When you hear the word “fraud,” you may imagine some form of theft or deceitful behavior. Fraud is often generally defined as “any act in which one person intentionally misrepresents an existing fact to another in order to induce the other person to act or to gain something of value.” It is important to note that there can be many actions that may be considered a type of fraud. In some cases, an individual may not even know what constitutes this type of crime. Illinois law defines seven categories under which criminal charges of fraud can be filed. The penalties vary depending on the circumstances, but regardless, the consequences can be serious. Therefore, if you or someone you know is facing such charges, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel from a skilled attorney who can build a solid defense on your behalf.
Understanding Fraudulent Actions
Fraud can include numerous acts, some of which are punished more severely than others. However, it can be difficult to prove fraud in some cases since the prosecution has to show the defendant knew it was wrong and committed it intentionally. The charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the party that was defrauded and the amount stolen. The punishments can include years in prison and fines exceeding thousands of dollars. In certain cases, an offender may also be ordered to pay restitution to the party directly affected by the fraud.
A few of the main kinds of fraud charges that are issued in Illinois include:
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