Do I need a lawyer for a welfare fraud case?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Do I need a lawyer for a welfare fraud case?
I did not report extra income in the form of commission to the public welfare department for about 9 months. I only included bi-weekly income because my commission fluctuated up and down, and the gross was docked 40%. Plus, I did not know I had to report commission. I am a single mother, full-time student and worker who needs to know what to expect. What type of sentencing am I likely to get? Is there any way that I can get this off my record without waiting for a period of years? Should I speak with a criminal law attorney? In Philadelphia, PA.
Asked on November 15, 2010 under Criminal Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
Yes, I would speak with a criminal defense attorney in your area as soon as you can. Welfare fraud is a very serious matter and maybe if the "fraud" was not intentional (you need intent to defraud) but rather a mistake or inadvertent then you can cut a deal as to repayment (making restitution) and possibly pleading down to a lesser offense or no offense if you are lucky enough. Having some "muscle" behind you makes it a greater likelihood that you will be able to come out on top and obtain a lighter sentence. Also, if you are charged and sentenced ask your attorney about expungement of your record and make sure that whatever you plead to may be expunged in Pennsylvania. Good luck.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.