Maryland Fraud Laws & Penalties

Defend Your Rights With a Top Defense Lawyer on Your Side

Fraud Charges may include offenses from mail fraud, credit card fraud, insurance fraud, tax fraud, fraudulent claims against other governmental or commercial entities, and other financial schemes intended to defraud someone of money.

Fraud can be as simple as passing bad checks to complicated financial schemes.

But all fraud charges are serious. Many carry significant jail time, depending on the amount of money allegedly claimed or attempted to defraud, and who is the victim of the charge.

Don't take a Maryland fraud charge lightly. Get the best legal advice you can to defend yourself against these criminal charges. Please contact us for a legal consultation, to find out what your options are, and determine your chances to beat the charges, or get them reduced to something you can live with.

Can I beat a Fraud Charge?

Yes, there are always ways to challenge the prosecution, even when the evidence against you initially appears to be strong. There are procedural motions we can file, motions to suppress evidence against you if it may have been obtained illegally or unfairly, and other options. Other defenses include mistaken identity, or a simple misunderstanding that you had taken money that you were not entitled to.

Of course, if you are not guilty, you should almost always fight the charges.

Depending on the victim, we may also be able to find a way to get them to agree to restitution in exchange for dropping the charges. Usually this is a big win, since it avoids you getting stuck with a criminal record.

Maryland Fraud - Penalties

Most fraud charges have associated penalties based on the amount of money involved. But sorting through the law can be complicated. Please contact us to find out what you are facing and how we can help.

For example:

Credit Card Fraud

Credit Card fraud can encompass applying for a credit card fraudulently, counterfeit cards, or using another persons card without permission. Penalties, if convicted, vary depending on the value of the items charged.

If you are charged with fraudulent use of a credit card in purchasing items valued at under $100, the maximum penalty is 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. (Misdemeanor)

If you are charged with fraudulent use of a credit card in purchasing items valued at under $500, the maximum penalty is 18 months in jail and a $500 fine. (Misdemeanor)

If the items charged were for $500 or more, the maximum penalty is 15 years in jail. This is a felony level charge.

For most first offense charges of under $500 or under $100, the real risk of jail time is minimal if there are no other criminal charges or extenuating circumstances. However, any criminal fraud charge is serious, and will result in a permanent criminal record, probation expenses and hassles, and more.

Tax Fraud Penalties

Most tax fraud penalties, including failure to file, false returns, or failing to pay faxes have a maximum penalty of up to 5 years in jail.

Contact Me for a Free Legal Case Evaluation on a  Fraud Charge in Maryland

I will offer my advice to you on any fraud, credit card fraud, insurance fraud or theft related criminal charges in Maryland. My free legal consultation is without additional obligation. I'll advise you on exactly what I can do to fight your case, work out a plea deal, and help you through this. I'll also let me you what my representation in court will cost if you choose.

Call now at (301) 637-0107 for your Maryland criminal defense consultation.