Being accused of fraud can be stressful, as a conviction could result in serious, life-long penalties. In addition to potential jail time and high fines, someone facing a fraud charge could have difficulty maintaining or obtaining employment. Depending on the severity of the crime, an individual could be facing a misdemeanor or a felony charge.
If you or your loved one is facing a fraud charge, you may not be aware of all the potential consequences. A skilled criminal defense attorney could help you understand the potential penalties for fraud in Fairfax, as well as help build a strong defense against the accusation.
The penalties associated with Fairfax fraud cases depend on the level of fraud, the facts of the case, their criminal record, and the sentencing guidelines on each. Charges range from a misdemeanor offense to one or multiple felony offenses.
The range of penalties for a misdemeanor offense includes up to a year in jail and a fine. The individual may be required to pay restitution depending on their case. One could be sentenced to multiple years in prison if they are charged with one of the felony offenses for fraud. It could be two to ten years, and for cases of multiple felonies, the penalties for each count are separate.
A person could face up to ten years on each count that is served consecutively, not concurrently. That means the sentences are not served at the same time but one after another. The penalties could quickly increase when there are multiple charges. For example, one could be sentenced to 40 or 50 years in prison for a more serious offense.
A person who has been arrested on a fraud charge faces more than legal penalties. Often, this criminal charge can have effects on their personal life, freedom, and employment. Dedicated legal counsel could help a defendant minimize these potential ramifications.
Following a fraud accusation, an individual may lose their job if their employer no longer trusts their integrity. Additionally, their family and friends may treat them differently because of fraud charges.
One of the long-term consequences of a fraud conviction is becoming unemployable. Not only can a person lose their job, but they may be unable to find suitable employment because potential employers perceive them as being untrustworthy. This could cause a defendant to accumulate significant debt as they are working off their restitution payments, fines, court costs, and fees for legal services after a conviction.
A fraud conviction can have consequences that extend beyond incarceration and fines. A criminal conviction results in a permanent record that can be accessed by potential employers and landlords, potentially barring you from finding work and housing.
The penalties for fraud in Fairfax vary greatly depending on the specific type of fraud committed. Whether a misdemeanor or felony charge, the ramifications for fraud can be serious, get in touch with a dedicated criminal defense attorney right away to begin building a defense against these accusations.