DuPage County Financial Institution Fraud Defense Lawyer
A Financial Institution Fraud charge means you're accused of committing fraud against banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions. If you are found guilty, you could face prison time up to five years, pay thousands in fines, and have a permanent felony criminal record that appears on background checks.
At McMahon Law Offices, we defend people against Financial Institution Fraud 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 Financial Institution Fraud?
Financial Institution Fraud under 720 ILCS 5/17-10.3 is when police arrest you for knowingly executing or attempting to execute a scheme to defraud a financial institution or to obtain money from a financial institution by false pretenses.
In Illinois, you can get this charge for check fraud, loan fraud, credit application fraud, or any scheme designed to obtain money or property from banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions through deception. This includes submitting false information on loan applications, depositing altered or counterfeit checks, or creating fictitious accounts. The state must prove you acted knowingly and with intent to defraud the financial institution.
A Financial Institution Fraud charge results in felony-level penalties with significant prison exposure.
Financial Institution Fraud Penalties and Consequences
Financial Institution Fraud convictions in Illinois carry severe penalties due to the serious nature of crimes against financial institutions.
Criminal penalties include:
- Prison time up to 5 years (Class 3 felony)
- Fines up to $25,000 plus restitution
- Extended probation with strict monitoring
Enhanced penalties include:
- Federal charges may also apply
- Restitution to financial institutions
- Forfeiture of fraudulently obtained funds
Other consequences include:
- Permanent felony record appearing on background checks
- Prohibition from working in financial services
- Possible professional license revocation
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
The exact penalties depend on the amount of money involved, your criminal history, and whether multiple institutions were targeted.
How We Help
When you are charged with Financial Institution Fraud, you may feel terrified, overwhelmed, and concerned about facing serious felony consequences and prison time.
You might be wondering:
- Will I go to prison for this?
- Can I ever work in finance again?
- What if I didn't intend to defraud anyone?
- How much restitution will I have to pay?
- Will federal charges be filed too?
- Is there any way to beat this case?
These concerns are serious legal matters that require immediate attention. We understand that Financial Institution Fraud cases involve complex issues about intent, financial regulations, and evidence analysis 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 Financial Institution Fraud 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 defraud
- Reduced charges to avoid felony conviction
- Alternative sentencing avoiding prison time
- Negotiated restitution agreements
- Ensuring all legal procedures are properly followed
We will provide professional legal representation and ensure all legal procedures are followed properly during this process.
Financial Institution Fraud Defenses We Use
There are many ways to defend against Financial Institution Fraud charges, and we know how to find and use every defense available in your case.
Common Financial Institution Fraud defenses include:
- Proving lack of intent to defraud
- Demonstrating good faith belief in the accuracy of information provided
- Challenging the sufficiency of evidence of a scheme to defraud
- Proving reliance on advice of professionals
- Showing mistakes or errors rather than intentional fraud
- Demonstrating constitutional violations during investigation
- Challenging the prosecution's proof of materiality
- Proving lack of knowledge of false information
- Showing entrapment or inducement by government agents
- Demonstrating statute of limitations defenses
Every Financial Institution Fraud 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 Financial Institution Fraud Defense?
Former prosecutor Mike McMahon and retired judge Cary B. Pierce combine insider knowledge from both sides of the courtroom to defend your Financial Institution Fraud charges.
Former Judge & Prosecutor Advantage
We understand Financial Institution Fraud 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 Financial Institution Fraud cases are decided and what influences sentencing. This dual perspective gives us advantages other attorneys simply don't have.
24/7 Emergency Financial Institution Fraud Help
Financial Institution Fraud arrests are serious felony matters that can involve federal agencies and require immediate legal attention. We're available day or night for jail release, emergency help, and immediate case review.
Our payment plans make experienced Financial Institution Fraud 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 Financial Institution Fraud 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 crucial when facing serious felony charges with significant prison exposure. We provide experienced legal counsel based on our knowledge of these complex cases.
How We Defend Your Financial Institution Fraud Case
Our proven three-step process protects your rights and fights for the best possible outcome in your Financial Institution Fraud case.
1. Analyze Your Case
We immediately review all financial records, applications, and communications to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's proof of intent to defraud.
2. Challenge the Evidence
We attack the prosecution's proof of intent and scheme to defraud, challenge the admissibility of financial records, 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 Financial Institution Fraud charges in DuPage County.
"Good Faith Defense - Charges Reduced"
"I was accused of loan fraud but made honest mistakes on my application. Mike McMahon proved good faith and got charges reduced to a misdemeanor." - Patricia K., Elmhurst
"Lack of Intent - Not Guilty"
"They said I schemed to defraud the bank but Judge Pierce showed the jury I had no intent to defraud. Not guilty verdict." - Michael R., Villa Park
"Constitutional Violation - Evidence Suppressed"
"Bank records were obtained illegally. McMahon Law Offices got key evidence suppressed and charges were dismissed." - Sandra L., Lombard
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Financial Institution Fraud charges in DuPage County.
Will I automatically go to prison if convicted?
Not necessarily. We can fight for probation, especially for first-time offenders, and work to avoid prison time through proper representation.
Can I still work in financial services?
A conviction will likely prohibit financial industry employment, which is why fighting the charges is crucial for your career.
What if I made honest mistakes on applications?
Honest mistakes are not fraud. We can prove lack of intent to defraud and get charges dismissed or reduced.
Will federal charges be filed too?
Possibly, depending on the circumstances. We coordinate defense strategies for both state and federal charges when necessary.
How much does a Financial Institution Fraud 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 felony conviction.
Contact McMahon Law Offices
Don't let a Financial Institution Fraud charge result in a felony conviction and prison time. 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 Financial Institution Fraud help
