Under Investigation For Fraud?
We take protecting your reputation seriously
If you have been charged with fraud or are under investigation for it, you need an experienced fraud lawyer to help you fight charges.
Being accused of a crime can be terrifying, but being charged or investigated for fraud also comes with complex financial issues. Never speak to the investigators on your own. Even if you have nothing to hide, you could unintentionally incriminate yourself by saying the wrong thing.
At Alberta Legal, our lawyers are all skilled in all aspects of criminal law, including fighting fraud charges. Contact us today to defend your freedom.
Facing fraud charges
Are you currently facing fraud charges? Fraud covers a broad range of acts, but most simply can be described as the unlawful and deceitful taking of someone’s money, property or valuables.
This can include credit card fraud, using someone’s credit card without their knowledge, and falsifying insurance records.
Fraud Versus Theft
At its most basic level, theft is classified as taking something that does not belong to you. If you are charged with fraud, however, it means the theft included an element of misrepresentation. There are many types of fraud, including identity theft, forgery, embezzlement and perjury.
Severity of the crime
Typically fraud is categorized in two ways, fraud in an amount over $5,000 and fraud in an amount less than $5,000. The severity of the crime is typically based on the value of the fraud and its complexity. For example, credit card fraud under $5,000 is typically prosecuted on a lower end of the spectrum.
Whereas defrauding your employer through embezzlement and an elaborate pyramid scheme involving many victims would likely result in prosecution seeking jail time and would be viewed on the higher end of the spectrum.
What are the corresponding consequences?
If you have been charged with either fraud or theft over $5,000, you will be facing more serious consequences than charges for theft or fraud under $5,000.
Once it is classified over the $5,000 mark, the options of a conditional sentence, like serving the time under house arrest, will be removed. For theft over $5,000, you could be facing a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail. For fraud over $5,000, the maximum penalty is 14 years in prison.
At Alberta Legal, we will fight for your freedom and the outcome you deserve.
Fraud Investigations
Every investigation is unique based on the charges, potential and/or alleged victims and details of the case. However, in the event of a fraud investigation, the alleged victim is typically the one to bring it to investigators’ attention.
In Canada, for someone to be found guilty of fraud, the Crown Prosecutor must prove these factors:
- A Deceitful Or Dishonest Act Was Committed
- That The Accused Knew This Act Would Cause Economic Deprivation For Another Person
- Or That The Accused Was Willfully Blind To Whether This Would Cause Economic Deprivation
- The Accused Was Aware Of The Fraudulent Act
- There Was A Financial Loss Suffered By The Alleged Victim
Experienced Calgary Fraud Lawyers
When facing fraud or theft charges, it is essential to hire the right lawyer to defend you. Whether you’re facing fraudulent credit card use, insurance fraud, CERB fraud, shoplifting or pickpocketing charges, our team can help. These charges are serious and can impact your reputation and life if you are convicted. Don’t leave your freedom up to chance. Contact us today.
Protecting You From A Criminal Conviction
A criminal conviction can have devastating life long impacts. Our legal team works to protect you. We will fight any criminal allegation you face with the goal of keeping your criminal record clean. Picking the right lawyer could be the difference from having to explain to any future employer about your criminal past or never having to explain anything because your lawyer got your charges dropped or reduced the risk you faced.
Our Recent Successful Cases
Fraud Lawyers in Canada Fighting for Clients and Their Rights
See our most recent cases and how we have successfully fought for our clients and their freedom. We are here to help you find the outcome you deserve.
Stock Fraud & Avoiding Jail Time
James Lutz was part of a defence team that defended three individuals involved in a stock promotion called a “pump and dump.” There was the possibility of facing jail time. There was a monetary settlement through our effective defence strategy, allowing for dropping charges and avoiding jail time.
Baccari & Fatal Self Defence
We represented our client, Armando Baccari, in a high-profile case where he fatally shot his attacker in the act of self-defence. During the trial, the judge ruled that Baccari had “grave concern for his life and was justified in shooting the deceased.” He was found not guilty of manslaughter.
Dismissal Of Second-Degree Murder Charge
Our legal collective represented our client, CLH, against second-degree murder charges involving his wife. We successfully managed to get the charges dropped during a preliminary hearing in front of the Provincial Court of Alberta. The judge discharged our client, and his homicide charge was dropped.
Alberta Legal Criminal Defence Lawyers
Pick Your Representation For Your Case
Jillian Williamson
(BSC, J.D.)
Jillian Williamson is an experienced criminal defence lawyer with a client-centred focus. She has experience as both a prosecutor and a defence lawyer, allowing her to understand exactly how the prosecution team thinks. Her expertise allows her to build a strong defence strategy, securing the outcome her clients deserve.
Jim Lutz
(Q.C., BA, LLB (HONS))
James Lutz is an established criminal defence lawyer with over 4,000 cases during his 30 years of practice. He has experience at every level of court and is in court every day fighting for his clients. Mr. Lutz does not shy away from high-profile cases and is here to defend you no matter what the criminal charge is.
Alias Sanders
(BA, LLB)
Many senior lawyers regard Alias Sanders as “the best appeals lawyer of her generation.” She has a vast knowledge of criminal law that helps her take apart complex arguments in her client’s favour. When you’re appealing your conviction or sentence, look no further than Alberta Legal to get your charges reversed.
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Defending Serious Charges Every Day
Not sure what your next steps are? Contact our team today to see how we can help with fighting your charges. Having an experienced lawyer can help you avoid incriminating yourself, along with possibly getting your charges reduced or dropped. Don’t leave your freedom up to chance. Contact Alberta Legal today for your free consultation.
Client’s Experience With Our Lawyers
Our Success stories
Liam Nelson
Dedication, Support, Ethic, Knowledge, Experience, Sharp and Direct. All the qualities your are looking for in a lawyer, they have it all and some. But JILLIAN WILLIAMSON was my guardian angel. Being a Client, I was comfortable to blindly leave my fate in their hands. That was a real well placed investment in the future of my life. I second, promote, referred and all the synonym possible to anybody facing an up hill battle and needs the support and experience to help you go through it.
K. V
I am so very pleased with the work Mathew Deshaye put into my case! He genuinely is a good person, and is determined to get justice. Matthew is extremely professional and I couldn’t have been happier with having him represent me. I’m glad that I could work with him. Dina his assistant was also great with communicating back and forth with me. I made the right choice by retaining Matthew as my lawyer and I hope you do the same. I am in tears with how grateful I am. I’m so very thankful for the work and research that went into helping me with my case! Thank you! 🙂
Jan Ciganik
I was involved in a motor vehicle case and I knew I needed outstanding representation. Jim Lutz, Lacey and his team were nothing short of perfection. I was thoroughly impressed how he handled my case with expedited tenacity. The judicial system can be very confusing with how everything works ,but Mr. Lutz was very easy to communicate with and simplified everything. If you need a lawyer who is on the ball, Jim without a question is the person who should represent you. I highly recommend Mr. Lutz and his team! Thank you very much Sir and your team for all outstanding professional services.