What is Considered Fraud in Connecticut?

These days technology is getting more and more advanced, which means fraud is becoming even easier to commit.  Technology allows millions of bits of personal information to cross cities, states, and continents.  

Information has never been as accessible as it is today.  Because of this, fraud is more tempting and easier to commit.  If you have been arrested or charged with fraud it is important to discuss your case with an experienced fraud attorney as soon as possible.

Keep Calm and Get an Attorney

The moment of your arrest is stressful, overwhelming, and scary.  You may not have even known that what you did was considered fraud.  What is most important during this time, if you don’t have a fraud attorney yet, is to remain calm, respectful, and silent.  Remembering to remain silent until your fraud attorney is present is one of the first lessons your fraud attorney will teach you.

The first step to understanding any term is to know the definition.  Fraud is defined as lying with deceitful intent for personal property gain.  Connecticut takes these crimes very seriously; if the amount in question is more than $2,000, you could end up in prison for up to twenty years.  Better sentences are usually received when a skilled fraud attorney is in your corner.

In Connecticut, there are various different characteristics that make each type of fraud unique.  They are:

• Credit Card Fraud
• Securities Fraud
• Non-violent Crime
• Financially Motivated
• Typically Described as White Collar

Understanding Fraud

Since this is a non-violent crime, your fraud attorney will be able to negotiate a little easier with the prosecuting attorney for a potentially lighter sentence.  Having a fraud attorney is essential when dealing with prosecutors and the court system because they know their way around the courtroom expertly.

There are also different categories of fraud.  The three categories in Connecticut are:

• Employee Fraud: For example, if an employee files a fraudulent worker’s compensation claim
• Consumer Fraud: For example, if a customer takes merchandise off the shelves and attempts to return the product even though they never purchased, to begin with
• Government/Business Fraud: This is defrauding the government through misrepresentations on government assistance or aid services

Consequences of being found guilty of fraud are wide-ranging.  Having a fraud attorney can significantly reduce the negative consequences, however, it is important to be aware of them if you have been arrested or charged with fraud.

The Consequences

First, you can be sued in both criminal and civil court.  The district attorney can file charges against you in criminal court and the victim can file a civil case and sue you in civil court for pain and suffering in addition to other claims.  

It is unfortunate because many people that commit fraud may not even realize they are doing it; they may feel wrong about taking a friend’s credit card to use for a cup of coffee but without the cardholder's permission that is a crime.

Other consequences to be aware of are potential loss of job, ruined reputation, and possibly paying back thousands of dollars.  To reduce negative outcomes, search for a fraud attorney that knows the laws inside and out.  The fraud laws of Connecticut are extensive, having a fraud attorney that knows the law and how it is applied is necessary.

Call us at (203) 624-6115 for more information from Knight & Cerritelli or to schedule a consultation in our office in New Haven.

NOTE: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.