Fraud Defense Attorney in Columbia, SC

Protecting the Accused for Over 25 Years

A vast majority of white collar crimes involve some sort of fraud. The term "fraud" is used to describe a wide variety of criminal actions which involve the use of deceit, false statements, or other misrepresentation to give a defendant an unfair benefit or otherwise cause another person or entity to suffer a loss.

Ranging from tax evasion to identity theft, allegations of fraud can inflict serious damage to a person's reputation and future as well as carry stiff criminal consequences upon conviction.

Common forms of fraud prosecuted in South Carolina include:

• Misrepresentation
• Forgery
• Interference
• Mail fraud
• Bank, securities, and investment fraud
• Check and credit card fraud
• Workers' compensation fraud
• Bankruptcy fraud

If you have been charged with any fraud-related offense, it is imperative you contact an aggressive Columbia white collar crime lawyer from Masella Law Firm, P.A. as soon as possible. Backed by more than two decades of legal experience and invaluable insight as both a legal solicitor and a judge (Attorney Robert Masella), our team of powerful advocates understand the laws and regulations that surround your situation and can ensure you have a fighting chance against the prosecution's claims.

Many fraud charges can be prosecuted in either state or federal courts and can expose defendants to serious penalties such as incarceration, exorbitant fines, and the potential denial or revocation of various professional licenses.

While the exact requirements to prove fraud will vary depending on a person's specific charges, generally speaking, the prosecution must be able to prove the following elements in order to convict a defendant of fraud:

1. A misrepresentation of a material fact was made
2. The misrepresentation was made by a person or entity who knew it to be false
3. Another party justifiably relied on the misrepresentation
4. The reliant party suffered an actual injury or loss

Our team of attorneys can review the facts surrounding your case and can craft a custom-tailored strategy that minimizes your chances of conviction.

Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to employ a number of defenses on your behalf, including:

1. No fraudulent intent: A person may only be convicted of fraud if it can be proven that they had an intent to defraud. If defrauding someone was not your objective, our attorneys can argue accordingly and seek to prove that you acted in good faith.
2. Mistaken identity: It is not uncommon for defendants to be charged with fraud mistakenly, either by simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time or by an erroneous eyewitness identification.
3. Entrapment: A person cannot be convicted of fraud if they were coerced into committing a crime by police during a sting operation.

You Are Innocent Until Proven Guilty

While our criminal justice system is built upon the principle that a defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven otherwise, merely the implication of fraud can be enough to place prejudices in the minds of judges and juries involved in your case. When the stakes are high, turn to Masella Law Firm, P.A.

Our Columbia defense lawyers are prepared to fight tooth and nail on your behalf and are dedicated to ensuring no stone is left unturned in the defense of your freedom. Do not make the mistake of leaving your case in the hands of a less-experienced attorney. Let us provide the powerful representation you need to help you get through this frightening experience with your freedom and dignity intact.