Insurance fraud remains a serious area of concern for police, prosecutors, and regulators. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) puts the total annual cost of insurance fraud in excess of $300 billion. In recent years, federal and state officials have been cracking down on insurance fraud allegations. You may be wondering: If you are accused of insurance fraud, will it go on your record? The answer depends on several factors. Here, our Jersey City insurance fraud defense lawyer explains the key things to know about insurance fraud and your record.
Insurance Fraud is a Crime: Know the Law in New Jersey
First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that insurance fraud is a criminal offense in New Jersey. Under N.J.S.A 2C:21-4.6, any person can be arrested and charged with insurance fraud if they knowingly make or cause to be made false statements, material misrepresentations, or material omissions to obtain unwarranted benefits through an insurance policy.
Insurance fraud is a felony offense in New Jersey. At a baseline, it is charged as a third-degree felony offense that can carry up to 18 months in prison. Depending on the amount of the alleged insurance fraud scheme, it could be charged as a second-degree felony offense that carries even more severe criminal penalties.
A Conviction for Felony Insurance Fraud Can Lead to a Permanent Criminal Record
Will insurance fraud go on your record? The answer is that a conviction for felony insurance fraud in New Jersey does create a permanent criminal record. Indeed, being convicted of felony insurance fraud can have serious consequences that can last a lifetime. A criminal record for felony insurance fraud could adversely affect an individual’s ability to obtain employment, housing, and even loans. On the other hand, a record of an insurance fraud allegation, arrest, and/or criminal charge that is dismissed can generally be sealed.
You Must Proactively Defend Insurance Fraud Charges: A Lawyer Can Help
Insurance fraud allegations are a big deal. If you are facing insurance fraud charges in North Jersey, it is crucial to take proactive measures and seek legal representation. Remember, insurance fraud charges can result in serious consequences, including a permanent criminal record, fines, probation, and imprisonment. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. A New Jersey white-collar defense lawyer with experience handling insurance fraud charges can review your case, answer questions, investigate the allegations, and build a personalized defense strategy to best protect your rights, freedom, and future.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With Our Jersey City Insurance Fraud Defense Attorney
At The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, our New Jersey insurance fraud defense lawyer is a skilled, sophisticated, and experienced advocate for clients. If you or your family member were arrested and charged with insurance fraud, we are here to help. Give us a call now or contact us online to arrange your strictly private consultation. With a law office in Jersey City, our law firm handles insurance fraud cases in Hudson County and throughout all of North Jersey.
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