Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices
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Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices

A Respected Criminal Law Firm Serving Pittsburgh And Western Pennsylvania

Stan Levenson and Amy Levenson Jones

Defending You Against Charges Alleging Fraud

Facing criminal allegations of any kind is stressful, and you may be tempted to take a plea bargain to put the issue behind you in an attempt to reduce the impact on your reputation. Before you make a decision that could impact the rest of your life, however, you should understand that fraud charges are defensible, and an experienced white collar fraud lawyer can help you fight for your rights and seek positive results.

At Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices, we have decades of experience fighting fraud and other white collar crimes at the state and federal levels. We have defended high-stakes fraud allegations throughout Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and the entire nation. Our father-daughter defense team provides personalized representation that examines every aspect of your case and focuses on obtaining the best results possible for you.

The Basics Of Criminal Fraud Cases

Fraud can generally be defined as another form of theft. However, the main difference between fraud and theft is that fraud involves one person knowingly and willfully deceiving another for their own financial benefit. As criminal defense attorneys with decades of experience, we offer serious defenses for a wide range of crimes alleging fraud, including:

We believe an attorney can only provide exceptional criminal defense when he or she thoroughly understands his or her client and the allegations made against them. That’s why, at Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices, we limit our caseload so we can get to know every client. We provide personalized counsel while using our experience to formulate an effective strategy and mount a strong defense. In doing so, we can increase the odds of a favorable outcome.

How A Fraud Charge Can Impact Your Life

Everyone knows that a criminal conviction of any kind will potentially lead to jail time and monetary fines. For example, a fraud-related conviction in Pennsylvania carries a jail sentence of 90 days for a summary offense to 10 years for a second-degree felony and a fine ranging from $300 for a summary offense to $25,000 for a second-degree felony. However, many people fail to consider how a criminal conviction will impact their social life as well. Beyond the legal consequences Pennsylvanians with a fraud conviction face, they could have limited employment and housing opportunities.

What Are The Elements Of Fraud?

In Pennsylvania, fraud is a multifaceted crime, meaning the prosecution must establish several critical elements. These include:

  • Intentional misrepresentation: A fraud charge requires showing that the defendant knowingly made a false statement or misled someone. The intent to deceive distinguishes fraud from mistakes or misunderstandings.
  • Knowledge of falsity: To prove fraud, it must be shown that the defendant knew of the statement’s inaccuracy when making it. Without knowing the information was false, a person cannot be said to have committed fraud.
  • Victim reliance: Fraud charges require evidence that the victim relied on the false representation. If the victim was not influenced by the statement, this element of fraud cannot be satisfied.
  • Resulting harm or loss: The prosecution must prove that the alleged fraud directly caused financial or personal harm to the victim. This harm typically involves financial loss, but emotional or reputational damage may also be considered in some cases.

These elements must all be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, making them critical points of focus in any fraud defense.

How To Best Defend Yourself Against A Fraud Charge

A proactive approach is essential. Certain actions can significantly impact your case’s outcome, so consider the following do’s and don’ts and potential defenses:

  • Do consult an attorney: Fraud cases are complex and often involve substantial evidence. Engaging an attorney early allows for a thorough examination of evidence and the development of a defense strategy that aligns with your specific circumstances.
  • Do not discuss your case publicly: Avoid discussing details of your case with anyone other than your attorney, as unintentional disclosures can harm your defense and strengthen the prosecution’s case.

Each fraud case is unique, and an effective defense often challenges specific elements the prosecution must prove. Common defenses include demonstrating a lack of intent, showing that the alleged misrepresentation was a genuine mistake or proving that the victim did not rely on the statement.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Fraud In Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for most fraud charges is two years from the date of the incident. However, certain types of fraud, particularly those involving government funds or high-stakes financial matters, may have extended statutes of up to five years. The deadline restricts how long the prosecution can bring formal charges, making it an important factor to consider when defending a fraud case.

Why Hire Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices

If you seek lawyers with a track record of success in white collar fraud defense, call us today at 412-552-3231 or send us a message online. With our unique collaborative approach to defense work, you’ll benefit from having two generations of criminal defense attorneys fighting as one on your behalf. Leave nothing to chance; contact an experienced Pittsburgh legal professional to help safeguard your future.