Why You Need an Experienced Atlanta Fraud Lawyer

Aggressive and Experienced Legal Representation in Fulton County

Fraud in Georgia consists of a wide range of deceitful and dishonest practices to obtain money, services, or anything of value. A conviction of any type of fraud offense carries harsh criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines worth tens of thousands of dollars.

If you have been accused of committing fraud in Georgia, look no further than our Atlanta fraud defense lawyer at The Law Office of Ahmad R. Crews. Attorney Crews can thoroughly investigate your case, collect and analyze evidence, negotiate with the prosecution, and help you get the most possible result in court

Even if you are convicted, Attorney Crews has years of experience in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals when part of a top criminal appellate law firm in Georgia. He understands how to review fraud cases from every angle and can identify potential grounds for appeal. Read on to learn more about fraud laws in Georgia and how an experienced lawyer can help protect your rights.

Understanding Fraud Under Georgia Law

In Georgia, “actual fraud” occurs when a defendant knowingly or willfully uses a false representation to induce someone to act or refrain from doing something based on the defendant’s deceit and/or dishonesty. In addition, “constructive fraud” means concealing or omitting information that harms someone else.

What Are the Penalties for Fraud in Georgia?

• Identity fraud – Using another person’s identifying material (dead or alive) or a fictitious person with the intent to defraud. Identity theft is a felony offense, which carries a maximum prison term of 10 years and/or a fine of up to $100,000.

• Credit or debit card fraud – Using a bank card that belongs to another person (without their authorization) in order to defraud. Credit card fraud is a felony that carries a prison sentence of up to three (3) years and/or a maximum fine of $5,000.

• Forgery – Second-degree forgery occurs when a person makes, alters, or possesses any writing in a fictitious name or one that falsely represents someone else’s writing or possesses someone else’s writing without his/her consent. First-degree forgery happens when a person attempts to pass the writing off as legitimate. Forgery is a felony offense. Second-degree forgery is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of five (5) years, while first-degree forgery carries a prison term of up to 10 years.

• Deposit account fraud – This means writing bad checks or attempting to use an account that is either has insufficient funds or it is closed. A check worth at least $500 is a felony offense, which carries a prison sentence of up to three (3) years and/or a maximum fine of $5,000.

• Mail and wire fraud – Using a mailing service or interstate wire/television/radio communications to carry out a fraud scheme. Since this type of offense can affect multiple states, then a defendant may face federal charges.

• Healthcare fraud – Filing dishonest healthcare claims in order to make a profit. Healthcare fraud is generally a federal offense.

• Financial transaction card theft – This type of fraud involves using someone else’s credit or debit card without their authorization. Depending on the amount stolen and prior criminal history, a defendant may face a prison term of up to 10 years.

As you can see, some of these charges are handled by federal authorities in courts. A conviction in federal court can result in more serious penalties compared to the state court, such as a lengthy federal prison term and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines if convicted.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help You Protect Your Rights

An accusation of fraud is a serious matter that can have life-altering consequences for defendants. Even a seemingly minor charge, such as credit card fraud, could result in significant prison time and fines if convicted. Therefore, it’s crucial to act fast and hire an experienced attorney who knows how to fight fraud charges aggressively. Some of the key ways a lawyer can help include:

• Investigating your case – An attorney knows what to look for and where to find it. They will investigate the evidence presented against you, looking for weaknesses or inconsistencies that may cast doubt on your guilt.

• Negotiating with the prosecution – Your lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor in order to reduce or dismiss charges altogether. This could result in lesser penalties, such as probation, instead of prison time.

• Explaining your options – An experienced attorney can explain all possible legal options available and guide you toward making an informed decision on the best course of action.

• Preparing and presenting a strong defense – A skilled lawyer can devise an effective defense strategy based on the unique circumstances of your case. They will also present this defense in court, using their experience to persuade the judge or jury to rule in your favor.

Ready to Defend You Immediately

Just because you have been arrested for or charged with fraud or FTA doesn’t mean you are automatically guilty of the crime. With the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney, you can fight back against these charges and possibly have them reduced or dismissed altogether.

At The Law Office of Ahmad R. Crews, we understand the seriousness of these charges and the potential consequences you may face. Our team is experienced in handling fraud and FTA cases at both the state and federal levels. We will work tirelessly to build a strong defense strategy for your case.

Our goal is to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair treatment under the law. We will thoroughly investigate all aspects of your case, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining any prior criminal history.

Speaking of prior criminal history, this can also play a significant role in how your case is handled. If you have previous convictions on your record, it could result in harsher penalties if convicted. However, our team has experience working with clients who have prior criminal histories and know how to navigate these complexities to achieve the most favorable outcome for your case.

Let Attorney Crews protect your rights, reputation, and freedom in each step of the legal process.

Creating Strong Legal Strategies to Protect Our Clients