Fraud & Forgery

Charged with fraud or forgery?

Fraud cases are document- and record-heavy, and they hinge on intent. Attorney Reinhardt digs into the paper trail to find where the Commonwealth's case falls apart.

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What's at stake

"Fraud" covers a family of Massachusetts offenses built on the idea of deception for gain: forgery of documents (G.L. c. 267, § 1), uttering a forged instrument (§ 5), identity fraud (c. 266, § 37E), credit-card fraud, insurance fraud, and larceny by false pretenses. Many are felonies with state-prison exposure and, frequently, restitution orders.

What ties these cases together is intent. The Commonwealth must prove you acted knowingly and with intent to defraud — not that a document was wrong or a transaction went bad. Because these prosecutions rest on records, statements, and financial trails, they are often winnable at the level of intent and knowledge.

How it works

How we defend a fraud charge

These cases are made and unmade in the documents. We read them more closely than anyone.

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Step 1

Reconstruct the paper trail

We obtain and analyze the records, communications, and financial documents at the heart of the allegation.
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Step 2

Attack intent and knowledge

Mistake, authorization, and good faith are complete defenses to fraud. We show where intent to defraud simply cannot be proven.
- Can the Commonwealth prove intent to defraud?
- Was there authorization or a good-faith belief?
- Do the records actually show what the charge claims?
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Step 3

Resolve through restitution where possible

For first offenders, restitution-based and diversionary outcomes can avoid a felony conviction.
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Step 4

Negotiate or try the case

We push for dismissal or reduction, and try the case when the evidence should be challenged in front of a jury.

Fraud & forgery questions

I didn't mean to defraud anyone — is that a defense?

It can be a complete defense. Fraud and forgery require a specific intent to deceive. A genuine mistake, a good-faith belief, or authorization to act can defeat the charge entirely.

Are fraud charges felonies?

Many are, with state-prison exposure and restitution. The grading depends on the specific statute and the amount involved. Early defense can affect both the charge and the exposure.

The case is all paperwork — is that good or bad for me?

It can be good. Document-heavy cases give a skilled defense a great deal to work with. The records often show gaps in intent and knowledge that the Commonwealth cannot close.