Getting charged with defrauding the public can seem like a frightening and confusing experience. To help prepare for this charge and the criminal process that you will now undergo, keep reading. Here, you can learn about the definition of this crime. By understanding the crime, you can determine if you committed it or not. This can help to build your defense.

Defrauding the Public

If you have been charged with defrauding the public, you probably don’t understand the specifics of this crime. You are guilty of defrauding a public community if you:

• Authorize, certify, attest, or file a claim for benefits or reimbursement that you know is false. The claim goes to a local, state, or federal agency.
• Knowingly accept the benefits from a claim you know is false.
• Are an officer or an agent of a public community and you give its property to someone with intent to prejudice it.
• Are an officer or an agent of a public community and you draw an order upon the community’s treasury/presents/aid to allow a fraudulent claim against the community. For purposes of this subdivision such order or claim constitute property.

Common examples of defrauding of public community are social security fraud and welfare fraud, since these are services that the public use.

Getting Help

If charged with defrauding the public, you need to defend yourself. You could face serious prison terms and fines if convicted, so avoiding a conviction is always in your best interest. Obviously, you want to avoid these punishments if possible. The best way to prepare a solid case and minimize your penalties is to contact an attorney. Lawyers understand the charge that you face, as well as the particulars of the court and the court process. They can help defend you.

If you would like to get started on your defense, get in touch with our office. We are happy to help.