What is Welfare Fraud?
Welfare fraud comes in many forms. The most common type of welfare fraud is to omit information about your financial situation to the Department of Employment and Social Services. You could omit information regarding income, children or possession of properties and other items of value. Welfare fraud can also occur if you pretend to be someone else in order to receive benefits or if you continue to receive benefits that you know you are not entitled to. Furthermore, welfare fraud occurs when you pretend to be injured or ill in order to abuse the system.
How Can a Welfare Conviction Affect My Life?
As with all theft related offenses, a permanent welfare fraud conviction may negatively affect you for the rest of your life. It may make it difficult for you to obtain employement, obtain credit, or rent from landlords. You may be required to pay back the money, plus pay interest and penalties. A welfare fraud conviction in Minnesota may also lead to both jail time, prison time and and fines depending on whether you are charged with a felony, a misdemeanor or a gross misdemeanor.
What Should I Do if Accused of Welfare Fraud? MN Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you love has been accused of welfare fraud, the most important thing to do is contact a professional Minnesota fraud lawyer immediately. The quicker you make the call, the quicker my law office will get to work handling your case. The more evidence that is gathered, the better your defense strategy may be.
Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. has over twenty-two years of criminal defense experience, seventeen years in Minnesota. The overwhelming number of his clients charged with theft related offenses do not go to jail or prison and have their charges either reduced or dismissed. The Law Office of Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. can provide you with trusted and aggressive representation. Give Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. a call today at 952-975-0663 for a free initial telephone consultation.