Fraud is a term used for deceiving people or authorities for personal benefit. If you have been caught committing fraud in the real estate industry, such as buying and selling fake property, selling property more than it is worth, or any other fake scheme you might have used to collect money from people, you need to be prepared to fight a legal battle.
Even a criminal has a right to defend themselves, therefore, here is what you should do.
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Hire A Lawyer
The first thing to do after you have been charged with fraudulent conduct is to hire a fraud lawyer for your defense. Hiring a lawyer will help you present a stronger defense. As a result, you might be able to find some relaxation in your penalties.
Make sure that the lawyer you choose specializes in fraud cases and has a positive reputation in presenting a defense for their clients. It is crucial to choose the right lawyer for yourself. Without a good lawyer, you might end up with serious penalties.
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Understand Your Charges
Make sure that you understand the charges on you. You should consult with your lawyer to understand the gravity of the situation. When you explore the facts with your lawyer, you might find a loophole or a solution that might prevent you from going to jail for a long time.
When you understand what you are being charged for, you will know whether it was an unintentional mistake or you have committed the crime.
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Prepare Necessary Documentation
You should prepare your documents in the way they might be required by the court. Your lawyer should help you gather all the facts and documentation that might help your case.
Moreover, make sure that your documents are complete. Presenting your case with incomplete documentation will only drag your case. Therefore, it is crucial to have complete and properly presented supporting evidence or documents for your case.
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Know The Real Estate Laws
The real estate industry has very specific laws when it comes to fraud and scams. Make sure that you discuss your case with an estate planning lawyer to find the specific laws you might have broken while committing the fraud you have been charged with.
When you know the exact laws, you can present a stronger defense and fight for yourself in a better way. Moreover, knowing these laws will help you find the loopholes that might prevent you from serious criminal charges.
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Prepare Yourself For The Case
Lastly, you should be mentally and emotionally prepared to fight a long legal battle for yourself. Fraud cases can be complicated and you might have to fight for a few months or even years.
Make sure that you are emotionally prepared to fight for your rights. If you did not commit the fraud or you are being manipulated into this scheme, then you should take a firm stand for your rights and cooperate with your lawyer. Your lawyer will help you find a solution to reduce the intensity of your criminal charges.