White collar crime is prevalent in this new stage of technological advancements. As technology improves, so does our access to information and data that would otherwise be a lot of work to obtain. Since the process of getting our hands on things is simplified, temptations are also high. If you have taken a wrong turn and fallen for these temptations, you are not alone. Specifically, if you have been convicted of committing fraud, insurance fraud to be exact, you need a talented law team by your side. John R. Teakell is the best criminal defense attorney in Dallas, Texas. He has over 20 years of courtroom experience, and knowledge on both federal and state crimes and court systems. We will briefly go over what to expect when convicted for insurance fraud, and what our law team can do for you.
What Is Insurance Fraud?
Firstly, fraud in its basic definition is when someone knowingly lies to obtain information, a benefit, or advantage that they are not entitled to. Or, on the other hand, fraud is also when a person knowingly denies a benefit that is due and to which someone is entitled to.
There are many ways to commit insurance fraud. It occurs when a person makes a false material statement or reports false information to an insurance company. It also occurs when people receive money from filing a false claim with an insurance company. Or, submitting a false application for insurance is another way to get convicted of this crime.
Specific Types of Insurance Fraud
Below we have listed types of this crime. If you have done any of the following, you will need a strong defense attorney on your side.
Healthcare Claim Fraud
If you are a patient, you commit this fraud when you claim to have a false injury in order to obtain money or prescriptions. If you are a healthcare provider, submitting claims to an insurance company for procedures that were never performed is a healthcare claim fraud.
Life Insurance Fraud
This is when someone tries to fake someone’s death in order to collect life insurance.
Property Claim Fraud
If you purposely set fire to your property, or reported a fake burglary in order to receive money for stolen property, you are committing property claim fraud. Even if you just exaggerate the amount of property damaged in a loss is fraud.
Automobile Claim Fraud
Staging an automobile accident or claiming that the damage on your vehicle is worse than it really was are all examples of insurance fraud.
Penalties in Texas
The penalty is dependent on the amount of the false claim. The higher the claim was, the more fines and jail time you will have to serve. If the claim is less than $2,500, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. This can be up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Anything more than $2,500 is considered a felony. You can spend 180 days in jail, or 99 years. You could be facing a fine as high as $10,000.
Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal defense attorney John R. Teakell is here for you if you find yourself on the wrong side of the law. He knows the ins and outs of the justice system and can provide the best defense in Dallas. Call today, and we promise you will be in good hands.
