Charged with Forgery and/or Fraud in Wisconsin?  Protect your rights!

Some legal terms find widespread public use. Fraud and forgery are two words that you have likely heard, but may not understand from a criminal perspective. If you are charged with either of these, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help protect your rights. Understanding the accusation you face will help you know what kind of help you need.

Defining Fraud

Broadly stated, fraud refers to a lie, or an intentional misrepresentation. For you to be convicted of fraud in Wisconsin, three things have to be true:

1. You made a representation;
2. your representation was not true; and
3. someone believed and relied on your representation, and suffered a loss for it.

This can come through online activity as well as in-person activity. It can include blackmail, setting up a fake website, or even writing a bad check. It is possible to commit fraud against someone you don’t know or have never even met, if you meet these standards. If you are convicted, you may be fined up to $10,000, and receive a prison sentence up to three and a half years.

Forgery Is a Type of Fraud

Forgery is a specific kind of fraud that involves changing a document or object to make it look like someone else signed or approved it. The most common type is probably check or credit card fraud, whether signing someone else’s name to a check or changing the amount on it. You may commit forgery intentionally or accidentally. In either event, a conviction is a felony.

Defending Against Fraud and Forgery Charges

You do have defenses available. If you are arrested for forgery or other types of fraud, you should reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Eisenberg Law Offices, we will take the time to understand the circumstances of your case and help present the best defense for you. Contact us today online or at 608-256-8356 to learn more.