If you receive public assistance, you might receive benefits like compensation from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or direct cash assistance. To obtain these benefits you have to go before a social worker and discuss your case. Making any false claims during that visit could result in a charge for welfare fraud if your obtain benefits you don't deserve because of them.
Welfare fraud is described as making a false statement or misrepresenting your situation in a way that affects your eligibility. For example, if your spouse works but you do not, claiming that your home has no income since you have no income is a misrepresentation of your circumstances. If this is discovered --- you could be charged with fraud. And, you should speak to an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.
That being said --- you must KNOW that you're committing a fraud to be convicted of it. For instance, if you ACCIDENTALLY inform the social worker that you brought in $10,000 in income last year but the true amount was $11,000, it might have been a simple mistake due to a misplaced pay stub or forgotten hobby income. On the other hand, claiming you only made $1,000 when you know you made $10,000 is fraudulent.
Penalties for Welfare Fraud?
If you get caught cheating the system, you will lose your cash assistance, subsidized child care or SNAP benefits for a period of time. On a first offense, you'll lose cash assistance and subsidized child care for six months, while you'll lose SNAP for a year. The penalties only affect the person who committed the fraud, not any other family members, which helps protect innocent parties from losing their benefits.Accusations of welfare fraud put your benefits at risk and could impact your life significantly. Always take your correct pay stubs and information to the social workers, so you are certain of the information you provide.
Need help with a Welfare Fraud case - call the Rolloff Law Office for FREE INFORMATION: (612) 234-1165
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
