Towson Fraud Defense Attorney
Attorneys Defending Clients Against Fraud Charges Throughout Maryland
Criminal offenses of a financial nature are generally referred to as white collar crimes. In many cases, these crimes involve some form of fraud. Fraud may involve various deceptive practices and schemes designed to unlawfully gain money or other benefits. In Maryland, fraud charges can be very serious, and they have significant legal implications. People convicted of these offenses may face large fines, lengthy prison sentences, and other consequences.
Seger Law, LLC provides legal representation for people who have been charged with fraud or other related crimes. We understand the complex nature of these cases, and we ensure that our clients understand their best options for defending against criminal charges. Our founder, Attorney Chelsey Seger, formerly worked as a prosecutor, giving her a strong understanding of how cases involving fraud and financial crimes are handled. She can leverage this experience to ensure that a person accused of fraud will be able to defend against a conviction.
What Is Fraud?
Fraud involves intentional deception or misrepresentation with the intent to gain something of value or to deprive someone else of a benefit. Fraudulent activities can significantly harm people, businesses, and the economy at large. To establish that fraud has occurred prosecutors must prove certain elements beyond a reasonable doubt. These include:
- Misrepresentation of a material fact: The accused must have misled the alleged victim in some way, such as by misrepresenting their identity or making false claims.
- Knowledge of the falsehood: The accused must have known that the representation was false, or they must have made a statement recklessly without knowing whether it was true.
- Intent to deceive: The accused must have had the intent to deceive or mislead the victim.
- Justifiable reliance: The victim must have relied on the misrepresentation, and this reliance must have been reasonable or justifiable under the circumstances.
- Damage: The victim must have suffered harm or financial losses as a result of the deception.
Types of Fraud
Fraud can take many forms, including:
- Credit card fraud: This may include activities like using someone else's credit card information without permission, altering or counterfeiting credit cards, or fraudulently applying for credit cards.
- Bank fraud: This offense involves the use of illegal methods to obtain money, assets, or other property owned or held by a financial institution. Examples include check fraud, loan fraud, and embezzlement.
- Mortgage fraud: This type of fraud typically occurs during the mortgage application process. A person may provide false information about their income, assets, or debts to secure a loan or more favorable loan terms. Mortgage fraud may also involve the use of someone else's information to obtain a loan or misrepresentations by mortgage brokers or other parties during real estate transactions.
- Health care fraud: Medical providers may be charged with fraud related to activities such as billing for services not rendered, performing unnecessary procedures for the sake of reimbursement, or falsifying diagnoses to justify surgeries, tests, or other procedures that are not medically necessary.
- Securities fraud: This form of fraud involves deceptive practices in the stock or commodities markets, including insider trading, providing false information to investors, or manipulating stock prices.
- Insurance fraud: People covered by insurance policies may be accused of fraud related to exaggerating claims to staging accidents or injuries. Knowingly and willfully committing actions intended to defraud an insurance company can lead to criminal charges.
Contact Our Towson, MD Fraud Defense Attorney
Fraud charges in Maryland can be daunting, and if you are convicted of financial crimes, you may face consequences that could affect your freedom, reputation, and financial stability. At Seger Law, LLC, we understand the complexities of fraud cases, and we can provide strong, effective legal representation in these cases. We will work with you to develop a robust defense strategy by examining the evidence and challenging the prosecution's claims while fighting to protect your rights and interests. Contact us by calling 443-208-4692 to arrange a complimentary consultation and explore your legal options.