Battling Fraud in Arizona

Overview

Fraud, at its most basic definition, refers to an intentional deception made for personal gain or to damage another individual. It is a very real issue that has plagued businesses and affluent organizations for years; in fact, the typical organization loses 5 percent of its annual revenue to fraud, with a median loss of $160,000 (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners).

Movies like Catch Me If You Can detailing the extravagant life of American fraudster Frank Abagnale Jr. may cast the crime in an almost appealing light, but fraud is and always will be a crime that is punishable by extensive jail time. In Arizona, the amount of money stolen relates to the severity and class of the crime; for example, if the amount at issue is less than $1,000, the case is categorized as a Class 1 Misdemeanor.
However, if the case involves an amount of $25,000 and above, it then becomes a Class 2 Felony and is punishable by an extended prison sentence upwards of seven years.

Types of Fraud

Also dubbed "White Collar Crimes", there are several different types of fraud that exist. A few of the more well-known examples are:

Bank fraud involves the use of a banking institution in order to engage in conduct with a fraudulent enterprise, a material omission, or misrepresentation for a bank loan. The charge can be applied to bank employees
as well as customers; typically, the bank employee approves a loan that should not have been approved.

Money laundering is usually accompanied by charges like drug trafficking. It occurs when someone attempts to pay another person with money gained from illegal activities, or the illegally gained money is deposited in a bank account or corporate shell.

Computer and Internet fraud are relatively new in the world of fraud, but they are charges that are becoming more and more mainstreamed as computers and the Internet become more integrated within our society. Identity theft is one of the most common forms of computer and Internet crimes, involving hacking into computer files or using the Internet to access bank account and credit card information.

What to Do

If you or a loved one have been convicted of any type of fraud, it is imperative that you get in touch with a qualified fraud attorney Arizona immediately. A criminal attorney in Arizona well-versed in the state's fraud laws will be able to ensure that your case is fought for a reduced or even dismissed charge. Your first step should always be to contact a trusted criminal attorney in Arizona; they will provide you with the tools you need to win your case.

An Arizona criminal defense attorney with the experience of 20 years in law, Guy will provide you with an outstanding, passionate defense in the face of criminal law charges. For more information about Guy and his mission, contact him here or at 602.396.7114.