If you were arrested and charged with fraud, you likely are wondering what happens next.
Following your arrest, first appearance, and post-bond release, you need to contact and engage an experienced criminal defense attorney. Engaging an attorney as soon as possible will help to protect your rights, provide you guidance and help to reduce your stress about the process.
When you first meet with your attorney, they will help to determine exactly what you have been charged with and the severity of each charge. Further, they will guide you about what level of cooperation is required and advise you on what information you should and should not provide to the authorities. An experienced attorney will help to put your mind at was and will be able to answer your questions about the process, the timeline, and the possible outcomes.
After meeting with you, your attorney will work to gather as much information as possible about the charges against you. They will have conversations with the state or district attorney's office on your behalf and will review your prior criminal record. All of this information will help your attorney to formulate a proper defense, the strength of the state’s case, and the potential for any plea offerings.
Maintaining communication with your attorney throughout this process is critical. Your attorney will advise you regarding the conversations they have related to your case and will provide you with information about any upcoming court dates. They will talk you through exactly what to expect at each step of the process and will be able to prepare you for any testimony you will provide.
The penalty for fraud cases varies but can include fines, probation, jail time, and/or restitution. It’s important to understand that fraud cases not only include punishment through probation or jail but also require the payment of restitution. You will be ordered by the court to pay back any amount obtained through fraudulent means to the affected party.
Your case is unique and needs to be reviewed by a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney before they can tell you what your situation is. Depending on your circumstances there’s different ways to push for a drop in charges, alternative solutions, or a plea bargain. If necessary, going to trial is also an option.
The McCoy Law Group is headed by Peter McCoy. Peter is an native South Carolinian. He’s got over 20 years of experience at all levels of the state’s legal system. He’s a former state legislator and US Attorney. If you have been charged with fraud and need an
experienced criminal defense attorney on your side,
contact us today.
All content on this website is intended for general information only. Any information presented on any page on this website or link from this website should not be construed to be formal legal advice from the McCoy Law Group nor the formation of a lawyer-client relationship. Every case is different. Any result that Peter McCoy or the McCoy Law Group may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.