Fraud

Fraud offenses in Michigan come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing is certain – the consequences are serious. Unlike other criminal charges, accusations of fraud can often be reasonably explained through misunderstandings, miscommunications, or simply the lack of intent to defraud. Michigan law affords people accused of theft crimes with several statutory defenses, and you need an experienced attorney like me who can identify and apply these defenses to help you achieve the best outcome to your fraud case.

It is easy to overlook how serious the consequences of a fraud conviction can be, given the sometimes harmless nature of the act (e.g. signing a relative’s check, using a friend’s credit card). However, depending on the circumstances, a fraud charge can become a felony or misdemeanor conviction, which may result in the following:

• A jail or prison sentence
• Hundreds or thousands in fines
• A permanent criminal record
• Risk of losing your job
• Risk of losing your professional license (e.g. lawyer, doctor, teacher)

Whether it is a one-time mistake or a genuine misunderstanding, I will aggressively defend the fraud charges brought against you and seek dismissal, or at the very least, a reduction in charges. The sooner you contact me, the sooner we can build a winning strategy to defend against your fraud charges and preserve your rights.

What is "Fraud"

Fraud is a broad term that generally includes the misrepresentation of facts, false or misleading statements or omissions that deceive others to obtain money or property for your benefit. ZAYID LAW has experience defending individuals accused of fraud charges when there is evidence of the following:

• A misrepresentation of a material fact
• The person making the misrepresentation knows its untrue
• Intent to deceive or defraud the victim
• The victim acts or relies on the misrepresentation
• The victim gets injured/harmed as a result

Fraud Offenses

There are several statutes under Michigan law that outline fraud offenses. ZAYID LAW has experience defending individuals accused of the following fraud charges:

• EMBEZZLEMENT — Embezzlement is the theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one’s trust or belonging to one’s employer. These cases usually involve an employee who is responsible for the handling of an employer’s money using or stealing the money for themselves. There are defenses to this charge, including the lack of intent or clerical errors. Learn more about how ZAYID LAW can defend embezzlement charges.
• FORGERY — Forgery is a broad term for misrepresenting one’s identity in order to obtain money or property. This offense includes forging checks, using fraudulent credit cards, or forging someone else’s signature. Forgery offenses often result in felonies, so it is important to contact me today to learn how to defend your forgery charges.
• CREDIT CARD THEFT — It is a felony in Michigan to steal someone else’s credit or debit card, or what the law calls “financial transaction device.” Learn more about how Michigan penalizes crimes involving financial transaction devices.
• INSURANCE FRAUD — You may face a felony for falsifying information on an insurance application or in an insurance claim. Insurance fraud can sometimes be unintentional, but either way, you face severe penalties.

Zayid Law's Defense to Fraud

Fraud charges are very fact dependent and they rely on the circumstances and intent (or lack thereof). You need a lawyer like me who understands how to argue that you did not intend to misrepresent, misstate or otherwise deceive another person. ZAYID LAW deploys a holistic effort to identify and utilize key evidence that demonstrates the lack of intent to defraud and other evidence that proves your innocence.

I find that in many cases, a preliminary accusation of fraud can later be explained by a miscommunication or misunderstanding between the parties involved. It is important to identify the threshold evidence that can “unlock” this sense of clarity and provide for a more advantageous outcome. The prosecution is sometimes given only one side of the story from the alleged victim; however, it is my job to present your side, or what we call the “truth.” The sooner you contact me, the sooner we can build your winning defense strategy and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

If you or a family member has been charged with any type of fraud offense, call me today for a free initial consultation.

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