DC Fraud Lawyer

Fraud laws can be complex. However, simply put, fraud is defined as actions performed with the intent to deceive. Typically, the fraudulent act is in regards to the obtainment of money or property. Any action that involves the breach of trust or confidence and results in damage to someone else or involves taking advantage of another can be considered a fraud.

Under DC criminal laws, there are two separate fraud offenses. Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, you could be facing charges of first degree DC fraud, or second degree fraud. Fraud in the 1st degree is the more serious of the two, though they both come with potentially severe penalties.

First degree fraud is defined as engaging in a course of conduct or a scheme with the intent to defraud or obtain another's property with a false or fraudulent pretense, promise, or representation. This charge is only applicable if the course of conduct or scheme results in the actual obtainment of the property or results in the other person losing that property. Second degree fraud, on the other hand, doesn't require that the alleged victim lose their property. In other words, you could face charges of second degree fraud for even attempting to obtain it and not succeeding.

While both of these DC fraud offenses carry the potential for prison time, not all hope is lost. An experienced DC fraud attorney can analyze your case in great detail, assessing the evidence against you and helping to build a defense strategy. Depending on the individual details of your case, there's always the chance your DC fraud lawyer could uncover a substantial mistake by the police, leading to the dismissal of charges against you.