New Jersey Fraud Attorney

Fraud Lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ, Providing Comprehensive Defense Strategies for Clients Facing Fraud Charges in Burlington County, Camden County, Cumberland County, and Throughout New Jersey

When you’re charged with any crime involving deception or misrepresentation, your entire future is on the line. A fraud charge can carry severe consequences, including years in prison and permanent damage to your personal and professional reputation. You need the dedicated advocacy of a New Jersey fraud attorney at DiTomaso Law to help you build a strong defense strategy before it’s too late. 

Fighting back against fraud charges means challenging the case against you and presenting the most compelling evidence and arguments in your favor. With an experienced fraud lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ, you’re on the best possible foundation for defending against these charges successfully. To better understand what’s at stake and how our criminal defense firm can help, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. 

Types of Charges a Fraud Lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ, Can Defend Against

At DiTomaso Law, our legal team provides strong, strategic defenses against charges of all types of fraud, including: 

• Bank fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Check fraud
• Identity theft
• Mortgage fraud 
• Money laundering 
• Embezzlement
• Corporate fraud 
• Bankruptcy fraud
• Investment fraud 
• Securities fraud
• Tax fraud 
• Life insurance fraud 
• Auto insurance fraud 
• Commercial auto insurance fraud
• Homeowners insurance fraud 
• Commercial business insurance fraud 
• Disability insurance fraud 
• Unemployment insurance fraud 
• Other types of insurance fraud
• Workers’ compensation fraud 
• Welfare fraud
• Healthcare fraud 
• Medicaid fraud
• Payroll fraud 
• Consumer fraud 
• Sales and advertising fraud 
• Charities fraud 
• Mail fraud
• Wire fraud
• Computer fraud
• Internet fraud 

With both a depth of knowledge of state and federal fraud laws and a breadth of knowledge of the differences involved in defending against distinct fraud charges, we’re prepared to present the strongest possible case for you.

Understanding Fraud Charges Under New Jersey Law 

In New Jersey, fraud is a crime that involves intentional deceit or misrepresentations made for some form of personal or financial gain. The statutes of state law that address fraud and related offenses include: 

• N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4, concerning theft by deception: Purposely deceiving someone by intentionally creating a false impression or preventing access to information that contradicts that impression to obtain someone else’s property 
• N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1, concerning forgery: Altering someone else’s writing or other materials (money, credit cards, badges, stamps, and more) or making such materials purporting to be someone else when you are not authorized to do so
• N.J.S.A. 2C:21-3, concerning public record fraud: Destroying or concealing public records, such as wills and deeds, for the purpose of deceiving someone 
• N.J.S.A. 2C:21-4, concerning falsifying or tampering with records: Destroying, falsifying, or concealing records or making false financial statements to deceive someone or to hide a criminal offense, misconduct, or other wrongdoing
• N.J.S.A. 2C:21-4.3, concerning health care fraud: Knowingly submitting falsified claims, records, bills, or other paperwork as a provider in the course of their professional duties or as a patient or another person in a non-provider role
• N.J.S.A. 2C:21-4.6, concerning insurance fraud: Making false or misleading statements or omitting relevant information in applications, claims forms, bills, or records to obtain payments, reimbursements, benefits, services, or coverage 
• N.J.S.A. 2C:21-5, concerning bad checks: Writing a check or authorizing an electronic transfer of funds knowing that this transaction can’t be honored due to a lack of funds in the source account or nonexistence of an active account to draw from 
• N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6, concerning unauthorized credit card use: Stealing someone else’s credit card and using it without consent or authorization, making false statements to obtain a credit card, forging a credit card, or otherwise engaging in fraudulent use of a credit card 
• N.J.S.A. 2C:21-7, concerning deceptive business practices: Making false or misleading statements, selling mislabeled goods, misrepresenting the quality of a good or service, delivering less than the represented quantity of goods, or otherwise engaging in deception in the course of doing business
• N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17, concerning identity theft: Assuming a false identity or impersonating someone else with the intent to defraud someone, obtain services, avoid debts or criminal prosecution, or avoid payment for prior services received
• N.J.S.A. 2C:35-13, concerning fraudulently obtaining controlled substances: Acquiring controlled substances through forgery, misrepresentation, fraud, or deception 
• N.J.S.A. 56:8-2, concerning sales fraud: Using false promises or pretenses, intentional misrepresentations, knowing omissions or concealment of relevant facts, or other forms of deception in commercial sales practices 

In addition to the numerous state laws against fraud, there are also federal statutes that criminalize various types of fraud. Some of the most common federal fraud charges include tax fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, and bank fraud. Whether you’re facing criminal charges at the state or federal level, the consequences can be serious. 

