Fraud Investigations Defense Attorneys in New York, New Jersey & Federal Court

Under Investigation for Fraud? Protect Yourself Before Charges Are Filed.

Fraud investigations are serious matters that can involve both state and federal authorities. Even before formal charges are filed, being the subject of an investigation can disrupt your career, finances, and personal life. Agencies such as the IRS, FBI, SEC, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, New York District Attorneys, and New Jersey Prosecutors devote extensive resources to investigating fraud. Early intervention by experienced defense counsel can often prevent charges or significantly limit exposure.

Types of Fraud Commonly Investigated

Fraud covers a broad range of conduct, including:

  • Financial & Corporate Fraud: Embezzlement, accounting fraud, Ponzi schemes.
  • Securities & Investment Fraud: Insider trading, market manipulation, misrepresentation of investments.
  • Insurance Fraud: False claims, staged accidents, exaggerated losses.
  • Healthcare Fraud: Billing fraud, prescription fraud, Medicare/Medicaid schemes.
  • Tax Fraud: Filing false returns, underreporting income, payroll tax violations.
  • Bank & Mortgage Fraud: Loan application misrepresentation, foreclosure scams.
  • Identity Theft & Wire Fraud: Misuse of personal information, phishing, or electronic fraud schemes.

Federal Fraud Investigations

Federal fraud cases are often prosecuted under broad statutes, including:

  • Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. §1343): Use of electronic communications in a fraud scheme.
  • Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. §1341): Use of the postal system to further fraud.
  • Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. §1344): Fraud against financial institutions.
  • Securities Fraud (18 U.S.C. §1348): Insider trading and investment fraud.
  • Tax Fraud (26 U.S.C. §§7201–7206): Evasion or filing false returns.
  • Healthcare Fraud (18 U.S.C. §1347): Fraudulent claims to health programs.

Penalties include decades in prison, fines reaching into the millions, restitution orders, and forfeiture of assets.

Fraud Investigations in New York

New York state law addresses fraud through various statutes, including Penal Law Articles 155 (larceny), 170 (forgery), 175 (false statements/records), and 176 (insurance fraud). Investigations are often handled by:

  • The New York Attorney General’s Office
  • Local District Attorneys
  • State agencies regulating finance, insurance, or healthcare

Fraud Investigations in New Jersey

New Jersey prosecutes fraud under statutes including N.J.S.A. §2C:20 (theft by deception), §2C:21 (forgery, credit card fraud, identity theft), and §2C:21-4.6 (insurance fraud). Investigations may be led by:

  • The Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor
  • County prosecutors’ offices
  • State police and regulatory agencies

Penalties range from disorderly persons offenses to first-degree crimes, carrying 10–20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000.

Collateral Consequences of a Fraud Investigation

  • Damage to professional reputation, business relationships, and career
  • Freezing of assets and financial accounts
  • Loss of professional licenses in fields such as law, finance, or healthcare
  • Immigration consequences for non-citizens
  • Civil lawsuits or regulatory actions in addition to criminal liability

Defense During a Fraud Investigation

The most effective defense often begins before charges are filed. Strategies include:

  • Intervening with investigators or prosecutors to clarify facts
  • Preventing or limiting overly broad subpoenas or document requests
  • Ensuring client cooperation is strategic and protected
  • Negotiating with agencies to resolve matters civilly rather than criminally
  • Challenging the scope or legality of surveillance, audits, or evidence collection
  • Preparing a trial-ready defense in case charges are ultimately filed

Why Early Legal Representation Matters

By the time someone learns they are under investigation, prosecutors and investigators may have already gathered months or years of evidence. Anything you say or provide without legal counsel may be used against you. An experienced fraud investigations defense attorney in New York, New Jersey, and federal court can protect your rights, guide communications with investigators, and work to resolve matters discreetly and favorably.