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Michigan Fraud Crimes Defense Attorney

Fraud accusations can destroy your reputation, career, and future long before a case ever reaches trial. Michigan prosecutors take fraud seriously, and many of these offenses can also become federal charges. If you are under investigation—or have already been charged—it is critical to work with a defense attorney who knows how to challenge financial evidence, digital records, investigator assumptions, and witness credibility.

Our firm aggressively defends clients facing all forms of state and federal fraud charges in Michigan. As a former prosecutor, our attorney knows exactly how these cases are built—and how to dismantle them. 

What Constitutes Fraud in Michigan?

Fraud generally involves intentionally deceiving another person or entity for financial gain. This can include false statements, forged documents, digital manipulation, unauthorized transactions, or schemes involving financial institutions, insurance companies, or government agencies.

Fraud charges often involve complex evidence, including bank records, digital communications, surveillance, transaction logs, and forensic accounting. Early intervention from a defense lawyer is essential. 

Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud includes using someone else’s card, possessing stolen card information, skimming devices, or making unauthorized online purchases. Prosecutors often rely on digital tracking, transaction data, and video surveillance—but these forms of evidence can be challenged.

Check Fraud

Check fraud may involve writing bad checks, altering checks, forging signatures, or depositing counterfeit checks. These cases often hinge on intent, handwriting analysis, bank statements, or whether the accused knew the check was fraudulent.

Wire Fraud

Wire fraud is a federal offense involving any scheme carried out using electronic communications—email, text, phone, apps, or online platforms. Even simple misunderstandings can trigger investigations by the FBI, Secret Service, or federal prosecutors.

Mail Fraud

Mail fraud involves using U.S. mail or commercial carriers to further a fraudulent scheme. Federal prosecutors commonly add mail fraud charges to strengthen a case, even when the underlying allegations are unclear.

Bank Fraud

Bank fraud includes attempting to defraud a financial institution through false statements, forged documents, falsified applications, or unauthorized transactions. These are high-stakes cases where federal charges are extremely common.

Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud may involve staged accidents, false claims, inflated damage reports, or misuse of policy information. Insurers often launch aggressive investigations—but their findings are not always accurate or legal.

Healthcare Fraud

Healthcare fraud can involve billing errors, coding inaccuracies, improper reimbursements, or allegations against doctors, clinics, or business owners. Many cases start as administrative audits and escalate into criminal investigations.

Mortgage Fraud

Mortgage fraud includes falsifying loan applications, inflating property values, using straw buyers, or misrepresenting financial information. Prosecutors rely heavily on paperwork—but paperwork alone does not always prove criminal intent.

Identity Theft (Fraud Aspect)

Identity theft involving fraudulent financial activity—such as using another person’s personal information to open accounts, obtain loans, or make purchases—can lead to both state and federal charges. Digital evidence is often unreliable or misinterpreted without expert analysis.

Federal Fraud Charges

Many fraud crimes fall under federal jurisdiction, especially when they involve:

  • Banks or financial institutions
  • Online transactions
  • Wire transfers
  • Government agencies
  • Out-of-state or international communications

Federal prosecutors have vast resources, but they also make mistakes. A strong defense requires challenging the methods investigators used to gather records, seize property, or interpret financial data. 

Penalties for Fraud Crimes

Penalties vary depending on the amount of money involved, the type of fraud, the number of victims, and whether the case is state or federal. Possible consequences include:

  • Jail or prison time
  • Felony convictions
  • Severe fines
  • Mandatory restitution
  • Asset forfeiture
  • Loss of employment or professional licenses
  • Immigration consequences
  • Federal supervision

Our goal is to prevent charges whenever possible, reduce penalties, and protect your record and future. 

Restitution

Fraud cases almost always include restitution claims. We negotiate aggressively to challenge inflated, inaccurate, or unsupported restitution demands.

Defense Strategies

Common defense strategies in fraud cases include:

  • Lack of intent
  • Mistaken identity
  • Inaccurate accounting or financial records
  • Illegal searches or seizures
  • Insufficient evidence
  • Unauthorized access by another person
  • Coercion or entrapment in sting operations
  • Errors in digital forensics
  • Challenging expert witness claims

Every case is unique—your defense will be built around the evidence, your goals, and the weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory. 

Why Hire a Former Prosecutor

As a former prosecutor, our attorney understands how fraud cases are assembled, what evidence the government relies on, and where weak points typically exist. This experience allows us to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy and build a stronger, more effective defense.

See What Our Clients Are Saying

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Joshua A. Kaplan Criminal Defense Attorney provided prompt expert legal guidance throughout my case. His dedication to his clients and legal process unsurpassed. Joshua demonstrated a true personal interest in me and my situation . I would highly recommended him for your legal matter.

Richard S.

I tried to navigate the MI reinstatement process alone and failed. I live out of state and was lost, until I found Mr. Kaplan. He jumped in and helped me navigate the system. He never once made me feel like a criminal, or a bad person for the mistakes I’ve made. He listened, he supported, and he was professional the whole time. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without him. I went 15 years without a license and Josh helped change that for me. Highly recommend!

Amy G.

The best attorney I could have asked for. Josh is caring & knows how to make his clients feel represented. He is diligent and prompt & available when needed. I had another attorney before him that did not help me with my case & Josh really made sure I was taken care of. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs representation. Not only is he good at what he does, but he has a big heart and genuinely wants to help.

Alicia L.

What a True professional… You want Josh Kaplan leading your team! His representation helped me through a difficult Court case and if i would’ve went with any other attorney I know 1000% it wouldn’t have been in my favor. He made me feel comfortable through the entire process. Josh truly has your back! Thank you for your services Josh, you’re much appreciated Sir

Michael C.

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