Fraud

Fraud may describe a number of distinct criminal offenses, ranging from identity theft and stolen credit cards to the abuse of welfare and other government benefits programs. Since these cases are usually complicated, defendants may benefit from seeking legal counsel experienced in handling white collar crimes. Reno fraud lawyer William J. Routsis understands the nuances involved in defending against these charges, having accumulated over 25 years of legal experience serving people in Nevada and California. With his extensive legal background and sincere dedication to client advocacy, Mr. Routsis can provide capable representation to individuals who need a white collar crime attorney.

Fraud may be generally defined as an intentional misrepresentation made in order to obtain some benefit. Under state and federal laws, there are over a dozen criminal offenses covering fraud, each of which applies to a particular situation. These specific crimes include fraud related to securities and financial markets, mortgages and foreclosures, credit cards, health care, gaming and gambling, identity theft, automobile insurance, medical insurance, welfare, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and fraudulent conveyances. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the prior record of the defendant, and the nature of the charges, the penalties upon a conviction may result in prison or jail time, restitution repayments with interest, and massive fines.

Fraudulent conveyances tend to involve people with a large amount of overdue debt, who are accused of concealing or transferring their assets in order to avoid paying back their creditors or paying judgments in civil cases. A crucial element of this offense is the specific intent to defraud creditors, for people may legally convey their property for other purposes, such as gifting. Since the prosecution has a heavy burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant made the conveyance to elude creditors, a strong defense might include evidence of the defendant’s lack of fraudulent intent.

Credit card fraud covers a range of activities concerning the illegal use or attempted use of credit or debit cards. For example, using a revoked or expired card, forging or lying on a credit card application, stealing, skimming, or unlawfully using another person’s credit card, and even accepting property with knowledge that it was acquired through credit card fraud are activities that may result in criminal charges. As with other fraud offenses, the prosecution must establish that the defendant deliberately acted with the intent to commit fraud. As a result, mistakenly using a credit card that you thought was your own, or making a typing error in your credit card application, would generally not constitute sufficient fraudulent intent. Other defenses, such as mistaken identity or police misconduct, may be available depending on the facts of the case. If fraud charges are unlikely to be dismissed, your criminal defense lawyer may also be able to negotiate a favorable plea agreement to reduce the charges or lessen the penalty.

If you have been charged with fraud or another white collar crime, you have the right to seek representation from a lawyer. Reno fraud attorney William J. Routsis can explain your legal options and answer any questions that you may have regarding your specific case. Mr. Routsis also represents people who need a theft attorney or assistance in fighting many other types of criminal charges. He serves defendants in Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, Susanville, Quincy, Carson City, Winnemuca, and Elko, among other communities in California and Nevada. Contact our office by phone at (775) 337-2609 or online for a free consultation.