Business fraud charges are often complicated in nature. It is imperative that you hire an experienced defense attorney to represent you in court.
Business fraud is a criminal offense that occurs when any employee or representative of a business, company, agency or organization commits or attempts to commit theft against that entity for personal gain. In order for a crime to be considered business fraud, the employee must also attempt to conceal the theft. Business fraud and other white collar crimes of this sort are punished harshly in Oklahoma and across the United States. If you have been charged with business fraud in the state of Oklahoma, the success of your case depends on the experience of your attorney. Contact our criminal defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center to discuss your legal options.
Oklahoma Business Fraud Charges
Business fraud, also known as corporate fraud, is a very serious offense and is associated with severe penalties in Oklahoma, possibly including jail time, probation, significant fines, and restitution. Business fraud often involves the offender altering documents, falsifying reports, or otherwise misrepresenting information to the company along with actually stealing something of value. Common types of business fraud include:
- Bank fraud
- Bankruptcy fraud
- Internet fraud
- Securities & Investment fraud
- Telemarketing fraud
- Wire fraud
Penalties for Business Fraud
The U.S. Justice Department has established a Corporate Fraud Task Force in an effort to eradicate business fraud and restore investor confidence in the marketplace. The investigation and prosecution of corporate fraud has become a high priority of the U.S. Attorney’s office, and the penalties for business fraud are typically severe. In 2002, the Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act was passed, which established more strict criminal penalties for securities fraud and protects employees of publicly traded companies from punitive actions by their employers for reporting violations of the Securities & Exchange Commission and/or shareholder fraud. In Oklahoma, the average penalties for business fraud include fines of up to $5,000, six months of home confinement, and three years of probation. For more serious offenses, the penalties are typically much more severe.
Our Reputable Defense Lawyers Can Help
In light of the hefty fines and possible jail time associated with corporate fraud, hiring a qualified criminal defense attorney after being charged with this type of criminal offense is imperative. Our defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center, for instance, have experience in handling cases involving business fraud, and enlisting our help in your case can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. Being convicted of business fraud can severely affect numerous aspects of your life, including your ability to find work in the future, which is why hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney is one of the most important steps to take when facing business fraud charges.