Deceptive practices, which are also known as fraud, are defined in Illinois state law (720 ILCS 5/17-1) as deceiving another individual or entity with the intention of obtaining a document, property, or assets from the victim. There are countless different forms of fraud that can be committed, some of which include:
- Bank fraud
- Check fraud
- Consumer fraud
- False impersonation
- False advertising
- Healthcare fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Mortgage fraud
These deceptive and fraudulent practices can cause a victim to lose money, property, or even their identity. That is why the crime can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class 4 felony, with jail sentences ranging from 6 months to 3 years and a fine of up to $25,000.
WHY YOU NEED A LAWYER
Anyone charged with a form of fraud will need the skilled representation of a Chicago criminal defense lawyer right away. An attorney will have the skill and knowledge to present a strong defense and prevent a conviction leading to severe penalties. Fraud has other consequences, as well. If convicted, you will be highly unlikely to obtain a position of trust or responsibility over finances in the future. That is why it is so important to prevent a conviction by retaining aggressive defense.
OKABE & HAUSHALTER CAN DEFEND YOU
The experienced legal team with our firm has the experience and aggression to obtain a dismissal or reduction of your fraud charges. We also handle other criminal defense cases, such as sex crimes, manslaughter and murder, and DUI charges. Visit our case results page to see what we have done for clients facing charges similar to yours, or contact us to schedule an initial consultation. We would love to review your options with you and help you take the first steps toward a strong defense.