Bank Fraud Lawyer New Jersey

Any kind of criminal offense is serious and will have a lasting effect on your finances, criminal record, and even interpersonal relationships. If you or someone you care about is accused of committing bank fraud, you need to contact a bank fraud lawyer in New Jersey from Lorraine Gauli-Rufo, Esq. & Associates as soon as possible to help clear your name. You should never be afraid to speak with us and tell us the truth about what happened. It is our job to listen and help figure out a fair way to get you out of a messy situation. Bank fraud is a federal offense, which means that there can be very serious consequences that go along with it. You never want to leave something as important as your freedom up to chance. You need to have an experienced bank fraud lawyer on your side who can work on either lessening your sentence or getting it dropped altogether. 

Repercussions for a Federal Offense 

Having a criminal record is bad, but there are varying levels of records. If you have committed a federal offense, this will be reflected on your record. You absolutely need an experienced lawyer on your side to not only protect your rights, but to also try to lessen any kind of punishment that you will face for committing a crime. You may still face jail time or serious fines, but a good lawyer from Lorraine Gauli-Rufo, Esq. & Associates will try his or her best to make these as minimal as possible. 

Examples of Bank Fraud

Many different things can constitute bank fraud. No matter what a person does to be accused of this, you need a lawyer to help defend you. Some of the most common examples of bank fraud include: 

  • Using someone else’s bank information and accounts without their consent
  • Hacking into a financial institution – whether this is an individual’s account or the bank as an entirety’s account 
  • Creating a fake check or trying to cash one that is not legitimate
  • Using identity theft in order to access someone’s bank account 

Typically, the people who have federal charges against them are guilty, but there are times where someone is innocent in their actions. If this is the case, a bank fraud lawyer will know how to search for evidence to prove your innocence. If not, your lawyer will still play an important role in helping you recover from such a great charge. We can hopefully lessen your sentence and help you get back on your feet after such a big event. 

What Are the Penalties for Bank Fraud?

If you have been charged with bank fraud, understand that you’re facing some harsh penalties. Those convicted of bank fraud may face heavy fines and prison time. The amount of fines and prison time depend on certain factors, such as how much money was stolen and what method was used to steal that method. For example, you will get lighter penalties for stealing a few thousand dollars than hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If I Did Commit Bank Fraud, Should I Just Plead Guilty Right Away?

No. Whether you forged a check or committed identity theft, it’s not recommended to plead guilty immediately. You may not know all the penalties yet and have a disadvantage. Instead, discuss your case with an experienced defense lawyer. A lawyer may be able to negotiate a more favorable plea deal with the prosecutor, so it’s important to be patient. For instance, if this is the first time you’ve been in trouble with the law, your lawyer may ask the prosecutor for leniency.

Will I Have a Difficult Time Finding a Job If Convicted?

Yes, you may have more trouble securing employment if convicted of bank fraud. This is especially true if the job involves handling money. Bank fraud is a dishonest act, so employers may have difficulty putting their trust in you. That’s why it’s important to hire a defense lawyer immediately to help you fight your charge.

What Should I Bring to My First Consultation with a Lawyer?

If you have been accused of bank fraud, one of your next steps should be to set up a consultation with an experienced bank fraud lawyer in New Jersey. To get the most out of your meeting, it is important to come to the meeting prepared. Your lawyer will want any documentation pertaining to your case, such as a police report, bail documentation and information about witnesses. The more information your lawyer has to go on, the better he or she can help you.

Can I Talk to My Family and Friends About My Case?

If you are dealing with a bank fraud charge, you may want to talk about it with your family and friends. While it is understandable that you want to get this off your chest, you should not discuss the details of your case without anyone but your lawyer.