Have you been arrested for fraud in Louisville, Kentucky? These allegations can carry serious consequences for your personal and professional life. If you’re under investigation or already facing charges, you need an experienced defense attorney on your side as soon as possible so they can start reviewing evidence and building your defense.
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, our legal team has decades of experience defending clients against fraud and related charges throughout Kentucky. If you have questions about your case or you’re ready to get started with your defense, contact our office today at (502) 371-7000 to schedule a free consultation with a Louisville fraud defense attorney.
Why Choose Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers for Help With Fraud Charges in Louisville, KY?
Fraud cases in Louisville, KY, can be complicated. It’s not unusual for theft crime cases to involve substantial financial records, documents, digital evidence, and witness testimony. Prosecutors may spend months building their case. A Louisville criminal defense lawyer can review the allegations, identify weaknesses in the evidence, and determine which defenses may apply.
When you hire Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, you benefit from the following:
- Over 100 years of combined experience in criminal defense
- Insider knowledge; our team includes a former police officer and a former prosecutor
- A team of attorneys who have received hundreds of positive reviews from people we’ve helped
From the moment you hire our Louisville theft crimes attorneys, we can handle communications with investigators and prosecutors in Louisville, Kentucky, and fight for a fair outcome.
Overview of Fraud in Kentucky
Kentucky does not have one general criminal offense called “fraud.” Instead, state law criminalizes different forms of deceptive or fraudulent conduct under several statutes.
Common charges related to fraud include:
- Theft by deception, which includes obtaining another person’s property or services through deception with the intent to deprive that person of the property or services. It can also include issuing or passing certain checks while knowing they will not be honored.
- Identity theft, which can involve knowingly possessing or using another person’s identifying information with the intent to represent yourself as that person for purposes specified by Kentucky law
- Fraudulent use of a credit or debit card, including certain uses of unlawfully obtained, forged, expired, or revoked cards
- Forgery and criminal possession of a forged instrument, with the degree and penalty depending on the type of document and conduct involved
- Insurance fraud, including staging accidents or submitting false claims
- Medicaid, welfare, or public benefits fraud
- Unemployment insurance fraud
In some cases, conduct involving fraud can also lead to federal charges, either instead of or in addition to a state case. Federal fraud charges are governed by different statutes, procedures, and sentencing rules, so it is important to determine which jurisdiction and offenses are involved. A Louisville theft crimes lawyer from our firm can evaluate the specific circumstances of your case, identifying potential defenses, and mitigating the severe risks associated with both state-level prosecution and federal intervention.
What Are the Penalties for Fraud in Louisville, Kentucky?
The penalties for fraud in Kentucky depend on the offense charged, and some also vary based on the dollar amount involved.
For example, the penalties for theft by deception generally include:
- Less than $500 (Class B misdemeanor): Up to 90 days in jail
- $500 to less than $1,000 (Class A misdemeanor): Up to 12 months in jail
- $1,000 to less than $10,000 (Class D felony): One to five years in prison
- $10,000 or more (Class C felony): Five to 10 years in prison
Fines and other consequences may also apply. Other fraud-related crimes have their own penalties. For example, identity theft is a Class D felony, while forgery may be charged at different levels depending on the specific offense.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for Fraud?
Each fraud case is different, and the specific defense used will vary based on the statute you’re charged under and the facts of the case. A Louisville fraud defense lawyer may consider one or more of the following strategies.
Lack of the Required Intent or Knowledge
Many fraud-related offenses require proof of a particular intent or knowledge. If the prosecution cannot prove the mental state required by the offense charged, it cannot obtain a conviction. For example, evidence may show that your actions were accidental, based on incorrect information, or the result of a misunderstanding.
Mistaken Identity
Fraud is often committed online or over the phone, so determining who committed the crime is not always as simple as it seems. In identity theft, credit card, and internet fraud cases, another person may have used your name, accounts, or other identifying information.
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution bears the burden of proving every element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. A defense attorney can challenge whether the prosecution’s evidence satisfies that burden. A defendant generally does not have to prove innocence.
Our Louisville criminal defense attorneys will review your case and determine whether one of these defenses, or another strategy, may apply.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Louisville Fraud Defense Attorney
If you’ve been accused of fraud, speaking with a criminal defense attorney early can help you understand the allegations and your options. Early legal guidance can also help you understand how to respond to investigators and avoid decisions that could complicate your defense.
Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers today to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with a Louisville fraud defense attorney.