Fraud Defense Attorney in Columbia, SC
Protecting the Accused for Over 25 Years
A vast majority of white collar crimes involve some sort of fraud. The term "fraud" is used to describe a wide variety of criminal actions which involve the use of deceit, false statements, or other misrepresentation to give a defendant an unfair benefit or otherwise cause another person or entity to suffer a loss.
Ranging from tax evasion to identity theft, allegations of fraud can inflict serious damage to a person's reputation and future as well as carry stiff criminal consequences upon conviction.
Common forms of fraud prosecuted in South Carolina include:
- Misrepresentation
- Forgery
- Interference
- Mail fraud
- Bank, securities, and investment fraud
- Check and credit card fraud
- Workers' compensation fraud
- Bankruptcy fraud
If you have been charged with any fraud-related offense, it is imperative you contact an aggressive Columbia white collar crime lawyer from Masella Law Firm, P.A. as soon as possible. Backed by more than two decades of legal experience and invaluable insight as both a legal solicitor and a judge (Attorney Robert Masella), our team of powerful advocates understand the laws and regulations that surround your situation and can ensure you have a fighting chance against the prosecution's claims.
Do not let a fraud charge ruin your future – call us at (803) 938-4952 or contact our office online today to retain the defense you need.
With over two decades of experience working with family law, personal injury and criminal defense cases throughout South Carolina, we at Masella Law Firm, P.A. are prepared to guide you through the legal process. Click below to be taken to our secure payment page.
Defenses to Fraud Charges in South Carolina
Many fraud charges can be prosecuted in either state or federal courts and can expose defendants to serious penalties such as incarceration, exorbitant fines, and the potential denial or revocation of various professional licenses.
While the exact requirements to prove fraud will vary depending on a person's specific charges, generally speaking, the prosecution must be able to prove the following elements in order to convict a defendant of fraud:
- A misrepresentation of a material fact was made
- The misrepresentation was made by a person or entity who knew it to be false
- Another party justifiably relied on the misrepresentation
- The reliant party suffered an actual injury or loss
Our team of attorneys can review the facts surrounding your case and can craft a custom-tailored strategy that minimizes your chances of conviction.
Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to employ a number of defenses on your behalf, including:
- No fraudulent intent: A person may only be convicted of fraud if it can be proven that they had an intent to defraud. If defrauding someone was not your objective, our attorneys can argue accordingly and seek to prove that you acted in good faith.
- Mistaken identity: It is not uncommon for defendants to be charged with fraud mistakenly, either by simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time or by an erroneous eyewitness identification.
- Entrapment: A person cannot be convicted of fraud if they were coerced into committing a crime by police during a sting operation.
