If you own a small business in the Anderson area, you likely face daily challenges to keep your business afloat. Being charged with fraud is a severe blow that could end your business, tarnish your reputation, put you in debt, and even lead to jail time. You need honest legal assistance from an experienced Anderson small business fraud defense lawyer.
Our law firm is based in Greenville, servicing SC and beyond. We have experienced fraud defense attorneys who can answer your questions, build a strong case in your defense, and be a mighty advocate for you in court.
Fraud is a non-violent act of deception or dishonesty that typically results in financial gain for the person or business that commits the act. Some examples of small business fraud include the following:
This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives you an idea of the types of dishonest dealings considered fraud. It is important to note that being charged with fraud is not the same as being convicted. You are not guilty until you are convicted of the charge. A fraud defense lawyer who helps Anderson small businesses can fight to dismiss the charges.
Each case is unique and will require a personalized defense approach. Here are a few examples of defenses used to support defendants in small business fraud cases.
Although the defendant’s actions appeared fraudulent, they may not have intentionally committed fraud. A skilled defense attorney could show that the actions were poor business practices or negligence rather than intentional fraud.
Along the same lines as lack of intent, a lawyer could demonstrate that the appearance of fraud was due to inadequate documentation, not malicious intent.
Other sources may have provided information that resulted in errors in a small business. For example, an accountant or payroll provider, not the defendant, could have made a mistake.
An attorney may find weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. For example, unreliable witnesses or falsified documents may be present. It could be disregarded if the evidence is not strong enough to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Coercion shows how someone else pressured the defendant into the fraudulent activity. The defense would need to provide evidence to support the claim that the defendant was acting under duress and that they would not have participated in the fraudulent activity otherwise.
A small business fraud defense lawyer in Anderson will carefully evaluate the case and choose a defense strategy most likely to produce a positive outcome. If the charges are not dropped, a legal professional can negotiate plea bargains with the prosecutor to reduce the penalties.
The team at Ellis Hinton, LLC has years of federal and state prosecutor experience. We understand the law inside and out and can stand up for your rights in court.
Get started with your defense by contacting an Anderson small business fraud defense lawyer today. Schedule a consultation and learn more about your options to protect your business and reputation.
(864) 775-5775