Atlanta Fraud Defense Lawyer
Georgia Fraud Defense Attorney with Over 24 Years of Experience
Georgia law considers several independent crimes under the umbrella of fraud, including forgery, deposit fraud, credit card fraud, and identity fraud. The legal definition of fraud is “using deceitful or dishonest means to get something of value.” This definition is quite broad, and it encompasses different types of crime and penalties that are strict and severe. If you have been accused of fraud, it is vital to contact an experienced Atlanta fraud defense attorney. The attorneys at Abt Law Firm, LLC have over 24 years of experience helping people accused of fraud in Atlanta. We have the knowledge and experience needed to help you get the best possible results for your case.
Georgia Fraud Laws
Forgery
Georgia law has two separate classifications of forgery, both of which are felony offenses. The differences are as follows:
- Forgery in the 1st Degree – This is when a person attempts to use or is successful in using documents that are altered, created, or fictitious with the intent of making someone else believe that they are something else.
- Forgery in the 2nd Degree – This is when an individual alters, creates, or possesses a document with the intent to make someone else believe that it was created by someone else or at a different time. Forgery in the 2nd degree is a lesser offense.
If convicted of forgery, the defendant will be subject to fines that vary depending on the individual situation. Additionally, the defendant may be subject to incarceration in prison. Conviction of forgery in the 1st degree is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Forgery in the 2nd degree is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Deposit Fraud
Depositing bad checks is a common crime in Georgia, and most often occurs when someone uses a check at a retail location knowing that the account is closed, or that there are insufficient funds to cover the amount. The penalties for deposit fraud vary depending on the value of the check, as follows:
- $100 or less – A misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to 1 year in prison
- $100-$300 - A misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 1 year in prison
- $300-$499 – An aggravated misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and up to 1 year in prison
- $500 or more - A felony punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and up to 3 years in prison
- Out of state – Any valuation is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 5 years in prison
Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud is an easy crime that carries serious consequences. In many cases, retailers fail to compare signatures or photographs of the individual, or the driver’s license or identification information against the card. In Georgia, these behaviors are illegal and are subject to felony charges and strict penalties if convicted. A conviction of credit card fraud is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and up to 3 years in prison.
Identity Fraud
Identity fraud can occur in many ways, including the unlawful use of another person’s social security number, identifying the material, or other fraudulent or fictitious information. Identity fraud is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 for a 1st offense or $250,000 for a 2nd or subsequent offense. Additionally, a conviction is punishable by up to 10 years in prison for a first offense and 15 years in prison for any additional offenses.
Fraud Attorney Near Me
If you want to avoid a permanent record of fraud allegations, it is vital to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can reduce or even dismiss your case. The attorneys at Abt Law Firm, LLC have over 24 years of experience helping people accused of fraud get the best possible results for their case. We have successfully handled over 2,500 cases and over 100 jury trials. Our legal team can help you get the best possible result for your case. We have the knowledge and experience needed to help you!
Contact our Atlanta fraud defense attorney today for a free case review at (678) 582-2272.
