Sumter County Fraud Lawyer

Fraud charges can cover a wide range of offenses in Sumter County, from identity theft to creating false product codes to purchase goods from a store for less than the actual price. Being charged with fraud can be a frightening experience and attempting to fight fraud charges on your own can be beyond intimidating. A Sumter County fraud lawyer could walk you through the process and help you fight fraud charges. Call a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in such cases to begin building your defense.

Sumter County Fraud Laws

Title 16 of the South Carolina Code of Laws covers crimes and offenses. Offenses involving fraud are outlined in Chapter 13 of Title 16. Several different offenses constitute fraud under South Carolina’s Code of Laws. A Sumter County fraud lawyer could explain the legal code pertaining to the specific type of fraud named in the charges you are facing.

Examples of different types of fraud offenses a person can be charged within the state of South Carolina include:

• Committing identity fraud with the intention of obtaining employment or avoiding identification by a police or law enforcement officer.
• Committing financial identity fraud by using fraudulent methods to gain access to another person’s financial resources or records without that person’s permission.
• Making, issuing, or selling false identification cards or documents to be used by a person who is in the U.S. unlawfully.
• Altering or falsifying a diploma, GED, or academic transcripts.
• Seizing money, documents, valuables, and other items by fraudulently impersonating a police or law enforcement officer.
• Using fraudulent methods to avoid paying for telecommunications services.
• Using or acquiring food stamps through fraudulent means.
• Creating false product codes to purchase goods from a store for less than the actual price.

Legal Penalties for Fraud in Sumter County

The legal penalties for a fraud conviction in Sumter County vary depending on the specific charges. Some fraud charges are categorized as misdemeanor offenses, while others are felony offenses. Felony offenses generally carry more severe legal penalties than misdemeanor offenses.

For example, altering or falsifying a diploma, GED, or academic transcripts is a misdemeanor offense in South Carolina (see section 16-13-15 of South Carolina’s Code of Laws).

The penalty for such a misdemeanor conviction is imprisonment of one year or less or a fine of one thousand dollars or less, or both imprisonment and a fine.

Creating false product codes to purchase goods from a store for less than the actual price is a misdemeanor for the first offense, but a felony for subsequent offenses. When facing felony charges for this offense, the possible penalty is a fine of ten thousand dollars or less, or imprisonment of ten years or less, or both imprisonment and a fine (see section 16-13-131).

A fraud attorney in Sumter County can explain whether the specific charge you might be facing is categorized as a misdemeanor or felony, and what the possible legal penalties are for a conviction.

Speaking with a Sumter County Fraud Attorney

A Sumter County fraud attorney can help in several ways. An attorney can answer any legal questions you have, explain the charges against you, and the possible penalties for a conviction of those charges.

A fraud attorney can assist you throughout the legal process by representing you in court and by preparing a legal defense to the charges. An attorney for fraud will work to help you obtain the best possible legal outcome.

Attempting to fight charges of fraud on your own can be overwhelming and dangerous. Allow an attorney to assist you by hiring a fraud lawyer to handle your case. Speak with a Sumter county fraud lawyer today.