What is considered fraud under Michigan law?

Fraud in Michigan involves intentionally misrepresenting an important fact to deceive someone, causing them to suffer damages.

Can you be charged with fraud for not disclosing information?

Yes, under Michigan law, fraud can occur through an omission if the lack of disclosure leads to deception and harm.

What types of fraud cases does Davis Law Group handle in Flint?

Davis Law Group defends against criminal fraud charges like food stamp fraud, check fraud, mortgage fraud, and fraudulent signature collection.

Is check fraud a felony in Michigan?

Check fraud in Michigan can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the amount, prior offenses, and intent.

How can a Flint fraud lawyer help with my case?

A Flint fraud lawyer can challenge evidence, suppress illegal searches or confessions, and potentially get your charges reduced or dismissed.

Should I accept a plea deal before talking to a lawyer?

You should never accept a plea deal before consulting a Flint criminal defense lawyer who can review your options and protect your rights.

What are the penalties for mortgage fraud in Michigan?

Mortgage fraud in Michigan is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000.

Home Criminal Defense Attorney in Flint, MI Flint Fraud Lawyer

Flint Fraud Lawyer

Fraud is a serious criminal charge. If convicted, you will face fines, possible jail time, and irreparable damage to your reputation.

Fortunately, if you act fast and retain the services of a skilled Flint fraud lawyer, you may be able to avoid all or some of the penalties that might stem from a conviction.

Call Davis Law Group today at (810) 644-5660 or contact us online and a knowledgeable Flint criminal defense attorney can start building your defense right away.

What is Fraud?

There are many different kinds of fraud, but in general, the offense requires the following to be true:

You misrepresented an important fact through a positive act or an omission
You made the misrepresentation with the intent to deceive
Someone believed your misrepresentation and relied on it
That person suffered damages as a result

Many people think that as long as they don’t tell a lie, they can’t be charged with fraud. But as mentioned above, an omission can form the basis for an accusation of fraud. For example, if you fail to list all of your medical conditions when applying for health insurance, that omission might constitute the basis of fraud.

What Kinds of Fraud Cases Does Davis Law Group Handle?

It’s important to note that there are two types of fraud cases: civil and criminal. A civil fraud case arises when a person or a business sues you to recover money they allege that you obtained from them in a fraudulent manner. A criminal fraud case occurs when a state or federal prosecutor has evidence that suggests that you committed a fraud prohibited by statute, and he or she files charges against you. You might face both civil and criminal litigation over one alleged instance of fraud, and the outcome of one case might affect the other.

At Davis Law Group, we have built our reputation as a criminal defense firm that handles criminal fraud cases, including but not limited to:

Obtaining a signature through fraud (MPC 750.273 – 274) – Fraudulently obtaining someone’s signature on a document or a contract is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $5,000 in fines. Likewise, it is also illegal to use a promissory note or a contract containing a signature that you know to be false.
Food stamp fraud (MPC 750.300) – If you knowingly use, transfer, acquire, alter, or purchase food stamps in an illegal or fraudulent manner, you may face either misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the amount you allegedly took from the Food Assistance Program. You may also be barred from receiving food assistance in the future.
Check fraud (MPC 750.131) – It’s illegal to make out a check to someone when you know that you don’t have sufficient funds in your account to honor the check. Depending on the amount of money at stake in the case, the number of prior convictions you have, and whether there is evidence of your intent to commit fraud, this offense may be treated as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
Mortgage fraud (MPC 750.219d) – If you knowingly make a false statement or omission during the mortgage lending process, use fake documents, or assist someone in doing so, you may face up to 15 years in prison and/or fines of up to $100,000.

FAQs about Fraud Charges & Defense

How do fraud cases usually begin in the Flint area?

Fraud investigations often start long before the accused person knows they are under scrutiny. Banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and even private citizens may file reports that trigger a review of financial records, transaction histories, or account activity. Local investigators may then request documents, interview witnesses, or use subpoenas to build a case. By the time charges are filed, the prosecutor usually has collected months of information. Hiring a lawyer early can help you control what happens next.

Can I be charged with fraud for an honest mistake on paperwork or an application?