Between strict state laws prohibiting fraud and the potential for federal prosecution, anyone accused of a fraud-related offense should consult a New Jersey fraud attorney as soon as possible. 

The Consequences of a Fraud Conviction 

The severity of the legal trouble you’re facing depends on the type of fraud you’re accused of and the specific facts involved in your situation. Forgery, for example, can constitute a third-degree crime in New Jersey in certain situations, including the forgery of checks, money, postage stamps, government licenses, personal identifying information, or a large number (15 or more) altered retail sales receipts. Otherwise, forgery is charged as a fourth-degree crime. Similarly, many other types of fraud under New Jersey law can be charged in different degrees of severity depending on the specific facts of the case, including the amount of money or number of victims allegedly involved. 

The degree of the crime with which you are charged matters. Prosecutors have to prove every element of the crime you’re accused of committing, and the more severe the charge, the more elements a prosecutor must establish. However, charges of a more serious grade also carry harsher penalties if you are convicted. 

• Disorderly persons offenses: For the least serious fraud offenses, you could end up facing up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines under New Jersey sentencing guidelines. 
• Fourth-degree crimes: Penalties can amount to up to 18 months in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. 
• Third-degree crimes: These offenses are punishable by a prison term between three and five years and a fine of up to $15,000. 
• Second-degree crimes: For this serious grade of criminal offense, which usually involves financial amounts or victims on a large scale, you could spend between five and ten years in prison and be fined up to $150,000. 
• First-degree crimes: In the rare instance that the fraudulent scheme you’re accused of committing constitutes a first-degree crime, most likely due to the extremely large scale of the violation, you could face 10 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $200,000. 

The consequences of a fraud conviction in New Jersey are serious, and even the least severe offenses could lead to jail time and steep fines. An effective defense provided by an experienced New Jersey fraud attorney can help you avoid a conviction or minimize these consequences. 

How to Win a Fraud Case in Court With DiTomaso Law on Your Side

Quality legal representation that’s dedicated to your defense offers you the best hope of beating fraud charges or at least minimizing their consequences. There are numerous potential defense strategies that could be effective against these charges, but identifying the right strategy for your circumstances and presenting your arguments successfully requires the knowledge of a New Jersey fraud attorney. 

At DiTomaso Law, we’re familiar with the full array of fraud defense arguments, which include: 

• False allegations
• Mistaken identity 
• Lack of knowledge that the information was false
• Genuine mistakes instead of intentional misrepresentations
• Lack of intent
• Good-faith belief in the truthfulness of information or the legality of actions 
• Authorization to use another’s property or accounts (for example, in credit card fraud)
• Duress or coercion (being forced to commit fraud) 
• Entrapment by the government 
• Lack of reliance on false information by the alleged victim
• Unlawful procedures for gathering evidence, including constitutional rights violations 
• Insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt 

The potential defense strategies against fraud charges are numerous and fact-specific, so it’s important that you work with an attorney who will develop a customized approach to your legal defense based on your unique circumstances. 

Why Choose DiTomaso Law as Your New Jersey Fraud Attorney?

Choosing DiTomaso Law to defend you against high-stakes charges of criminal fraud offenses in New Jersey means retaining a seasoned legal team capable of handling every challenge while putting your needs and interests first. 

An Experienced Team of Trial Attorneys on Your Side

With five accomplished lawyers on our team, we bring the benefits of more than 80 years of combined experience in legal practice to every case we handle. We’re here to fight for you, with a record of success and skills cultivated over decades of professional service. 

The Capability to Defend Against Complex Fraud Charges

Fraud cases are often complex, but our attorneys have a demonstrated ability to manage sophisticated legal issues like yours. We recognize the challenges involved in defending against fraud charges and plan strategically to overcome every obstacle. 

A Client-Focused Approach to Legal Advocacy 

At our law firm, we achieve results through more than just skill and strategy. We also have a genuine concern for our clients’ well-being beyond the resolution of their case. We operate from a client-focused perspective to help you manage the stress of facing criminal charges and approach the legal process with confidence. 

Contact a New Jersey Fraud Attorney at DiTomaso Law Today for a Free Case Review

By taking advantage of a free, confidential consultation with our team, you can consider all of your options for defending against fraud charges. Speaking to a knowledgeable attorney allows you to better understand your rights in the criminal justice process, what the path forward will look like, and what avenues for defense offer the greatest likelihood of the most favorable outcome possible under your circumstances. 

For help from a fraud lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ, contact DiTomaso Law online or call 856-414-0010 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facing Fraud Charges in New Jersey