Nashville Fraud Lawyer

Nashville Fraud Attorney

There is always something happening in the Music City. With live music on the Honky Tonk Highway, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Ryman Auditorium, and plenty of history at The Parthenon and RCA Studio B, there’s never a dull moment. The excitement can get overshadowed when you’re facing fraud accusations. A Nashville fraud lawyer can help you face the accusations, build a strong defense, and preserve your rights.

Hire a Fraud Lawyer

Being accused of fraud can have lasting effects. There are several types of fraud, each governed by different laws. The best criminal defense lawyer in Nashville can evaluate your case and offer guidance and a strategic legal defense. The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez has served Nashville residents for nearly a decade. Cesar can help translate the intricacies of the criminal defense process so you stay informed. Hire a fraud lawyer as your advocate in court.

Fraud Prevalence in Tennessee

The Tennessee government defines fraud as any intentional deception that violates a law of the public trust for the personal benefit or for the benefit of others. Fraud can occur in numerous ways. The Federal Trade Commission reviews consumer reports on fraud, identity theft, and other consumer protection issues. In 2024, Tennesseans filed 40,363 fraud reports, totaling $160.8 million in losses. The most common fraud report categories include:

• 12,683 imposter scams
• 6,058 online shopping and negative review scams
• 2,365 healthcare scams
• 2,347 internet service scams
• 2,140 prize, sweepstakes, and lottery scams
• 1,987 business and job opportunity scams
• 1,924 privacy, data security, and cyber threat scams
• 1,764 mobile service scams
• 1,343 investment-related scams
• 1,029 travel, vacation, and timeshare scams

Common Types of Fraud

Fraud is a broad term that covers any actions intended to deceive another person. Common types of fraud include:

• Identity theft includes any unauthorized use of someone else’s personal information. This could include a Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information. The information may be used for purchases, to open fraudulent accounts, or to obtain loans.
• Insurance fraud includes any act with the intent to obtain unauthorized payments from an insurance company. Insurance fraud can include submitting false claims, exaggerating actual claims, staging false accidents, or providing inaccurate information on applications.
• Healthcare fraud involves many potential avenues for making false claims. Providers may bill for services not rendered, bill for more expensive services instead of those actually performed, or refer patients for unnecessary services. Providers may also commit Medicaid or Medicare fraud.
• Mortgage fraud occurs when an applicant makes false statements during the application process to qualify for a mortgage they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford.
• Real estate fraud encompasses many areas of buying and selling real estate. An individual may misrepresent the value of a property or forge documents to deceive buyers, sellers, or financial institutions. An individual may also sell a property they do not own or without the owner’s knowledge.
• Bank fraud involves illegal activities against a financial institution. An individual might cash fraudulent checks, alter the information on a check, or obtain a wire transfer under false pretenses. Loan fraud can occur when an individual provides false information to qualify for a loan or line of credit.
• Investment fraud includes several types of illegal sales or promotions of financial products or services. Ponzi schemes involve exaggerating return rates to attract investors while using the money obtained from new investors to pay returns to earlier investors. Artificially inflating a stock’s value to sell at a profit is another type of investment fraud.

FAQs About Nashville, TN Fraud Law

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Fraud Case in Nashville?

The actual cost for a lawyer for a fraud case in Nashville depends on several factors. The complexity and duration of the fraud case can lead to a higher overall cost. A criminal defense attorney may charge a flat fee or an hourly rate, both of which can be discussed during an initial consultation. You may also be expected to pay a retainer fee to secure services before any work can be completed on your case.

Do I Need an Attorney When Facing Fraud Charges in Nashville?

Yes, there are many benefits to having an experienced Nashville fraud attorney when facing fraud charges. Your attorney can gather evidence, challenge claims made by the prosecution, and negotiate on your behalf. A knowledgeable fraud attorney knows the fraud laws that apply to your case and has the necessary relationships with prosecutors and judges to negotiate for your interests.

What Are the Elements of Fraud in Tennessee?

There are four elements of fraud in Tennessee. First, the individual intentionally misrepresents a material fact. Second, the individual making the claim knew the information was false when it was presented. Third, the other party suffered an injury or loss as a result of the false information. Fourth, the misrepresented information involves a past or existing fact. All four elements have to be present for fraud to be claimed.

Do You Automatically Go to Jail for Fraud in Tennessee?

No, fraud does not automatically carry a jail sentence in Tennessee, but the actual penalties vary with the type of fraud committed, the monetary value of goods or services taken, if any physical harm was done, and if the fraud case is a misdemeanor or a felony. It’s possible that a plea agreement can be reached that avoids jail time.

Can a Fraud Case be Tried in Both Civil and Criminal Court in Tennessee?

Yes, fraud cases can be tried in both civil and criminal courts in Tennessee. In criminal court, the accused can face either misdemeanor or felony charges brought by the state or federal government. Potential penalties include fines or imprisonment. In civil court, the alleged victim seeks monetary compensation from the accused for the fraud committed. If the accused loses the criminal case, it can make it easier for the alleged victim to win a civil case.

Contact The Music City Defender

If you’re facing allegations of fraud, you want a fraud attorney ready to fight for your rights and freedoms. A knowledgeable attorney can negotiate on your behalf, challenge evidence, and represent you in court. Contact The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez today to schedule your confidential consultation.

Nashville Fraud Law Additional Resources:

• Franklin, TN Crime Rate – Latest Statistics
• Tennessee Crime Rate Statistics
• Murfreesboro, TN Crime Rates and Statistics
• Nashville, TN Crime Rates and Statistics
• What Are the Top Five Crimes Committed in Tennessee?
• What Is the Difference Between Parole and Probation in Tennessee?
• How Much Does a DUI Cost in Tennessee?

Serving Nashville and Middle Tennessee

When you’re facing criminal charges in Nashville or throughout Middle Tennessee, your future, freedom, and reputation hang in the balance. At the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, we understand that a conviction can devastate not only your life but also the lives of your family members. Our dedicated criminal defense attorney brings nearly a decade of experience fighting for clients accused of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Based in Nashville and serving the greater Davidson County area, The Music City Defender has built a reputation for aggressive representation and strategic defense work that protects clients’ Constitutional rights at every stage of the criminal justice process. Whether you’re facing charges in Nashville’s municipal courts, Tennessee state courts, or federal court, our firm has the experience and resources necessary to mount a comprehensive defense tailored to the unique circumstances of your case.

Whether you’ve been arrested for a DUI on Broadway, charged with assault in downtown Nashville, accused of drug crimes, or facing any other criminal allegations in Middle Tennessee, partnering with a Nashville criminal defense lawyer who understands Tennessee’s criminal justice system and is prepared to fight relentlessly for your rights can be the decisive factor between conviction and freedom, between a ruined future and a second chance.