Are you accused of using another person’s identity? Perhaps you are being investigated on charges of embezzlement. Any time you are facing criminal charges or being accused of a crime, seek legal representation that could provide you with an effective defence strategy. Surrey criminal lawyers from our firm can reduce your stress, fear, and anxiety about the future by providing reliable strategies to defend you.
You need someone by your side throughout these challenging situations. Our Surrey fraud lawyers are a call away. We provide fast, accurate legal advice even in the most challenging legal scenarios. Even if you have yet to face charges, contacting a lawyer now can help you protect your rights.
Types of Fraud Charges in Surrey, British Columbia Under British Columbia laws, numerous criminal codes detail fraud laws. Some of the most common types of fraud include:
- Credit and debit card fraud
- Bank fraud
- Identity theft
- Embezzlement
- Contract fraud
- Internet fraud
- Medical fraud
- Insurance fraud
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, fraud can include any instance in which the accused deprives the public or a specific person of money, property, services, or valuable security, including through any action of deceit or falsehood.
Fraud is a crime of theft. As a result, many of the penalties associated with it are similar to those of theft. This includes the risk of a lengthy jail sentence and the creation of a criminal record that could impact your ability to secure housing, obtain loans, or hold some jobs.
How the Crown Proves Fraud
The requirements for proving fraud took place are different than those for proving theft. The prosecution must achieve two specific requirements to hold you to a fraud charge.
Intentional Act
The first component of proving fraud is showing that the accused intended to deceive someone for personal gain. This means that the prosecutor must show that you purposefully misled someone and that it was not an accident or a mistake. Rather, your actions were meant to benefit you in some way.
Victim Loss
The second component of proving fraud is demonstrating that the accused’s actions resulted in the victim suffering some type of loss. Conversely, if the act was prevented but would have led to the victim suffering loss had it not been thwarted, that could also meet this requirement.
When to Contact Surrey Criminal Lawyers
If any of the above scenarios are playing out in your situation, do not hesitate to reach out to Surrey fraud lawyers. Doing so as soon as possible, rather than after charges are laid out, gives your lawyer time to investigate and build a defence for you.
In situations where you are facing any of the following, do not wait to contact Surrey fraud lawyers from our firm:
- Police questioning: If law enforcement is speaking to you “to get your side of the story” or because they have a few questions about a situation, reach out to a lawyer before such a meeting. Do not believe that they are on your side.
- Accusations: If another person, business, or agency is, in some way, accusing you of such a crime, even if you believe it to not be true, speak to a lawyer.
- Investigations: In any situation in which you believe you are being investigated for insurance, white collar crime, financial, or other types of crimes, do not wait to call a lawyer.
Surrey fraud lawyers understand the threats, tactics, and misconceptions the Crown uses to hold those they believe are responsible for illegal acts accountable. Yet, they do not always get it right. You deserve and have the right to legal representation in any of these matters.
Speak to a criminal lawyer in Surrey today.
