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Local Law Firms Home > Criminal Defense Overview > Criminal Defense Fraud Crimes Fraud Attorneys Fraud can be defined as the false representation of a material fact with the intention of deceiving another. Fraud may be perpetrated through misleading words or conduct, false allegations, or concealment. This intentional deception usually results in the legal injury of another party. The party against whom the fraud is perpetrated generally suffers damages such as monetary losses. To prove that fraud has been committed, there are several elements that must be present. However, it is not always easy to prove the existence of all of these elements. Have you been charged with Fraud?, Contact a Fraud Defense Lawyer Today ! Get professional help, consult with a local experienced Fraud Defense Attorney to discuss your case. The sooner, the better. Elements of Fraud For example, an element of fraud is that a false statement regarding a material fact has been made by the defendant. There are several conditions that must be met in order to prove that the false statement made by the defendant was actually fraudulent. The false statement had to be made with the intent to deceive and injure the victim, the statement had to be reasonable, and the defendant had to know that the statement made was false. In addition, the relationship between the defendant and the victim is also important in a fraud case. If the defendant has a superior knowledge regarding the material fact than did the victim, fraud may have occurred. If the defendant and victim had equal knowledge in regard to the material fact, it would be less likely that the victim was defrauded. For these reasons and many others, proving fraud can be tricky. Some other common examples of fraud may include:
One element of fraud that makes it difficult to prosecute this criminal offense is the obligation to investigate. Customers or clients have an obligation to investigate all proposals or contracts before entering into a binding legal agreement or before exchanging money. Failure to do so on the part of the customer or client may not necessarily constitute fraud. Simply because a customer or client determines at a later date they dislike the terms of a binding agreement does not mean that fraud has been committed. A fraud attorney will work with the defendant to review and investigate every aspect of alleged fraud charges. A fraud lawyer can determine if a situation such as “buyer's remorse” exists and build a defense based on the facts of the case. What to do if you've charged with Fraud? If all of the elements of fraud do not exist in a case, a fraud lawyer will argue for the charges against the defendant be reduced or altogether dismissed. It is important that individuals charged with fraud be represented by capable and reputable fraud attorneys. Law firms that employ attorneys that are specialists in the field of fraud will be most helpful to those charged with fraud. A fraud conviction can result in imprisonment, fines, and restitution. It may also result in a tarnished reputation and a criminal record that may make it difficult to find gainful employment. For these reasons, it is crucial that individuals charged with fraud consult with a fraud attorney as soon as possible. Have you been charged with Fraud?, Contact a Fraud Defense Lawyer Today ! Get professional help, consult with a local experienced Fraud Defense Attorney to discuss your case. The sooner, the better.
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