The Spartanburg small business fraud defense lawyers at Ellis Hinton have many years of experience representing clients in white-collar criminal cases. Fraud charges can severely impact the reputation of small business owners in Spartanburg and carry the risk of harsh penalties upon conviction.
Our seasoned fraud attorneys use their experience as state and federal prosecutors to give clients an in-depth understanding of their case and defense options that align with their goals. Learn more about small business fraud charges, who can be criminally responsible, and the potential penalties depending on the nature of the fraud.
Fraud generally refers to intentional acts or omissions that deceive another party for gain or to disadvantage another. Fraud within the context of a small business can occur in the many different transactions and interactions a company (or its representatives) has with other parties.
Small business owners may encounter fraudulent situations involving customers, employees, partners, shareholders, and other third-party business relationships. For example, South Carolina Criminal Code § 16-11-125 prohibits false claims to obtain insurance benefits after a fire or explosion. This is a felony punishable by fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to five years.
Other instances of fraud that could result in criminal charges against a business owner, officer, or representative could include the following acts:
Business fraud is a serious criminal offense that can result in penalties with hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. Our Spartanburg defense lawyers can help you understand the severity of a small business fraud charge and the potential punishments you may face upon conviction.
Depending on the circumstances, several defenses may be available in a criminal case of small business fraud. To begin, a criminal defense attorney may be able to defend a case through procedural issues that violate your rights as a defendant. These violations may occur in the state prosecutor’s methods for obtaining evidence, their interactions with you during an arrest, or events that transpire during trial.
Alternatively, facts may exist that create doubt about your involvement in an allegation of fraud. Culpability for small business fraud may more fairly belong to a partner, executive, or agent of the business. A Spartanburg lawyer could also show a court or jury that your role in the small business fraud was unintentional or an honest mistake based on reasonable errors.
Even in cases with minimal defenses, the guidance of a Spartanburg small business fraud defense lawyer can be useful in other ways. Dedicated counsel can help you consider plea deal opportunities and pursue favorable sentencing from the court.
Our experience in white-collar criminal defense allows us to help clients understand the strengths or weaknesses of their cases based on the facts. We are based in Greenville, servicing South Carolina and beyond. Schedule an initial consultation with our law office today to get started building a solid defense for your case.
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