Orangeburg County Fraud Lawyer

In South Carolina, fraud is a broad term that encompasses several crimes. Regardless of the unlawful activity, you may face imprisonment and significant fines. The effects of a conviction may also impact your life long after you complete your sentence, so you need to oppose these charges vigorously. A dedicated Orangeburg County fraud lawyer may help you understand the allegations lodged against you and craft a robust defense tailored to your unique circumstances.

Identifying Fraudulent Conduct in Orangeburg County

No matter what form it takes, fraud is a crime of deception. This offense involves the use of dishonesty or trickery to deprive someone of something valuable. The South Carolina Code of Laws, starting at Section 16-13-10, identifies certain types of fraud, including forgery, falsifying legal documents, theft, and mispresenting oneself to authorities.

Misleading people to obtain control of their property can occur in any aspect of business and everyday life:

• Banking – falsifying checks, improperly accessing bank accounts, lying on loan or mortgage applications
• Healthcare – billing for procedures that never took place or miscoding to obtain a higher reimbursement
• Insurance – fabricating bases for payments
• Credit card misappropriation
• Identity theft
• Cybercrimes – trespass, theft, invasion of privacy, etc.
• Tax evasion – failing to pay or underpaying

Lawyers with experience in this area are familiar with the local criminal system. They may guide the accused through the process of evaluating their options, negotiating with prosecutors, and, if necessary, appearing before the court. Every step of the way, their focus remains on obtaining the fairest outcome for each defendant.

Range of Penalties for These Crimes

Some fraud offenses are considered as misdemeanors, others are felonies, but they all carry the potential for incarceration and fines. Unlike some states, South Carolina judges may impose jail time for any level of crime. Incarceration periods for both felonies and misdemeanors are outlined in S.C. Code § 16-1-20.

The Code divides misdemeanors into three levels of classes (A-C). Penalties for Class C offenses are up to one year in jail. Class A, the most serious transgressions, carry up to three years behind bars. Fines can range from $3,000 to $5,000. Certain tax fraud allegations are an example of this category.

Imprisonment periods for felonies start at up to five years for Class F offenses and increase to a maximum of 30 years for Class A violations. Creating fake credit cards is an example of a Class F felony. Fines will differ depending on the particular crime alleged.

A qualified fraud attorney may help suspects understand the penalties they may face and prepare an appropriate response to the prosecution’s case.

Disputing the State’s Evidence

The criminal justice system permits every defendant the opportunity to answer the accusations against them and present alternative evidence. Each form of fraud may have specific defenses associated with it, but there are certain arguments a suspect may raise that apply to a variety of offenses:

• Insufficient evidence to establish the crime
• Permission to use or access the property (e.g., a credit card or bank account)
• Lack of intent (i.e., did not knowingly engage in unlawful behavior)
• Entrapment
• Violations of Constitutional rights

Attorneys who regularly represent people accused of fraud have the experience and knowledge needed to apply the appropriate defenses by considering the law, each case’s facts, and the individual’s unique situation.

Protect Your Future by Hiring a Dedicated Orangeburg County Fraud Attorney

Fraud may refer to various crimes, but a seasoned Orangeburg County fraud lawyers are ready to defend your case. You should not attempt to fight your case alone. Schedule a consultation with our legal team today.