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Michigan Fraud Lawyer

If you have been accused of fraud in Michigan, you should immediately take steps to defend yourself by obtaining legal representation. Michigan's penal code addresses a wide variety of fraud-based crimes, and while the penalties vary widely, many convictions can carry lengthy prison sentences.

Many fraud-based crimes require a showing of intent by the prosecution in order to convict, meaning it is often possible to defend against these charges. A Michigan fraud lawyer has assisted defendants facing a variety of fraud charges and can help you too. Call an experienced attorney today to help give you the best possible chances of avoiding a conviction. En Español.

Common Fraud Laws

Chapters XLI and XLIII of Michigan's Penal Code address many different types of fraud-based crimes. A person commits fraud by making a false representation of facts that they know to be false for their own personal gain. Examples of fraud-based crimes include using credit cards belonging to another person, writing false checks, or creating forgeries. In some cases, even the mere possession of counterfeit items or notes is enough to support a fraud conviction.

The potential penalties for a conviction of fraud in Michigan vary widely, depending on the circumstances of the fraudulent act. Many types of fraud involving forgery or the possession or production of counterfeit documents are felony offenses that can result in substantial prison sentences. There are several common fraud-based crimes, such as:

Obtaining A Signature By Fraud

A person who obtains another person's signature with the intention of cheating or defrauding that person is guilty of a felony. This crime is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 10 years in duration, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

A person who either possesses or attempts to collect on a document containing a signature that they know was fraudulently obtained is subject to the same penalties as the person who fraudulently obtained the signature in the first place.

Credit Card Theft

It is illegal to steal, possess, sell, or purchase the credit card of another person. It is also illegal to use another person's credit card without their express consent.

A person found to be in possession of another person's credit cards with the intent to use, sell, or deliver them without the owner's consent is guilty of a felony offense punishable by a prison sentence of up to four years in duration, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

Counterfeit Items

Any person who modifies or affixes a label to goods which are not the genuine products of that label's manufacturer with the intent to deceive a purchaser is guilty of a misdemeanor offense.

Building a Defense

Michigan's law is unique in the level of detail afforded to various types of fraud-based crimes. Although the penalties for a fraud conviction may merely result in probation and community service for certain misdemeanor offenses, other types of fraud constitute serious felonies that come with mandatory minimum sentences. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, a conviction can result in lengthy jail time, in addition to the life-long consequences of a felony record.

An experienced Michigan fraud lawyer will often be able to help their clients avoid jail time by asserting affirmative defenses, weakening the prosecution's case, or successfully arguing that the charges should be lowered or dropped entirely. With the help of a fraud attorney in Michigan, those charged with many types of fraud may also be able to negotiate plea deals that will allow them to avoid the harsh penalties of a conviction.

Working With a Fraud Attorney

If you are being accused of fraud, you will need the help of a defense attorney who intimately understands this complex area of law. Depending on the circumstances that led to your arrest, you may be facing the serious consequences of a felony conviction.

The assistance of an experienced fraud defense attorney will ensure that you understand your legal rights and do not inadvertently hurt your case when speaking to law enforcement. Contact a Michigan fraud lawyer to determine the best defense strategy for your case as soon as possible.

Call Today! FREE Consultation Lawyer and Receive Immediate Attention for Your Criminal Law Case Patrick T. Barone is a Michigan Super Lawyer, who has maintained continuous top attorney ratings since 2007. In addition, the Michigan native is the author of multiple books on OWI, DUI and criminal law. The OUIL attorney near me has lectured at over 80 legal seminars all over America. He leads Barone Defense Firm in providing aggressive legal warriors for each client's criminal case.

Contact us 24 hours a day at our law firm’s easy to remember toll-free number, 1-877-ALL-MICH or 877-255-6424, for a free criminal case review. The Michigan attorneys near me at Barone Defense Firm travel the entire Great Lakes State, to help citizens in legal trouble in Michigan for alleged criminal law violations.

For your FREE lawyer consultation, call today to learn how to protect yourself from a possible unwarranted conviction. What do you have to lose, when the free legal advice with our litigation team’s criminal lawyers near me can answer many tough questions?

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Patrick Barone is the ONLY choice for DUI defense. He was realistic from the start and made it a point to look at my case before taking my money. As a business owner, when I think of attorneys, I think of the "shark infested waters. Patrick is a shark alright, but his prey is not the client; it's justice for his client. Ten stars Patrick!! Chris F.
★★★★★
Attorney Patrick Barone was very helpful and helped me understand the charge and sentence absolutely clearly. He also guided me through step by step helping me form a statement. His instructions were clear and detailed. It was obvious he cared about me understanding every important detail within my case. I would absolutely recommend this defense firm to anyone in need. Aaron B.
★★★★★
The Barone Defense Firm is the firm I recommend. They are truly concerned about the person, not just the legal issue, but the person as well. They are the most knowledgeable defense firm that I am aware of, having actually written the book on DWI Defense. If you are faced with a DWI you will not find a more professional and skilled law firm. But, most importantly, they care about how the accused individual recovers his or her life when the case is complete. Very remarkable group of lawyers. William H.