As an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney I am asked many, many questions ... here are some answers about Theft/Welfare Fraud.
What is Minnesota Welfare Fraud?
There is no simple answer to this question ... as such fraud comes in many forms. The most common type is when someone fails to list information (or fills in the fork incorrectly) about their financial situation to the Department of Employment and Social Services. This could be include information regarding income, number of dependants/children or possession of properties and other items of value.
Welfare fraud can also occur if someone pretends to be someone/thing else in order to receive benefits or if you continue to receive benefits that you know you are not entitled to. Furthermore, welfare fraud occurs when you pretend to be injured or ill in order to abuse the system.
Accused? What Next?
As with almost any theft related offenses, a permanent welfare fraud conviction may negatively affect you for the rest of your life --- making it difficult for you to obtain employment, a bank loan, or for you to rent/buy a home/apartment. Additionally, you may be required to pay back the money, plus pay interest and penalties. A welfare fraud conviction in the State of Minnesota may also lead to both jail or prison time and and fines. This all depends on whether you are charged with a felony, a misdemeanor or a gross misdemeanor.
Should Hire a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you or someone you love has been accused of welfare fraud, the most important thing to do is contact a professional Minnesota fraud lawyer immediately. The sooner you make the call, the quicker an attorney can get to work handling your case. The more evidence that is gathered, the better your defense strategy may be --- and the less consequences you might face.
The Rolloff Law Office has over a decades worth of criminal defense experience. For the overwhelming number of our clients, charged with theft related offenses, we keep them out of jail. Also ... we understand that restitution is going to be important - to secure a great outcome. This is why we keep our fees low. Call the Rolloff Law Office for a free consultation: (612) 234-1165
I have not been charged with anything but was contacted by a sheriff trying to scare me into forcing my confession of guilt that I intentionally committed fraud, when it was a misunderstanding of my son with shared custody. The county a year ago did not find the case to be fraud and I have been on assistance and repaying the overpayment with a portion of my benefits monthly. So now a year later this has come. I was offered a 1 year withdrawal of benefits in exchange for an admission of guilt. What do I do? I told the officer in needed time to consult an attorney and left it at that for the moment.
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