Fraud and Deceptive Practices

Don't fight a Deceptive Practice charge alone. Call the Law Office of Steven R. Hunter at (312) 466-9466 today to arrange a consultation and learn how we can help your case.

A Deceptive Practice occurs when a person has the intent to defraud and uses threats or deception to obtain property or services. There are a variety of specific types of conduct stated in Illinois law, such as causing a sale by deception, accepting money on behalf of an insolvent financial institution, paying for property, labor or services with a check from a closed account or that has insufficient funds, and others. (See 720 ILCS 5/17-1).

In addition, there are many types of fraud charges, such as State Benefits fraud, hour meter fraud, false personation, and many others. (See 720 ILCS 5/17-1 through 29). If you are charged under this statute, call the Law Office of Steven R. Hunter today at (312) 466-9466 for an office consultation to determine if you fall under the Fraud or Deceptive Practice statutes.

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Defense to Deceptive Practices

As happens so often in criminal law, the difference between a defensible and indefensible charge often depends on whether or not a person made a statement to the police.

Probably the most common type of deceptive practice is writing a check for insufficient funds or on a closed account. Often a pretty good argument can be made that a person did not realize he or she had insufficient funds, especially in this age of wire transfers, automatic debits, ATM cards, and joint accounts.

However, that defense evaporates the minute a person admits he knew he did not have the funds to cover the check or that the account was closed. If the police question you about a financial transaction, ask to speak to a lawyer immediately and do not say anything to the police unless a lawyer is present and advises you to do so.

Other possible defenses include error on the part of the financial institution, alteration of the check by the receiver, and misidentification of the person who delivered the check.

To explore defenses available to you, call the Law Office of Steven R. Hunter today for an office consultation. We can be reached 24/7 at (312) 466-9466.

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Deferred Prosecution

Under select circumstances, those with Deceptive Practice charges can elect to participate in Deferred Prosecution, a program in which a defendant agrees to fulfill requirements of a 12-month probationary period. If all requirements are completed, the Deceptive Practice charges will be dropped.

For more information on Deferred Prosecution, and to see if you are eligible for this program, contact our criminal defense attorneys at (312) 466-9466.