institution
• Mail or wire fraud: Mailing or electronically transmitting something associated with fraud
• Internet fraud: Hiding or providing incorrect information to trick victims out of their money, property, or inheritance
• Forgery: The act of forging or producing a copy of a document, banknote, signature, or work of art
• Bankruptcy fraud: Intentionally filing incomplete or false forms regarding bankruptcy
• Embezzlement: Theft or misappropriation of funds place in one’s trust or belonging to one’s employer

Fraud Charge Defense

If you did not have the intent to defraud a company, bank, government agency, or person, you should not face a criminal offense. Providing criminal culpability for fraud requires the prosecution to prove the defendant’s intent beyond a reasonable doubt.

It may be enough to protect you against a conviction at trial and if you can raise any questions about your subjective intent at the time of the alleged offense. With the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you will be able to challenge the government’s evidence of intent. Our firm will pursue every strategy available to prevent the prosecution from meeting its burden of proof.

Criminal Penalties for Fraud

The potential penalties for fraud in New Jersey are as follows:

• Third-Degree Indictable Offenses: $15,000 fine and three to five years of prison time
• Fourth–Degree Indictable Offenses: $10,000 fine and up to 18 months of prison time
• Disorderly Persons Offenses: $1,000 fine and up to six months of jail time