In general, fraud is the intentional use of deceit, a trick, or dishonest means to deprive someone of money, property, or a legal right.  As set forth above, there are many types of frauds with different elements that pertain to each crime.  Criminal fraud cases [...]

A scheme to defraud is a criminal charge that results when a person engages in a course of conduct with the intent to defraud more than one person or to obtain property from more than one person by false or fraudulent conduct or actions [...]

Yes. Depending on the allegations, you could be facing both a civil lawsuit as well as a criminal prosecution. In a civil proceeding, you will be sued for money that was allegedly taken as part of the fraudulent act. In a criminal case, the government [...]

Possibly. Often, state assistance is provided in the form of welfare, unemployment, or HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program). Any time the state is providing monetary assistance, you must complete paperwork and make certain factual guarantees. Sometimes, guarantees are made on a weekly or monthly basis [...]

In New York, simply bouncing a check is not a crime. However, if you wrote the check with knowledge of the insufficient funds, criminal charges would be proper. If you are charged with the crime of Issuing a Bad Check, the business will likely seek [...]

Yes. If you knew the information was false when you filed it with the state, you may be guilty of a crime. You do not need to receive money to be charged with a crime. Rather, the act of providing the false information itself is [...]

Yes. This is outside free speech if your lie makes another person submit to your pretended authority, that likely is a crime. For example, if you are pretending to be a police officer, with fake lights and sirens, badge, and uniform, and pull someone [...]

Maybe. For Forgery charges, what is important is whether the document was made without authorization. It is very common in committed partnerships for one partner to give the other partner the authority to sign a document or check on behalf of the other. Because of [...]

Yes. In New York, it does not matter if the person lost any money. If you used their credit card without permission, it is a crime. Certainly, if the person did lose money, the more they lost, the more serious the charge against you would [...]

Potentially. If you are a professional who contracts work for homes or businesses, there are facts and circumstances that the government considers when deciding whether they believe a disagreement is a civil contract dispute, or a criminal fraud or theft. The police or prosecutor will [...]