DuPage County Deceptive Practices Defense Lawyer
A Deceptive Practices charge means you're accused of using lies or tricks to get someone's property or money. If you are found guilty, you could face jail time up to a year, pay thousands in fines, and have a permanent criminal record that appears on background checks.
At McMahon Law Offices, we defend people against Deceptive Practices charges in DuPage County. Call us today at 630-953-4400 to talk about your case and learn how we can help you.
What is Deceptive Practices?
Deceptive Practices under 720 ILCS 5/17-1 is when police arrest you for using deception, false statements, or fraudulent schemes to obtain money, property, or services from another person.
In Illinois, you can get this charge for writing bad checks, creating false documents, making fraudulent representations to obtain goods or services, or any scheme designed to deceive others for financial gain. This includes insufficient funds checks, using false identities, making false statements to obtain credit, or creating fake invoices. The state must prove you made false representations with knowledge they were false and with intent to defraud.
A Deceptive Practices charge can result in a permanent criminal record that appears on background checks.
Deceptive Practices Penalties and Consequences
Deceptive Practices convictions in Illinois carry serious penalties that can affect your life for years.
Criminal penalties include:
- Jail time up to 364 days for amounts under $500 (Class A misdemeanor)
- Prison time up to 3 years for amounts over $500 (felony)
- Fines up to $25,000 plus restitution
Civil penalties include:
- Mandatory restitution to victims
- Potential civil lawsuits for damages
- Collection costs and attorney fees
Other consequences include:
- Permanent criminal record appearing on background checks
- Potential difficulty obtaining employment
- Possible professional license consequences
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
The exact penalties depend on the amount of money involved, the type of deception used, and your criminal history.
How We Help
When you are charged with Deceptive Practices, you may feel worried, confused, and concerned about facing fraud-related charges.
You might be wondering:
- How can they prove I intended to deceive anyone?
- What if I thought the check would clear?
- Can they prove the statements were false?
- What if it was a misunderstanding?
- Will this show up on background checks?
- Can I beat this charge?
These concerns are serious legal matters that require immediate attention. We understand that Deceptive Practices cases involve complex issues about intent, knowledge, and the nature of representations made because we have handled these types of cases throughout our practice. We know the legal procedures and court processes involved in these matters.
At McMahon Law Offices, we know the Deceptive Practices legal procedures, we know the judges, and we know the system. Our team includes a former prosecutor and a retired judge who understand how these cases are processed through the courts. We provide legal representation focused on protecting your rights and ensuring proper legal procedures are followed.
The legal outcomes in these cases can include:
- Case dismissals when evidence is insufficient
- Not guilty verdicts when prosecution cannot prove intent to deceive
- Reduced charges when circumstances warrant
- Court supervision to avoid criminal conviction
- Alternative sentencing avoiding jail time
- Ensuring all legal procedures are properly followed
We will provide professional legal representation and ensure all legal procedures are followed properly during this process.
Deceptive Practices Defenses We Use
There are many ways to defend against Deceptive Practices charges, and we know how to find and use every defense available in your case.
Common Deceptive Practices defenses include:
- Proving lack of intent to deceive or defraud
- Demonstrating good faith belief in the truth of statements made
- Showing the alleged victim was not actually deceived
- Proving no false representations were made
- Demonstrating the statements were opinions, not facts
- Challenging the prosecution's proof of knowledge of falsity
- Showing constitutional violations during investigation
- Proving the alleged victim had independent knowledge of facts
- Demonstrating mistake or error rather than intentional deception
- Challenging the materiality of alleged false statements
Every Deceptive Practices case is different, and we examine every detail of your case to build the strongest possible defense strategy for you.
Why Choose McMahon Law Offices for Deceptive Practices Defense?
Former prosecutor Mike McMahon and retired judge Cary B. Pierce combine insider knowledge from both sides of the courtroom to defend your Deceptive Practices charges.
Former Judge & Prosecutor Advantage
We understand Deceptive Practices cases from prosecution, defense, and judicial perspectives. Mike McMahon's experience prosecuting hundreds of fraud cases shows us exactly what evidence prosecutors need and where cases fail.
Judge Pierce's 21 years on the bench gives us unique insight into how Deceptive Practices cases are decided and what influences sentencing. This dual perspective gives us advantages other attorneys simply don't have.
24/7 Emergency Deceptive Practices Help
Deceptive Practices arrests can be unexpected and confusing, and you need immediate help to protect your rights. We're available day or night for jail release, emergency help, and immediate case review.
Our payment plans make experienced Deceptive Practices defense affordable when you need it most. Quality representation shouldn't be limited by financial constraints during legal proceedings.
Proven Legal Experience
We have handled hundreds of Deceptive Practices cases throughout DuPage County, providing legal representation in accordance with established legal procedures. Our clients receive proper legal representation focused on protecting their rights and future opportunities.
Legal representation is important when facing fraud-related charges that can result in a criminal record. We provide experienced legal counsel based on our knowledge of these cases.
How We Defend Your Deceptive Practices Case
Our proven three-step process protects your rights and fights for the best possible outcome in your Deceptive Practices case.
1. Analyze Your Case
We immediately review all documents, communications, and transactions to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's proof of deception and intent.
2. Challenge the Evidence
We attack the prosecution's proof of intent to deceive, challenge the falsity of alleged representations, and look for constitutional violations to exclude evidence or create reasonable doubt.
3. Provide Legal Representation
We provide legal representation according to established legal procedures, always focused on protecting your rights and ensuring proper legal processes are followed.
Client Reviews
Our clients tell the real story of how we defend people facing Deceptive Practices charges in DuPage County.
"Good Faith Defense - Case Dismissed"
"I wrote a check thinking funds were available. Mike McMahon proved good faith and lack of intent to deceive. Case dismissed." - Thomas K., Villa Park
"Opinion vs. Fact Defense - Not Guilty"
"They said I made false statements about a product but Judge Pierce showed the jury they were opinions, not facts. Not guilty." - Maria L., Elmhurst
"Court Supervision - Clean Record"
"Facing deceptive practices charges but McMahon Law Offices got me court supervision with community service. No criminal conviction." - Robert D., Lombard
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Deceptive Practices charges in DuPage County.
How do they prove intent to deceive?
Intent is often the weakest part of the prosecution's case. We can challenge their proof and show you acted in good faith.
What if I thought the information was true?
Good faith belief in the truth of your statements is a strong defense that can lead to dismissal of charges.
Can opinions be considered false representations?
Generally no. We can prove your statements were opinions or beliefs rather than factual representations.
What if the check bounced by mistake?
Accidental insufficient funds without intent to deceive is not a crime. We can prove lack of criminal intent.
How much does a Deceptive Practices lawyer cost?
We offer free consultations and payment plans to make quality defense affordable. The cost of a lawyer is much less than the long-term consequences of a conviction.
Contact McMahon Law Offices
Don't let a Deceptive Practices charge result in a criminal conviction. Call us now for immediate help and a free consultation.
Get Help Now
Phone: 630-953-4400
Available: 24/7 for arrests
Consultation: Free case review
Payment: Plans available
Call 630-953-4400 now for immediate Deceptive Practices help
