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Providence Fraud Attorney

Providence Fraud Attorney Rory Munns

Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns - Providence Fraud Attorney
In Rhode Island, fraud is defined as "the use of deliberate deception to achieve unfair gain or advantage." This makes fraud a criminal offense. When you are facing a fraud charge, you could end up paying thousands of dollars in damages or spend time in jail. Having a competent Providence fraud attorney by your side not only ensures that your rights are protected, but that your freedom is also preserved.

What types of fraud can I be charged with?

Fraud can be committed through various ways with the most common ones being the internet and telephone. Typical examples of fraud crimes include identity theft, credit card fraud, bankruptcy fraud, mortgage fraud, bad checks, embezzlement, tax fraud, false insurance claims, forgery, and counterfeiting money, goods, or documents.
For a fraud case to hold water in Providence, the plaintiff must prove that:

  • The defendant made a false statement
  • The defendant knew that the statement was false
  • The defendant intended to use the false statement to prompt some action from the plaintiff
  • The plaintiff depended on the truthfulness of the statement
  • The plaintiff sustained damages as a result of trusting on the false statement

What happens if I'm accused of criminal fraud?

If you are arrested and convicted of criminal fraud, you could get imprisoned, face probation, or restitution. The penalty the court of law decides on depends on such factors as:

  • The severity of your case
  • Prior convictions or whether you are currently on parole or probation
  • The person or entity that was targeted
  • The court's or community's attitude towards the crime

Possible Defense For Fraud

As every case is unique, the best defense depends on the circumstances of your particular case. However, your Rhode Island fraud defense attorney may suggest any of the following:

  • Lack of intent, to commit fraud, you must have had the intent to do so. Therefore, evidence that you willfully and intentionally defrauded a business entity or a person. In the absence of proof beyond reasonable doubt that there was an intent, you cannot be convicted.
  • Mistaken identity, in the digital age, fraud charges resulting from identity theft are a norm. In that case, your Providence fraud attorney will prove that your digital or physical alibi does not coincide with the time when the crime was committed.
  • Misunderstanding - person or business may think that you defrauding them while in the real sense you had insufficient or wrong information. In that case, your attorney will seek to have the charges dropped on the grounds of misunderstanding.
  • Consent, you cannot commit a fraud crime if the plaintiff consents to your actions

Why you should contact a Priovidence fraud defense attorney immediately

If you have been accused of fraud, your best chance of winning the case is working with a proven Rhode Island fraud defense like Rory Munns. With over 5 years' experience in handling criminal cases including fraud, Rory and his team of professional lawyers is best placed to handle your fraud crime. We will use our vast resources to review your case, gather evidence, and build the strongest defense depending on your specific circumstances. Our office is also located directly across the street from the courthouse in Providence. Get in touch with us today for a case evaluation.

Schedule a free consultation and find out how Rory can help you present your best defense to the judge. Call Rory 24/7 at 401-573-2265 or message him using the contact form right now.
Rorys Downtown Providence office is conveniently located next the J. Joseph Garrahy courthouse at 127 Dorrance St Providence, RI 02903.

Providence Fraud Attorney Office

Providence Fraud Attorney

Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns
RI Criminal Defense Lawyer - Providence Fraud Attorney

127 Dorrance St
Providence , RI 02903

Phone: 401-573-2265

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a fraud conviction be expunged in Rhode Island?

Most fraud convictions in Rhode Island can be expunged after the statutory waiting period, provided you have no subsequent convictions. Misdemeanor fraud convictions require a 5-year waiting period from completion of sentence. Felony fraud convictions require a 10-year waiting period, with some non-violent felonies eligible after 7 years under the second chance law. The Attorney General frequently objects to expungement of fraud convictions, particularly those involving large dollar amounts or vulnerable victims. Successful expungement removes the conviction from standard background checks, which can restore eligibility for licensed professional work in some industries.

Can fraud charges be defended in Providence?

Yes. Fraud cases in Providence can be defended through several angles. Defenses include challenging proof of intent (the prosecution must show you knew the conduct was wrongful), demonstrating good-faith belief in the legitimacy of the transaction, attacking the chain of custody on financial records, identifying procedural defects in the investigation, and contesting the calculation of the alleged loss. Fraud cases often turn on documentary evidence (bank records, emails, contracts), which means defense work focuses heavily on reviewing thousands of pages of records for context that supports the defendant's account. White-collar fraud defense typically requires specialized counsel familiar with financial investigation techniques.

Do I need a fraud lawyer in Providence?

Yes. Fraud cases in Providence involve documentary evidence, financial investigation, and procedural complexity that demand specialized defense. The stakes (prison time, restitution, professional license loss, asset forfeiture) are typically high. A Providence fraud attorney reviews financial records in depth, retains forensic accounting experts when needed, files motions to challenge the investigation, and negotiates with the prosecution where appropriate. Fraud cases also frequently involve parallel civil litigation (creditor lawsuits, victim restitution claims) that require coordination across criminal and civil counsel. Specialized fraud defense is one of the higher-value legal services available in Providence.

What are the penalties for fraud in Rhode Island?

Fraud penalties in Rhode Island vary by the value involved and the specific statute. Small-dollar fraud (under $1,500) is typically a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail and fines. Larger amounts become felonies with multi-year prison sentences. Federal fraud convictions carry significantly longer sentences under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, often with mandatory restitution to victims. Beyond imprisonment, fraud convictions often trigger asset forfeiture, professional license revocation (particularly devastating for licensed professionals in healthcare, finance, and law), and lifetime bars from working in regulated industries.

What counts as fraud in Rhode Island?

Fraud in Rhode Island is the use of deliberate deception to obtain an unfair financial or property advantage. Common fraud charges include credit card fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud, bank fraud, check fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, mortgage fraud, securities fraud, and embezzlement. Fraud charges range from misdemeanor (small-dollar amounts) to serious felony (large amounts, organized schemes, multi-victim cases). The specific elements vary by statute but all fraud charges require proof of intent to deceive and proof that the deception caused harm or attempted to cause harm. Federal fraud charges are common when interstate communication or federal programs are involved.

What is identity theft in Rhode Island?

Identity theft in Rhode Island is using another person's personal information without authorization to obtain credit, goods, services, or anything of value. The information includes name, social security number, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and other identifying data. Penalties depend on the value obtained and any prior record, ranging from misdemeanor for small amounts to felony for large-scale schemes. Federal identity theft charges add aggravated identity theft mandatory minimums of 2 years consecutive to any underlying fraud sentence. Identity theft cases often involve digital forensic evidence that requires specialized defense expertise.

What is the difference between state and federal fraud charges?

State fraud charges in Rhode Island are prosecuted under state statutes in Rhode Island District or Superior Court. Federal fraud charges (wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, healthcare fraud) are prosecuted under federal law in U.S. District Court at the John O. Pastore Federal Building in Providence. Federal fraud cases typically involve larger dollar amounts, interstate or international elements, federal program funds (Medicare, Medicaid, federal grants), or federal agency investigations. Federal sentences run under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and are typically significantly longer than equivalent state sentences, with mandatory restitution and supervised release after prison.