Decatur Criminal Lawyer

If you are charged with unemployment fraud it is likely because you were receiving government benefits for unemployment based on inaccurate information filed on your behalf. If this is done knowingly, you can be punished with jail time and/or fines.

Although it is a white-collar crime, unemployment fraud is still a very serious criminal offense. If you are charged with unemployment fraud, you can be punished much like any other individual charged with a crime. The tricky thing about unemployment fraud is, several other offenses can be pulled from this offense such as, falsifying documents as well.

The punishment, much like any other criminal offense, is based on the severity of the crime and the amount taken in these fraudulent claims; you can be charged for a misdemeanor or a felony. Your punishment can range from a few hundred dollars and probation, to thousands of dollars and prison time. Much like petty theft and grand theft, depending on the state, once a minimum amount is exceeded the punishment and classification increases.

Unbeknownst to many, although they are called “unemployment benefits”, under certain guidelines, you are still legally eligible to receive them while working. Receiving unemployment benefits while working becomes a crime when the individual receiving the benefits does not accurately report the time worked and wage at the job they are working. It is likely that that person is withholding this information for the sake of their benefits, and this is in fact illegal.

However, illegal or not, much like any other case, you are not guilty until that is proven in a court of law. Therefore, it is best to speak with and hire a criminal defense attorney that can represent you and build a case in your defense. The right attorney will be able to review the facts of your case and after examining the details, formulate a plan that can possibly have your charges dropped, reduced, or at least ensure the best possible outcome in your situation. And because you are innocent until proven otherwise, it is best to avoid any admission of guilt or make any statement without a lawyer present, because the punishment can be far more extreme than you expect.

If you or someone you know has been accused of unemployment fraud, it is in your best interest to peak with a skilled Decatur criminal lawyer.

Contact The Lynch Law Group for their insight into criminal defense and unemployment fraud.