FRAUD
PRACTICE AREAS
LOUISIANA FRAUD ATTORNEY
Criminal Defense Attorney for Fraud Charges in Shreveport, Bossier City, and the Surrounding NWLA Area
With years of experience and a deep understanding of Louisiana’s legal landscape, The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis offers dedicated and strategic criminal defense representation for those facing fraud charges in Northwest Louisiana. Your white-collar crimes attorney will work diligently to protect your rights and work towards the best outcome.
Whether you’re dealing with allegations of financial fraud, identity theft, or any other fraud-related charges, Attorney Vergis will provide compassionate legal guidance and assertive representation, ensuring that your case is handled with professionalism and discretion. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Bossier City fraud lawyers, call (318) 698-3724 or contact us online today.
Understanding Fraud Charges in Louisiana
Fraud offenses in Louisiana involve intentional misrepresentation or deception to gain something valuable or cause financial harm. Louisiana law recognizes several types of fraud, including financial fraud, insurance fraud, and identity theft, each with its unique characteristics and consequences. Financial fraud covers various deceptive financial practices, while insurance fraud centers around fraudulent claims. Identity theft involves the unlawful use of personal information for financial gain.
Legal Definition for Fraud in Louisiana
According to La. Civ. Code art. 1953, “Fraud is a misrepresentation or a suppression of the truth made with the intention either to obtain an unjust advantage for one party or to cause a loss or inconvenience to the other. Fraud may also result from silence or inaction.”
Types of Fraud Charges We Handle
The Bossier City criminal defense attorneys from The Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis have extensive experience handling cases involving fraud. From financial fraud to identity theft, we navigate the complexities of each case to provide tailored and effective defense strategies. If you’re looking for an attorney who genuinely cares about your case, look no further than The Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis.
Below are some of the most common types of fraud offenses.
Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud involves the unauthorized use of someone else’s credit card information to make fraudulent purchases or transactions. Offenders of credit card fraud typically obtain card information through various means, such as stolen physical cards, data breaches, or phishing schemes. Once in possession of this information, they engage in unauthorized transactions. Credit card fraud can range from small-scale unauthorized purchases to large-scale criminal operations.
Bank Fraud
Bank fraud is a serious white-collar crime involving fraudulent activities directed at financial institutions, including banks and credit unions. This type of fraud encompasses many illegal actions, such as falsifying financial documents, embezzlement, loan fraud, and unauthorized access to bank accounts. Bank fraud schemes can be committed by individuals, employees within financial institutions, or organized groups. The primary goal is to secure unlawful financial gain, often at the bank’s or its customers’ expense.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud is a deceptive and illegal practice where individuals or entities make false or exaggerated claims to insurance companies to obtain undeserved financial benefits. This type of fraud is a significant concern within the insurance industry, leading to increased premiums for policyholders and substantial financial losses for insurers. Insurance fraud can take many forms, including staged accidents, fake injury claims, arson to collect property insurance, and falsified information on insurance applications.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is a form of fraud that involves the unlawful acquisition and misuse of someone else’s personal information for financial gain or other fraudulent purposes. Offenders may obtain sensitive data, such as social security numbers, bank account details, or credit card information, through data breaches, phishing scams, or theft of physical documents. Once in possession of this information, identity thieves can commit financial crimes, including unauthorized credit card charges, opening fraudulent accounts, or filing fake tax returns.
Mail Fraud
Mail fraud is a federal criminal offense where offenders use the postal system or private mail carriers to perpetrate fraudulent schemes. This type of fraud includes sending deceptive materials, such as false advertisements or fraudulent notifications, to deceive recipients and obtain financial gain.
Internet Fraud
Internet fraud is another type of criminal activity where individuals use deceptive schemes and illegal online activities to defraud others, organizations, or businesses. These fraudulent activities encompass many tactics, including phishing scams, online identity theft, fake online auctions, and fraudulent online sales. Perpetrators of internet fraud often use email, social media, fake websites, or malicious software to trick victims into providing personal information or money.
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud is a serious criminal offense involving electronic communication methods, such as phone calls or emails, to defraud individuals, businesses, or financial institutions. This type of fraud often entails schemes to trick victims into transferring funds or sensitive information to fraudulent accounts or individuals. Wire fraud can take various forms, including phishing scams, fraudulent investment schemes, or business email compromise (BEC) scams.
Check Fraud
Check fraud involves the unlawful alteration, forgery, or counterfeiting of checks to deceive and gain financial advantage. Perpetrators of check fraud may steal legitimate checks, alter payee or payment amounts, or create counterfeit checks to access funds that do not belong to them.
Tax Fraud
Tax fraud involves deliberately providing false information or engaging in deceptive practices to evade or reduce tax liabilities owed to the government. This can include underreporting income, inflating deductions, hiding assets offshore, or engaging in other fraudulent activities to manipulate tax returns.
Contractor Fraud
Contractor fraud occurs when contractors or construction companies use deceptive practices when bidding, executing, or completing construction projects. This type of fraud can take different forms, including overcharging for materials or labor, using substandard materials, failing to complete projects as agreed, or submitting false invoices.
Penalties for Fraud in Louisiana
The penalties for fraud charges in Louisiana can vary based on the offender’s criminal history and the amount that was stolen. For first time offenders, however, the standard penalties are as follows:
- $750 or less: Misdemeanor charges resulting in up to six months in prison and fines up to $1,000.
- $750 – $5,000: Felony charges resulting in a maximum prison sentence of five years and $3,000 in fines.
- $5,000 – $25,000: Considered a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
- Over $25,000: This felony conviction can result in up to 20 years in prison and $50,000 in fines.
What To Do If You’re Charged With Fraud in Shreveport-Bossier
If you face fraud charges, your actions immediately following your arrest can impact the rest of your case. As soon as you’re able, call The Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis to obtain legal counsel. It’s critical to remain calm and refrain from making any statements to authorities without your attorney present.
Obtaining legal representation immediately following your arrest can help protect your rights, guide you through the legal proceedings, and craft a strong defense strategy tailored to your situation. Facing fraud charges can be overwhelming, but with the right criminal defense attorney, you can navigate the legal system effectively while working towards the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Michael J. Vergis for Your North Louisiana Fraud Case
With years of experience handling criminal cases in Bossier City, Shreveport, and throughout Northwest Louisiana, Michael J. Vergis brings a wealth of experience to your fraud case. What sets him apart is his commitment to providing clients with personalized attention and crafting defense strategies tailored to the nuances of each case. From start to finish, attorney Michael J. Vergis is by your side, guiding you through the legal process, protecting your rights, and diligently working towards the best possible resolution for your situation.
When facing the complexities of a fraud case in North Louisiana, choosing Michael J. Vergis means choosing an attorney who combines unwavering advocacy with a deep understanding of criminal law.
Contact a Shreveport-Bossier City White Collar Crimes Attorney at The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis Today
At The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis, our attorneys are committed to providing you with the dedicated representation required to navigate the complexities of your case. With a successful track record and unique defense strategies tailored to your circumstances, criminal defense attorney Michael J. Vergis is ready to represent you against alleged fraud crimes.
To discuss your fraud charges with an attorney today, call our law firm at (318) 698-3724 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
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