Scrofano Law PC: Your Maryland Federal Fraud Lawyer

Under Maryland law, the elements that distinguish a fraudulent crime are as follows:

• A defendant made a false representation of a material fact

• The false misrepresentation purpose was to defraud the victim

• The victim relied upon the misrepresentation with the full belief of its truth

• The victim suffered actual damages resulting from the reliance on the misrepresentation.

In a fraud case, federal prosecutors should show intentional suppression of material fact, prove the objective of creating or continuing a false impression, and present clear evidence for fraud. As your defense attorneys, Scrofano Law PC will work to combat the information and ideas presented by the prosecution.

Tax Fraud

You are committing tax fraud when you attempt to evade or avoid paying federal income taxes. Some common examples of tax fraud include:

• Overestimating business expenses
• Underreporting income
• Failing to file tax returns.

The federal government charges tax evasion as a felony. However, failure to file federal tax returns is a misdemeanor crime.

Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud

It is a federal offense to use mail or any wire communications technology as part of a scheme to defraud. The nature of mail and wire fraud law is broad; these charges often go along with corruption, bribery, or other criminal charges.

Computer Fraud

Computer fraud is accessing a computer without authorization to obtain the following:

• Financial information or records of a financial institution or a card user
• Information from any United States department or agency
• Information from a protected computer

Identity Theft Fraud

Identity theft is when you intentionally, without lawful authority, possess false identification. It also includes transferring money or property using a false identification document.

In Maryland, fake ID laws criminalize the possession or use of fake identification cards. Charges vary in severity depending on whether you simply have a fake ID or are involved in the production and distribution of fake IDs.

Securities Fraud

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulates the securities and commodities markets. Any fraudulent activity under the securities fraud category is a felony. Some of the most common examples of securities fraud include:

1. Ponzi or pyramid schemes
2. Investment schemes
3. Broker embezzlement
4. Foreign currency fraud
5. Insider trading

Our attorneys at Scrofano Law PC will thoroughly assess your case and tailor a defense strategy based on its unique facts. Drawing upon their extensive knowledge of criminal law, our lawyers can craft a strong defense on your behalf. Furthermore, if the presented evidence is unreliable, our attorneys can assist in gathering additional evidence to bolster your defense.

In cases involving unintentional non-fraudulent or mistaken statements, our lawyers will vigorously argue that such statements do not constitute fraud. They will assert that these were merely expressions of opinion, which do not meet the criteria for criminal fraud.

Additionally, our identity theft lawyers can help you understand the potential consequences of a conviction. They can also negotiate with the prosecutor for a plea bargain that may result in a lesser charge on your behalf.