Oklahoma Fraud Lawyer

Like embezzlement, fraud is considered a “white-collar” crime, meaning it is non-violent in nature. However, the penalties for fraud can be quite severe, depending on the circumstances of the case.

Contact our Oklahoma fraud attorney by calling (405) 544-2992 today!

What Is Fraud?

Fraud is any act of deception or attempt to conceal or misrepresent information, usually for the purpose of personal financial gain. There are numerous acts that can be considered fraud, and it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the specific details of the case. Some of the more common acts of fraud include:

• Tax fraud: attempting to reduce or eliminate taxes owed by misrepresenting income or deductions
• Insurance fraud: making false claims or misrepresenting losses
• Bank fraud: falsifying bank documents or loan applications
• Credit card fraud: using stolen credit cards, cloned cards, or misrepresenting income information on credit card applications
• Investment fraud: pyramid schemes, insider trading, or misrepresenting investors
• Welfare fraud: lying on public assistance applications to receive benefits such as food stamps
• Check fraud: writing a bad check, either intentionally or unintentionally

In Oklahoma, fraud charges can arise under a wide range of state and federal laws, including statutes that deal with computer crimes, wire transfers, and government benefits. Allegations may be investigated by local police, state agencies, or federal authorities, and the evidence can involve bank records, emails, recorded phone calls, and witness statements gathered over months or even years. When someone is facing this kind of investigation, working with a fraud attorney Oklahoma residents can trust gives them a guide who understands how these complex cases move through the courts and what steps may help protect their future.

Penalties for Fraud

Because there are so many different ways to commit fraud, the penalties will depend on the specific details of the case. Generally speaking, if the value of property involved is less than $500, the crime will be charged as a misdemeanor, which can be punished by:

• Up to one year in jail
• Up to $1,000 fine

If the value is above $500, you may be charged with a felony. Minimum punishments for felony fraud conviction include:

• Up to 10 years in jail
• Up to $50,000 fine
• Payment of restitution

In addition to jail time and fines, a fraud conviction can bring long-term consequences that are not always obvious at first. People can face problems keeping or finding jobs, especially in positions that involve handling money, access to financial accounts, or work with vulnerable populations. A conviction can also affect professional licenses, housing applications, and even immigration status in some situations, which is why many people choose to work closely with a fraud lawyer Oklahoma defendants can turn to for help understanding each potential consequence before making decisions about a plea or trial.

Defending Fraud Charges in Oklahoma

Many people charged with fraud feel as if the case is already decided because there are documents, financial records, or statements that seem hard to challenge. In reality, fraud prosecutions often involve complicated timelines, questions about intent, and disputes over who actually made certain transactions or representations. A focused defense begins with a careful review of how investigators obtained bank records, emails, or search warrants and whether those steps complied with Oklahoma and federal law. By looking closely at the path the investigation took, your legal team can begin to identify weaknesses, inconsistencies, or missing information that may be important to your side of the story.

Defending these cases also usually requires close collaboration between you and your attorney so you can explain the business practices, office procedures, or personal circumstances that may not show up clearly on paper. In some situations, what prosecutors describe as a fraudulent act may actually be a contract dispute, bookkeeping error, or misunderstanding between parties. Your lawyer may consult with accountants or other financial professionals to help interpret complex records and to show alternative explanations for the government’s allegations. When a case is filed in a local court such as the Oklahoma County District Court, it is helpful to have a defense team that understands how those judges and prosecutors typically handle white-collar matters and what kinds of mitigation or plea options might realistically be on the table.

Call the Hunsucker Legal Group at (405) 544-2992 to schedule a free, no-risk case consultation today.