Maryland White Collar Crimes Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Attorneys for White Collar Crime in Maryland

If you have been accused of using deception or manipulation to steal money or property from others, you may face serious criminal charges. "White collar crime" is a broad term used to describe non-violent offenses of a financial nature. These cases may involve accusations of fraud or the theft or misuse of people's personal information. Even though white collar crimes may seem less serious than offenses such as violent crimes or sex crimes, they can lead to multiple types of penalties for those who are convicted, including years in prison and hefty fines.

If you have been charged with a white collar crime, you will need to work with an attorney who understands the complex financial issues and other related concerns that may need to be addressed. The criminal defense lawyers at Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC have the knowledge and experience needed to defend against these charges and fight against convictions. We have represented clients in complex, high-profile cases involving fraud and other white collar offenses, including cases involving federal criminal charges. We will help you develop effective defense strategies to mitigate the possible penalties that you may face.

Fraud

There are multiple types of criminal offenses that may be grouped under the general category of "fraud." In general, fraud involves the use of deception to obtain someone's money or property. In these cases, prosecutors will need to prove that there was an intent to defraud someone and permanently deprive them of their money or property. In many cases, accusations of fraud will result in charges of theft, and the specific charges and penalties will depend on the value of the money or property that was allegedly obtained through fraud. However, Maryland law details some specific types of fraud, including:

• Credit Card Fraud: Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 8-201 et seq. defines offenses related to the misuse of credit cards. Obtaining a credit card by making false statements in writing or taking someone else's credit card without authorization or consent can lead to misdemeanor charges that carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and/or a $500 fine. Creating a counterfeit credit card is a felony offense with a maximum sentence of 15 years and/or a fine of $1,000. Using someone else's credit card or a counterfeit credit card for fraudulent purposes to obtain money, goods, services, or anything of value can result in misdemeanor or felony charges. The penalties in these cases will depend on the value of what was allegedly obtained through fraud, and they can range from 90 days in prison and/or a $500 fine to 20 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine.
• Check Fraud: This offense involves obtaining property or services by writing a bad check in which a person knows that an account has insufficient funds. Under Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 8-106, this offense may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the property or services obtained through writing a bad check. The penalties may range from a sentence of up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine in cases involving less than $100 to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine in cases involving more than $100,000.
• Identity Theft: Under Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 8-301, it is illegal to assume another person's identity in order to obtain goods, services, credit, health care, or anything of value or to avoid debts or other obligations. This offense is considered a misdemeanor in cases involving goods or services valued between $100 and $1,500, and a conviction may lead to a sentence of up to one year in prison and/or a $500 fine. Cases involving amounts of at least $1,500 are prosecuted as felonies. Maximum prison sentences may range from five to 20 years, and maximum fines may range from $10,000 to $25,000. In cases where a person is accused of manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing someone else's identifying information without their consent, identity theft is a felony offense with a maximum sentence of 10 years and/or a fine of $25,000.
• Pyramid Schemes: Under Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 8-404, it is illegal to establish, operate, promote, or advertise a "pyramid promotional scheme" in which compensation is earned primarily by introducing others into the operation rather than selling goods or services. Operating a pyramid scheme is a misdemeanor offense that can result in a sentence of up to one year in prison and/or a fine of $10,000.

Meet With a Maryland White Collar Crime Defense Attorney Today

White collar crimes are taken seriously by law enforcement in Maryland. If you are charged with fraud, identity theft, or other financial crimes, you will need to work with an attorney who understands the complex financial issues involved in these cases. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, our Maryland criminal defense lawyers will help you address accusations, defend against a conviction, and take steps to minimize the penalties that could affect your freedom, your finances, and your professional life. Call our offices at 410-837-0020 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.