Criminal charges that involve financial fraud are often referred to as “white collar crimes”. These are serious offenses that can have very stiff penalties, and consequences that include jail time. Many fraud related cases can be very complicated, and require an experienced defense attorney to work through the charges and determine the best possible defense options.
Typically charges like these result from times of financial stress. If you wrote a bad check at a time that you were desperate, or borrowed some money that you planned to pay back, these are understandable events in today’s difficult economic times. Don’t beat yourself up, but do proactively work to protect your rights and future against damaging criminal charges. There may be alternatives to a criminal record.
But if you, however, are not guilty of the charges, then you need an attorney to take your case and fight for the truth. If your actions were taken out of context, we will work tirelessly to get your name cleared in court.
Whatever the circumstances are, we can help. We have defended many clients against fraud & worthless checks charges in Oregon and can successfully defend you as well.
Oregon Worthless Checks – Laws & Penalties
If you write a check knowing it will not be honored by the bank, you could be charged with this offense. Because it is your responsibility to track your accounts, in most circumstances it will be assumed that you “knew” a worthless check was not going to be honored.
If this is your first offense you will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor which carries a potential sentence of up to 1 year in jail and fines reaching $6250.
If, however, you have a prior conviction of this offense or theft by deception using a check within the past five years, your charge could be elevated to a Class C felony. Class C felonies are punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines of $125,000.
Ref: Or. Rev. Stat. §165.065
Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card – Laws
Credit card fraud is a common offense that can be committed in a variety of ways. You may face this charge if you are accused of using a credit card with the intent to injure or defraud, to obtain property or services, with knowledge that:
1. The card is stolen or forged
2. The card is revoked or canceled
3. The card is unauthorized by the user or the issuing bank.
The seriousness of the charge you face for credit card fraud depends on the value of the goods or services that were fraudulently obtained.
If the total value is less than $750 the charge is a Class A misdemeanor. Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and fines of $6250.
If the value is over $750, you will face Class C felony charges and a potential sentence of up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $125,000.
Ref: Or. Rev. Stat. §165.055
Oregon Forgery Laws & Penalties
Forgery involves falsely making or changing a document or item in order to receive financial or other benefit. This could be signing someone else’s signature to a check, changing dates on a document to make it appear valid, or many other similar situations.
If you are charged with forgery you could be facing Class A misdemeanor charges or Class C felony charges depending on the specifics of your case. If you face Class C felony charges, you would be looking at a potential maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and fines reaching $125,000.
In order to know for certain the potential sentence you could be facing, you need to consult with an attorney.
Ref: Or. Rev. Stat. § 165.013
Get Help To Fix a Bad Checks or Fraud Related charge in Oregon
Any criminal charge is a serious situation. Putting your future in the balance in Oregon criminal courts requires an experienced and aggressive defense attorney on your side. We know what you are up against and want to help.
Call to discuss your charges today.