The types of activities and conduct that might lead to fraud charges in Las Vegas are diverse. Heavy fines, restitution, longer prison sentences, and, in some situations, reimbursement of investigative costs are all possible consequences. Both the federal and Nevada laws provide for a variety of fraud accusations. The law classifies most of the charges as white-collar crimes.

Understanding Fraud

Every fraud charge has one thing in common: the desire to mislead another party for monetary or other benefits. Deliberate distortion of a crucial fact is usually part of any fraud offense. When a person commits fraud, they receive property, money, or services due to the victim’s trust in them.

Types of Fraud Charges in Las Vegas

Fraud can occur in a variety of settings. The criminal charges that result differ depending on the circumstances of the fraudulent act.

The federal and Nevada statutes enclose almost all of these fraudulent practices. The exact sequence of the conduct or activity events determines whether a person faces a federal or state criminal charge.

There are several distinct sorts of activity commonly observed in Las Vegas fraud offenses, such as:

Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards

Credit card fraud accusations in Las Vegas can occur in various forms and involve a variety of state and federal offenses. The following are some examples of behavior that can result in criminal prosecution for credit card fraud:

  • Taking, receiving, having, or using another person's credit card, account number, or debit card without their permission
  • Making false claims on a debit or credit card application
  • Purchasing or reselling debit, credit, or account numbers
  • Making, embossing, or forging debit cards, credit cards, and account numbers
  • Signing a credit card or debit card document by someone who is not allowed to do so
  • Using a credit card, account number, or debit card, fraudulently to get money, property, products, services, or any other thing of value
  • Providing products or services in exchange for the user's presentation of an account number, debit card, or credit card that has been obtained or possessed unlawfully
  • Lying about the estimate of goods or services delivered to a cardholder or account holder.
  • Having supplies (like cards) or equipment that you can use to make unauthorized debit or credit cards
  • Obtaining anything valuable that the court may prove that you received by using a debit or credit card illegally

Identity Theft

Identity theft accusations are frequently associated with credit card fraud, but they can also develop in other circumstances. Possessing or utilizing another person's documents or identification information to perpetrate fraud is identity theft.

You might face a criminal charge if you use another person's name, driver's license, birthday, credit card, tax identification number, bank account, social security number, or other sensitive information. The law prosecutes identity theft at the federal level instead of the state level.

Insurance Fraud on Automobiles

Purposely deceiving an insurance company to get compensation is known as auto insurance fraud. The following are some of the factors that contribute to auto insurance fraud:

  • Overstating the cost of repairing a damaged car on purpose
  • After abandoning a vehicle, falsely alleging that someone stole it
  • Vandalism or damage to a vehicle, as well as fabricating a fraudulent accident claim
  • Falsifying information on a vehicle insurance application
  • Falsely stating that an accident resulted in physical harm (including doctors who falsify medical records)

In addition to incidents involving vehicles, insurance fraud accusations can apply to various claims and policies.

Gambling Scams

Gaming fraud can take a variety of forms, including:

  • Changing or misrepresenting the result of a game
  • Using and obtaining information from casino staff or hosts
  • Changing an already accepted wager
  • Providing something valuable in return for affecting the results of a gambling game
  • Manipulation of a gaming device's outcome

Casino indicator fraud is a crime in and of itself. The law treats indicators the same way it treats fraudulent checks. You may file a criminal fraud charge if a casino cannot deposit or cash a marker.

Other Kinds of Fraud Charges in Las Vegas

Several other forms of fraud make up crimes also, including:

  • Forgery
  • Bank fraud
  • Obtaining property or money by pretenses
  • Real estate fraud
  • Mortgage fraud
  • Unemployment compensation fraud
  • Medicaid fraud
  • Welfare/food stamp fraud
  • Workers' compensation fraud
  • Mail fraud
  • Healthcare fraud
  • Securities fraud
  • Wire fraud

Possible Penalties for Fraud Crimes

Fraud offenses in Nevada are punishable by anything from petty misdemeanors to Class A felonies. This implies that while some first-time offenders may cause no jail time, others may result in 20 years in prison.

The following are some examples of sentences:

  • For example, arranging a car accident or advocating a deceptively expensive repair estimate to submit to the insurance carrier, auto insurance fraud can cause prison time and fines ranging from one to four years.
  • Credit card fraud carries a sentence of one to four years in jail and fines of up to $5,000, and the victim will receive restitution if the defendant took the money. Depending on credit card fraud, it may also violate federal statutes, which carry heavier penalties.
  • Foreclosure Fraud in Nevada can cause prison sentences ranging from one to ten years, along with fines of up to $10,000. The penalties will increase if the prosecutor can show that a fraud pattern occurred rather than a single incidence. This can cause a sentence of approximately 20 years in jail and a $50,000 fine.
  • Gaming fraud, namely altering the results of a gaming device, carries a prison sentence of one to six years, a $10,000 fine, and compensation to the casino. With each subsequent conviction, the charges escalate.
  • Healthcare fraud entails a sentence of one to four years in jail, but if you break the federal law, the consequences can be significantly harsher if the case comes up in federal court.
  • Mortgage fraud, similar to foreclosure fraud, carries a sentence of one to ten years in prison in Nevada. Because it frequently involves mail and other forms of interstate trade, the lawsuit is likely to be taken to federal court.

How will a Lawyer Defend You?

When defending against a fraud allegation, a competent criminal defense lawyer employs various methods. Given the circumstances, the strategy in a particular case may differ.

Many fraud accusations result from lengthy investigations by federal or state law enforcement authorities or joint efforts by several agencies. Those agencies gathered a significant amount of proof in that case.

The collecting of evidence may not always fulfill all the legal criteria. A court can toss out evidence crucial to the prosecution's case against a defendant if anyone challenges the propriety of a seizure or search of evidence. A good defense lawyer knows how to look over all the evidence and look for flaws in law enforcement fact-gathering techniques.

The defendant's fraudulent intent is vital for the prosecution to show beyond a reasonable doubt in any fraud case. The prosecution's case crumbles if the defense attorney shows that the evidence is inconclusive to prove the intent or discovers evidence that refutes purpose.

Any fraud charge is, by definition, a complicated case. Evaluating the evidence in depth and identifying flaws in the prosecution's case is essential for mounting a solid defense. An experienced defense lawyer will also use those flaws to bargain with the prosecutor to have the charges dismissed or, at the very least, achieve a plea bargain that is more favorable to the accused than a verdict or guilty plea.

Find Bail Bonds Services Near Me

If you face a fraud charge in Las Vegas, you could use a fraud bail bond to secure your freedom as you work with your defense attorney to strengthen your case. We at Express Bail Bonds are the best place to turn to for bail bonds services. Feel free to call us at 702-633-2245 at any time so we can process your bail within the shortest time possible.