Being charged with fraud can ruin your reputation and have a devastating effect on your personal or business interests. If you are facing a fraud charge or are concerned that you could be charged, it is important to contact an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible so they can investigate the matter immediately and gather the evidence necessary to mount a strong defence. In fraud cases it is often possible for lawyers to negotiate with the Crown and work out a favourable deal for their clients.
Oftentimes those charged with fraud turn to their accountant or bookkeeper for advice and assistance. However, you should be aware that, unlike any communications with a lawyer, your communications with an accountant or bookkeeper are not privileged and could be used against you in any future criminal prosecution.
What is Fraud?
Fraud is defined as using deceit, falsehood or other fraudulent means to defraud the public of any property, money, valuable security or service. It is a broad offence that could include anything from failing to report a small amount of income on your income tax return to executing a sophisticated securities fraud scheme.
What are the Consequences of being Convicted of Fraud?
The potential sentences for fraud depend upon the amount of money that is the subject of the offence. If it is more than $1 million, there is a minimum sentence of two years imprisonment.
If the subject matter of the offence is more than $5,000 or your act has affected the market price of stocks, shares or anything else sold to the public, you could be facing a jail term of up to 14 years.
If the subject matter of the offence is less than $5,000, the maximum sentence is 2 years in jail.
You could also be required to reimburse people for any losses they suffered as a result of your fraudulent activities. Moreover, the court could make an order preventing you from working or volunteering in any position that involves having control over another person’s property.
How Can DUVADIE Law Defend against your Fraud Charges?
DUVADIE Law recognizes that often fraud charges are placed as a result of honest mistakes in business transactions or false allegations made by disgruntled employees or business associates. We will take the time to fully investigate your matter and determine whether criminal activity has in fact taken place. We will mount a strong challenge of the Crown’s evidence and raise any defences that may be open to you.
In some cases, we may be able to convene with the Crown to determine whether there are alternative ways of dealing with the situation that do not result in a criminal conviction or that will lead to a lesser sentence.
If you are facing a fraud charge, please call DUVADIE Law at 613-422-1155 or Toll-Free at 1-855-422-1155 to set up your free 30 minute consultation.
Page last updated Sep 21, 2018 @ 21:27
