Fraud has been on the rise in recent years, due in large part to society's rapid advancement toward digital information. COVID-19 has accelerated this trend. Incidents of fraud have been up 218% since the beginning of the pandemic. Canada is no stranger to fraud. The legal system in Ontario takes fraud seriously and levies harsh consequences for those convicted. So, what is fraud in Ontario? What are the consequences of committing fraud? We're happy to explain. Keep reading to learn more about how fraud in Ontario is handled.
Study the Range of Fraud Penalties
First, what is fraud? This charge is defined as any crime in which deception is used to procure money, resources, property, or anything of value from another party.
Fraud in Ontario is punished severely. When the fraud case involves money or assets greater than $5,000, a person can be imprisoned for as many as 14 years. Smaller incidents of fraud carry maximum sentences of 2 years in prison.
When the fraud case has damages of $1 million or more, the convicted person has to spend a minimum of 2 years behind bars. Having the help of a criminal lawyer is absolutely essential so you can avoid the penalties that a conviction brings.
Consider the Different Types of Fraud
Committing fraud in Ontario happens in several different ways.
Many people deal with credit card fraud at some point. This happens when another person gets access to someone's credit card information to run up unlawful charges.
Some ways that credit card fraud happens include stealing a card and PIN number, duplicating credit cards, stealing information by rummaging through trash, and representing yourself as someone selling a legitimate product or service.
Other common types of fraud include money laundering, insurance fraud, elderly fraud, and identity theft.
Assess Various Life Consequences of Committing Fraud
If you're charged with fraud in Ontario, you should realize that you're dealing with a lot more than just legal problems.
You drastically hurt your current and future employment opportunities when you're convicted of such a crime. Companies hesitate to hire people that are convicted of crimes that deal with dishonesty and misrepresentation.
You'll likely have to pay restitution, which can set you back financially for several years. This stain on your reputation can also hurt your personal relationships and ruin your chances of holding public office or even getting approved for apartments and loans.
Understand How Fraud Is Handled
Understanding fraud charges will help you know your legal rights if you're ever charged. Knowing how the law in Ontario addresses fraud and the penalties of fraud in Barrie also lets you know what you're up against.
No matter what kind of charge you're facing, it's essential that you hire the help of an experienced criminal defence attorney that can represent your interests.
This way, you can seek an acquittal, plea bargain, or light sentence.
David Wilcox has built his reputation on 34 years of experience, integrity, and skill. He'd be more than happy to help you when you're charged with a criminal offence.
Contact David Wilcox LL.B. using our online consultation request form or by calling (705)721 6642.