Yes, it’s possible. Many fraud allegations stem from incomplete or inaccurate applications for loans, benefits, or insurance. Even when you did not intend to deceive anyone, agencies may view missing information or misunderstood questions as deliberate misrepresentations. A lawyer can help explain the circumstances, show that errors were unintentional, and push back against claims of deliberate deception.

Are fraud cases treated differently from other financial crimes in Genesee County?

Fraud cases often involve more complex evidence than straightforward theft or property crimes. Prosecutors rely heavily on documents, digital records, and financial data. Because these cases can involve large amounts of paperwork and technical details, local courts expect prosecutors to clearly prove both the misrepresentation and the intent to deceive. This gives your attorney multiple opportunities to attack weaknesses in the state’s evidence.

What should I do if investigators ask to speak with me about a suspected fraud?

Do not answer questions without a lawyer, even if you believe the issue is minor. Investigators are trained to gather statements that can be used to infer intent or build a timeline of events. A simple explanation offered too soon can limit your defense options. An attorney can communicate on your behalf and prevent you from making statements that prosecutors might later use against you.

How serious are the consequences of a fraud conviction in this region?

Fraud convictions can have a lasting impact on your professional and personal life. Employers in banking, healthcare, retail, government, and many other fields view fraud offenses as integrity-related crimes. A conviction may affect licensing, financial opportunities, and your ability to work in positions of trust. This makes a strong defense critical, even for lower-level or first-time allegations.

Are federal fraud charges common for Flint-area residents?

Yes. If the alleged conduct involves federal programs, interstate transactions, or government benefits, the case may fall under federal jurisdiction. Federal prosecutors pursue fraud aggressively, and penalties tend to be significantly harsher. If you suspect federal involvement, contact a defense attorney immediately so they can intervene early and begin protecting your rights.

How does the prosecutor prove intent in a fraud case?

Intent is rarely proven through direct statements. Instead, prosecutors often rely on patterns in documents, financial activity, communication records, or inconsistencies in paperwork. Your lawyer may challenge these interpretations, present alternative explanations, or show that the alleged conduct is just as consistent with an innocent mistake as with intentional wrongdoing.

Can fraud charges be resolved without a trial?

Often, yes. Depending on the strength of the evidence, the circumstances, and your background, your attorney may negotiate for reduced charges, alternative resolutions, or agreements that avoid jail time. In some cases, highlighting weak evidence or procedural errors may lead to a dismissal before the case reaches trial.

What if investigators used information they were not legally permitted to access?

Fraud cases frequently involve extensive data collection, including bank records, phone data, emails, or workplace documents. If investigators obtained this information without proper authorization or used overly broad search methods, your lawyer may challenge the evidence and seek to have it excluded. When key financial records are suppressed, the prosecution’s case can collapse quickly.

Why is hiring a local fraud defense lawyer important?

Fraud cases in Genesee County often involve specific local agencies, financial institutions, and investigative practices. An attorney familiar with how these entities operate can identify unique weaknesses in the case, anticipate procedural issues, and negotiate effectively with local prosecutors. This experience can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

How a Flint Fraud Lawyer Can Help

In any criminal case, your conviction will depend on whether the prosecutor has enough evidence to show beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty. This is a difficult burden to meet. This is why prosecutors often try to get the accused to admit to the crime before the trial starts. Do not accept a plea offer from the prosecutor before speaking with an experienced Flint criminal defense lawyer, as there may be several ways for you to fight – and defeat – your charges.

As a former prosecutor, attorney Maurice Davis knows how the prosecution will try to frame the evidence against you. They may even try to use illegal evidence, such as a confession obtained in violation of your rights, or the results of a search performed without a warrant. In such cases, your lawyer can ask the court to remove this evidence from the case. With crucial evidence suppressed from the case, it will be easier to defend your case at trial. It may even be possible to obtain the dismissal of your charges before the trial begins.

Every criminal case is different, so you should speak to a fraud attorney in Flint, Michigan if you want to know what defense strategies might be available in your case. At Davis Law Group, our goal is to maximize your chances of obtaining a good case outcome by forcefully advocating for your rights at every stage of the criminal justice process. To find out more, call us today at 810-644-5660 for a free and confidential case consultation.