Fraud describes crimes of deception, misrepresentation, or trickery used to steal the property, assets, or services of another for the personal gain of the perpetrator. Fraud can be falsehoods, misleading allegations, or poor conduct. It is considered a white collar crime generally committed by business professionals, financial experts, public officials, and entrepreneurs.
You can find the kind of skilled and experienced legal representation you need from a Columbus theft crime defense lawyer at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt. Your Columbus fraud lawyer has the knowledge and understanding of Ohio court procedure and personnel that can make a difference in how your case evolves. Our firm has been in business for over 30 years and is rated among the top 1% of lawyers in the U.S.
What Counts as Criminal Fraud in Ohio
Fraud charges cover a wide range of behavior. Most involve some form of deception, like giving false information, using someone else’s identity, or misrepresenting a transaction, to gain money, services, or property.
These cases often start with documents, emails, applications, or bank activity that do not tell the full story. If you are unsure how your situation is being interpreted or why charges are on the table, your Columbus criminal defense lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt can help you make sense of the accusations and what they mean for you.
Financial Fraud
This includes offenses like credit card fraud, bank fraud, embezzlement, and check fraud. Charges may involve using false information to get credit, taking money from an account without permission, or creating fake invoices to hide theft.
If you have been accused of mismanaging company funds or misusing an account, our team can help you review the records and figure out what the state is trying to accuse you of.
Consumer and Insurance Fraud
Examples here include filing a false insurance claim, selling counterfeit goods, or misrepresenting products or services to customers.
If someone says you tried to benefit from a lie, even a small one, you may find yourself under investigation. We can step in early if your case involves fake documents, altered signatures, or accusations of misusing written agreements.
Public Benefit and Tax Fraud
You could be charged if you are accused of lying on government forms, underreporting income, or taking benefits you were not eligible for. This might include Medicaid fraud, unemployment fraud, or tax-related fraud involving deductions or credits.
Business or Investment Fraud
Cases in this category might involve securities fraud, pyramid schemes, or misusing investor funds. These charges can come up when someone reports that money was handled differently than promised, especially in a professional setting.
For a free legal consultation with a fraud lawyer serving Columbus, call (614) 884-1100
Mortgage, Investment, and Credit Card Fraud
Some types of fraud involve more than one transaction or more than one person. Cases that involve mortgages, credit cards, or investment funds are usually handled seriously, especially when large sums of money are involved. These charges can feel confusing at first, but knowing how they work can help you prepare for what comes next.
Mortgage Fraud and Loan Application Misrepresentation
Mortgage fraud usually involves false information on a loan application. This might include inflating your income, misreporting assets, or applying for a property you never intended to live in. These cases are often uncovered by lenders or flagged during audits and routine investigations. Charges may also be filed against loan officers, brokers, or third parties involved in the process.
Penalties can include fines, probation, or prison time, depending on the details. If the state believes the offense involved forged documents, Ohio Revised Code § 2913.31 may be used to support a separate forgery charge. Your Columbus mortgage fraud lawyer can help review the application documents and explain what the state is focusing on.
Investment and Credit Card Fraud Offenses
Investment fraud cases may involve promises that were never kept, false returns, or money that was handled in a way investors did not agree to. Prosecutors will often look for patterns of behavior or signs that someone was intentionally misled. A Columbus investment fraud lawyer with our team can review the business records, contracts, or account activity to build your defense.
Credit card fraud is usually charged under Ohio Revised Code § 2913.21 when someone is accused of using a card without permission, creating a fake card, or gaining access to someone else’s account. If the charge involves personal use of a company account or shared credit line, a Columbus credit card fraud defense lawyer can help you review the transactions and separate misunderstandings from misconduct.
Columbus Fraud Lawyer Near Me (614) 884-1100
Legal Penalties and Civil Consequences for Fraud
Fraud cases come with serious consequences, and not all of them end in the courtroom. You may be facing jail time, financial penalties, and long-term effects that make daily life harder. This part of your case deserves attention, especially if you are still weighing your legal options.
What Criminal Sentencing Could Look Like
Fraud can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on how much money is involved and what kind of conduct is alleged. Misdemeanors can carry up to six months in jail, while felony charges often lead to more time, higher fines, and stricter probation terms. These cases may be filed at the state level or referred to federal prosecutors based on how far the scheme has reached.
You may also be ordered to pay restitution if someone lost money. If your charge involves a false insurance claim, like overstating a loss, submitting fake documents, or misrepresenting coverage, the state may use Ohio Revised Code § 2913.47 as part of its case. A first-time offense can still carry jail time, and the penalties increase if the amount is large or if someone else was harmed.
How Civil Penalties Can Affect Your Future
You could face lawsuits, repayment demands, or restrictions tied to your job. Some professional licenses may be denied or revoked. Others might be harder to renew if the charge is on your record.
This kind of charge can also be applied to housing or employment screenings. Even if the case feels behind you, the paperwork can follow you for years. Your Columbus fraud attorney can help you manage the fallout and look for ways to reduce potential long-term damage.
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Get Help From Your Fraud Lawyer in Columbus Today
Fraud charges can affect your freedom, your finances, and your future in unpredictable ways. Your fraud attorney in Columbus at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt can help you face what the state is accusing you of and consider your options.
Contact us when you are ready to talk with someone who will take your situation seriously and knows how to make a difference in your defense.
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