Check Fraud

Check fraud has, sadly, become a much more common occurrence in modern society. Essentially, this crime involves people trying to steal funds from bank accounts or buy items using checks that are either counterfeit or have been fraudulently tampered with.

There are four main categories of check fraud that you should be aware of:

• Forgery
• Paper hanging
• Check kiting
• Counterfeiting and alteration

While it might feel like a quick way to solve financial problems, getting involved in these activities can lead to serious regret and life-altering consequences down the road.

If you knowingly forge another person’s signature on a check without their permission, this is classified as federal check fraud. This can lead to very harsh punishments, including long prison sentences and heavy fines. If you are currently facing these types of charges, it is vital that you find a defense team that is strong and aggressive. This is where the Harrisburg legal team at Logue Law Group can help you. Our criminal defense lawyers will look at every detail of your case to help you get the best possible result in Dauphin County.

What is Federal Check Fraud?

This term covers the intentional use of fake or forged checks to get property or services without actually paying for them. This includes actions like forging a physical check, changing the dollar amount written on it, or signing someone else’s name without asking them first.

In a federal case, the prosecutor has a specific job: they must prove that you actually intended to defraud someone by using that fake or forged check. If you are worried about how intent is proven, you should consult with a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer who understands these specific statutes.

Simply depositing a fake or forged check into a bank account can be used as evidence in court to show that you planned to trick the bank. In reality, one specific type of fraud is often linked to other crimes, such as check kiting. Check kiting happens when you write a check from one bank account, knowing you don’t have the money to cover it, and then deposit that bad check into a different account.

If you are charged with federal check fraud, you could be looking at a long time in prison, massive fines, and the government seizing your property. This reality makes it incredibly urgent to speak with a legal professional. While our group handles various cases, having a versatile expert like a Harrisburg DUI attorney who is also versed in fraud defense can be a major asset.

Check fraud charges can be classified in different ways, ranging from lower-level misdemeanors to serious felonies. The penalties you face can vary widely, from doing community service to spending several years in jail.

Federal vs. State

The federal court system is a complicated beast. It is very different from the Harrisburg court system regarding how things are done and how sentencing works for fraud cases. Federal prosecutors have access to huge amounts of resources and deep investigations run by federal agents, which makes them much more powerful than local prosecutors in Pennsylvania.

If you are convicted of a federal crime, the punishment is naturally going to be much worse. However, with the help of our criminal lawyers, you can put your worries to rest. To navigate these complex federal waters effectively, you need the guidance of a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer who knows the system inside and out.

Fortunately, there are valid defenses for people accused of fraud. Because the prosecutor has to prove that you intended to defraud, a defense lawyer can present evidence showing that you actually thought you had enough money to cover the check. Depending on the facts, an argument could be made that you were mistaken for someone else, that you were entrapped, or that there simply isn’t enough evidence to convict you. Even a seasoned Harrisburg DUI attorney within our group knows that attacking the validity of the evidence is key to any criminal defense strategy.

Ways in Which a Harrisburg Check Fraud Attorney Can Help

When you are looking at charges of federal check fraud, you are going to face a prosecutor who is determined to win, backed by strict laws. Our Harrisburg criminal lawyers can help you look at every option available to you to get the best outcome for your life.

For a free first consultation with a skilled check fraud lawyer in the Harrisburg area, contact us online or call 412-387-6901.