Section 8 Fraud

Section 8 is a program managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development designed to offer financial support to low-income individuals in need of housing. Through this program, landlords receive payments to cover the part of the rent that tenants cannot afford on their own. Applicants must go through a detailed screening process before being approved. Once accepted, they can begin looking for rental properties that accept Section 8 vouchers.

If you or someone you know is facing accusations of Section 8 fraud in Morgantown, it is essential to seek advice from a reliable and skilled legal professional, such as those at Mountaineer Law Group. Our team has a strong background in managing these types of cases and is committed to defending your legal rights and safeguarding your reputation. Don’t risk the serious penalties of a guilty verdict; contact a Morgantown criminal lawyer from our team today for help with your Section 8 fraud case.

What is Section 8 Fraud?

The Section 8 program originated from the Housing Act of 1937 during the Great Depression. Its goal was to provide affordable housing options for individuals struggling financially and unable to pay rent. Today, the program helps house over 3 million people across the country.

It is illegal for landlords to violate Section 8 regulations. This includes dishonest practices such as inflating costs or misrepresenting the rental space to get higher payments from the government. Any landlord found guilty of Section 8 fraud will face legal action.

Likewise, applying for Section 8 housing by submitting false details—such as exaggerating income or hiding assets—is against the law and is considered Section 8 fraud. Anyone who helps commit this fraud can also be charged, potentially facing conspiracy charges. Even social workers assisting families must be careful, as encouraging applicants to provide false information can lead to housing fraud charges. If you are in this situation, consulting a Morgantown DUI attorney is highly recommended.

What is the Penalty?

The penalties for Section 8 fraud depend on the nature and seriousness of the offense, as well as any prior criminal record. Consequences can include:

• Fines
• Prison sentences for a specific number of years
• Repayment of the misused funds
• Eviction from the home
• Charges of up to $10,000

Ways in Which a Lawyer Can Help

Dealing with Section 8 fraud charges requires the knowledge of a qualified Morgantown criminal lawyer who specializes in these cases. Our criminal defense lawyers in Morgantown understand the complexities of this area of law and can offer crucial support. You can trust that our team is licensed, insured, and experienced, giving you confidence in our legal services. We are dedicated to guiding you through every stage of the legal process, striving for the best possible result and offering you peace of mind. A skilled lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

To discuss your charges and schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced legal professional in the Morgantown area, including Berks County, Pennsylvania, please contact us online or call (304) 381-3656. Whether you need a fraud expert or a Morgantown DUI attorney, we are here to support you.