Fraud accusations can come out of nowhere and quickly affect your job, finances, and reputation. Your Oklahoma City fraud defense attorney with Josh Lee & Associates brings 20+ years of combined experience handling complex charges with focus and care.
If you are looking for answers from an Oklahoma City white collar crime lawyer with our firm, now is the time to reach out. Let us help you take the next step.
Why Choose Josh Lee & Associates for Legal Representation?
Fraud cases move quickly in Oklahoma, and it helps to have a defense team that knows how to keep up. Our firm brings courtroom experience, a thorough approach to fraud defense, and a deep understanding of how Oklahoma statutes are applied in both state and federal cases. We are here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help protect what matters most to you.
What is Fraud in Oklahoma?
Fraud charges in Oklahoma cover more than just stealing. These cases involve actions that are meant to mislead or deceive someone for personal or financial gain. Unlike traditional theft, fraud is usually based on false promises, misrepresentation, or the misuse of information.
Intent, Misrepresentation, and False Claims
Oklahoma law defines fraud in 21 O.S. § 1541.1 as any intentional misrepresentation made to trick someone into giving up property, rights, or something of value.
To prove fraud, prosecutors look at what was said or written, whether it was knowingly false, and whether there was an intent to benefit from the lie. Even if the transaction was never completed, making a false claim with the intent to deceive can be enough to support a fraud charge.
How Fraud Becomes a Felony Offense
Fraud charges may be filed as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the value of the alleged loss, the nature of the misrepresentation, and whether anyone was harmed as a result. Once the amount exceeds a certain threshold or involves repeat conduct, prosecutors can pursue felony charges with enhanced penalties.
In some cases, federal crime charges may apply as well, especially if the alleged conduct crossed state lines or involved banks, mail, or government funds. Fraud investigations can grow quickly, so knowing how charges are filed is a key part of building your defense.
What Types of Fraud Charges Do Our Attorneys Help You Fight?
Fraud cases in Oklahoma City cover a wide range of charges, and many overlap with other financial or theft-related offenses. Some cases involve businesses, while others stem from routine traffic stops or online activity. Whether the accusations involve a private person or a public agency, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting. Common charges we help clients fight include:
- Mail fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Internet fraud and online scams
- Forgery or falsifying signatures
- Securities fraud or investment misrepresentation
- Government benefit fraud
- Credit and debit card theft and other theft crimes under 21 O.S. § 1550.2
What is the Difference Between Fraud and Embezzlement?
Fraud and embezzlement are both common in white collar criminal cases, but they involve different legal elements and types of proof. Prosecutors may treat them similarly during an investigation, but the way they are charged and defended depends on the specific facts. Understanding how they differ can help you and your lawyer build a stronger, more focused strategy.
Abuse of Position vs. Intentional Deception
Embezzlement usually involves someone in a position of trust who is accused of taking money or assets for personal use. Under 21 O.S. § 1451, the law focuses on what happens when someone misuses funds they were allowed to access through their job or another relationship.
Fraud, on the other hand, is based on deception. You can be charged with fraud even if you never had formal access to someone’s property or account.
Why Prosecutors Often Charge Both Offenses
Fraud and embezzlement sometimes rely on the same facts so prosecutors may charge both in the same case. A single financial transaction might involve false paperwork and misuse of employer funds, which opens the door to dual charges.
Defenses to Fraud Charges in Oklahoma
Fraud allegations do not always hold up. Prosecutors must prove specific elements like intent, misrepresentation, and financial harm. Here are a few defenses that could be useful as you fight to clear your name of the charges against you.
You Did Not Intend to Mislead Anyone
A fraud charge requires proof that you meant to deceive someone. If you believed the information was correct or shared something in good faith, it may not meet the definition of fraud under 21 O.S. § 1541.1. Our team can review what was said or written and how the other party reacted to it.
The Accusation Involves a Misunderstanding
Sometimes fraud allegations come down to how a deal or exchange was interpreted. If the other party misunderstood your words or made assumptions about your actions, that does not automatically make it fraud. Miscommunication, delays, or even frustration do not always equal criminal conduct.
The Investigation Violated Your Rights
If investigators gathered information without following proper procedures, certain parts of the case may not be admissible. That includes issues with search warrants, recorded statements, or document seizures. We can review how the state’s case against you was built and identify where the investigation may have gone wrong.
There Is No Clear Evidence of Financial Loss
To secure a conviction, the state usually must show that someone lost money, property, or something of value because of your actions. If no one was actually harmed or if the numbers do not add up, that can weaken the prosecution’s case. We can look at the records and challenge whether the alleged loss really occurred or was directly connected to your actions.
Your Fraud Defense Lawyer in Oklahoma City Is Here to Help
If you are being investigated for fraud, it is important to know that you have options before formal charges are filed. Your fraud defense attorney in Oklahoma City with Josh Lee & Associates can step in during the investigation stage, review documents, and speak on your behalf when needed. If you have questions about what comes next, you can always contact us to talk through your situation.
