Federal law says that it is a crime for you to commit a fraud against the U.S. An example is engaging in any fraud in the purchase of property or services with the federal government. The penalties for committing a fraud against the government include substantial fines and a federal prison sentence of up to 10 years. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you are being charged with a federal crime.
What is the Federal Crime of Fraud Against the Government?
18 USC 1031 is the federal statute that sets forth the crime of defrauding the U.S. government. Per this law, you are guilty of a criminal offense if you knowingly execute or attempt to execute any scheme with the intent to either:
- Defraud the U.S., or
- To obtain money or property from the U.S. by means of false or fraudulent pretenses or promises in any grant, contract, subcontract, subsidy, loan, guarantee, insurance, or other form of federal assistance.
Examples of defrauding the U.S. government include:
- Executing a fraudulent scheme involving contracts, grants, loans, subsidies, and other forms of federal assistance, and
- Trying to commit a fraud involving the purchase of property or services from the federal government.
What are the Penalties?
Defrauding the government is a serious offense punishable by:
- Fines of up to $10 million,
- A prison sentence of up to 10 years, and
- Asset forfeiture.
Can a Defendant Raise a Legal Defense?
Yes. You have the right to contest a fraud against the government charge with a legal defense. A common defense is to show a lack of criminal intent. Recall that you are only guilty of this crime if you act with the specific intent to defraud the U.S. Thus, you are not guilty of an offense if you did not act with this purpose. You can also assert that you were arrested only after being entrapped.
Entrapment is a defense often raised when an accused is charged following an undercover sting. The defense says that you only committed a crime because a federal agent lured you into doing so. It is an acceptable defense provided that you show that you only committed a fraud because of the entrapment.
Contact Black & Askerov for Help
While a defendant can raise a legal defense to challenge a fraud against the government charge, it will take a skilled criminal defense attorney to raise the best defense. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Black & Askerov have over 30 years of combined experience defending clients on various criminal charges under federal law. Our Seattle criminal defense lawyers also have the skill and commitment that makes all the difference in these cases. Contact us now to get the legal help you deserve!
