Fraud Charges In Wisconsin: The State Wants A Conviction. We Want Justice.
In Wisconsin, “fraud” is not a single crime but a broad category of offenses involving the use of deception, misrepresentation or concealment of truth to obtain property, money or services. These types of allegations are generally classified under Chapter 943 (crimes against property) of the Wisconsin statutes.
The categorization of fraud in Wisconsin is highly dependent on the monetary value of the loss and evidence proving intent. Because “intent to defraud” is a specific legal element, defense strategies in these cases often focus on whether the person made an honest mistake or truly intended to deceive. How intent or victim reliance might be proven can be complicated.
Our knowledgeable defense team at Lee Law Firm, LLC, can help you discover your legal options. We will review the evidence, explore possible defenses and challenge the prosecutor’s case.
The Long-Lasting Consequences Of Fraud Charges
The Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (WFEA) prohibits discrimination based on criminal records, but future employers can legally refuse to hire you if the fraud conviction is “substantially related” to the specific job duties. For example, positions involving finance, accounting, banking or handling money are considered “substantially related” types of jobs.
Licensing boards, including the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), may revoke or deny professional licenses for fraud-related felonies or misdemeanors. In addition, a fraud conviction may result in court-ordered restitution for victims claiming monetary damage, court costs and attorney fees. Check fraud or similar crimes can result in additional convictions such as forgery or theft.
Common Forms Of Fraud In Wisconsin
The consequences for fraud charges vary from fines and misdemeanors to more serious felony penalties with prison time. Having skilled legal representation is important to help protect your interests. Our defense team has experience with many types of fraud cases, including:
- Theft by fraud: Theft by fraud occurs when someone intentionally obtains title to property of another by making a false representation with the intent to defraud. The victim must actually rely on the false statement when handing over the property. The penalty depends on the value of the property. For example, if the value of the claim is under $2,500, it is a Class A misdemeanor; over $100,000 is a Class C felony.
- Forgery and uttering: Making or altering a document, like a check, contract or deed, so it looks like it was created by someone else. Then, presenting a forged document as if it were genuine, for example, trying to cash a forged check. The penalty will be in line with a Class H felony.
- Fraudulent writings: Falsifying corporate records, accounts or other business documents with the intent to defraud. It also includes “obtaining a signature by deceit” such as tricking someone into signing a legal document that they wouldn’t have signed if they knew the truth.
- Credit card and financial transaction fraud: Using a stolen or forged credit card; using an expired or revoked credit or bank card; or misrepresenting your identity to get a card issued.
- Fraud against financial institutions: Also known as “bank fraud,” these statutes target schemes intended to defraud banks, credit unions or mortgage lenders.
- Loan fraud: Overvaluing assets to secure a loan.
- Identity theft: Using someone else’s personal info to open accounts.
How An Experienced Criminal Law Attorney Can Help
In Wisconsin, an attorney’s ability to navigate the bifurcated sentencing system can make a significant difference in your future. Since you must serve the entirety of your initial confinement, an attorney’s work in the pretrial and negotiation phases is an opportunity to reduce the actual time you spend behind bars.
Our experienced criminal law attorneys at Lee Law Firm, LLC, serve as more than just legal representatives. Our defense lawyers will be your strategists, investigators and advocates throughout the entire life cycle of a criminal case. Other key strategic advantages of hiring our experienced white collar defense attorneys include:
- Navigating local nuances: We understand the local legal culture. We know which arguments resonate with specific judges in counties like Milwaukee, Dane or Waukesha, as well as how local prosecutors may exercise their discretion.
- Access to experts: Our top-tier firm has a network of private investigators, forensic accountants for fraud cases and medical experts who can challenge the state’s story on technical grounds.
- Other areas: Beyond jail, we aim to protect you from hidden penalties such as the loss of professional licenses (nursing, CDL and others), housing restrictions and immigration consequences.
Silence Is Not An Option. Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation.
Confronting a fraud prosecution is not an easy task without the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Send us an email or call Lee Law Firm, LLC, at 414-567-5631 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.