Unemployment Fraud in Utah - Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake

Unemployment insurance fraud in Utah is dealt with in both civil and criminal proceedings. Criminal charges for unemployment insurance fraud are typically prosecuted at the felony level. If you are facing criminal prosecution for unemployment insurance fraud in the Utah criminal court system, it is vital to have an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney on your side. Stephen Howard has successfully protected his clients rights in a many fraud and other related criminal cases. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation

Elements of a Criminal Unemployment Insurance Fraud Charge in Utah

Most Utah criminal charges for unemployment insurance fraud begin with civil proceedings. If the Utah Department of Workforce Services finds that you have received unemployment benefits through fraud, you can be required to pay back the unemployment benefits you received in addition to facing a civil penalty equal to the amount of the benefits you received. You also may lose eligibility to receive unemployment benefits for up to 49 weeks. Your case also may be submitted to the Utah Attorney General's Office or other local prosecutors to be screened for criminal prosecution.

Criminal charges for unemployment fraud in Utah (sometimes referred to as "false statements regarding unemployment compensation") require evidence that a person has made a false statement or representation knowing it to be false, or knowingly fail to disclose a material fact in order to obtain benefits, increase a benefit, or obtain other payments Utah's Employment Security Act or under other state or federal unemployment compensation law.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The elements of a Utah criminal charge for unemployment insurance fraud are different from the elements that the Department of Workforce Services must establish in the civil/administrative proceedings. Even if you have been found to have received benefits through "fraud" in an administrative hearing, it is important to have competent legal counsel in the criminal case.

Penalties for Unemployment Insurance Fraud Convictions in Utah

The level of an unemployment insurance fraud charge in Utah depends on the money or value of benefits either actually obtained or sought to be obtained. Amounts or values less than $1,500 qualify as misdemeanor charges. If the amount or value is or exceeds $1,500 but less than $5,000, the charge can be filed as a third degree felony with a potential prison term of up to five years and $5,000 in fines. If the value or amount is or exceed $5,000, the charge can be filed as a second degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer in Salt Lake

If you have been charged with unemployment fraud in Utah's criminal courts, you need an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney to ensure that your rights are protected. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal lawyer Stephen Howard has the experience necessary to help you achieve the results you need.

Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation.