Last Updated on: 15th October 2023, 12:25 pm

Queens Welfare Fraud Lawyers

Welfare fraud has been in the headlines lately, but what does it actually mean? And if you’re accused of welfare fraud in Queens, New York, what can you do about it? This article aims to break it all down in simple terms so you understand the law and your options if accused.

What is Welfare Fraud?

Welfare fraud is when someone lies or leaves out information on purpose to get benefits they aren’t actually eligible for from programs like:

• Medicaid
• Food stamps
• Unemployment insurance
• Cash assistance like TANF

Some examples of welfare fraud include:

• Not reporting income from a job or other source
• Saying you have more kids than you actually do
• Using someone else’s benefits card

Welfare fraud became a big political talking point in the 70s and 80s. Ronald Reagan told a famous story about a “welfare queen” in Chicago who supposedly stole over $150,000 – critics said he used this to unfairly stereotype people on welfare.

Penalties for Welfare Fraud in Queens

If you’re convicted of welfare fraud in Queens, penalties can include:

• Jail time – up to 7 years for a felony
• Fines equal to double what you wrongfully received
• Losing eligibility for benefits – for up to 5 years

The DA’s office takes welfare fraud seriously. In 2019, Queens had the most welfare fraud arrests of any NYC borough – over 160 cases.

How Lawyers Can Help if Convicted

If you lose at trial and get convicted, a lawyer can still help in these ways:

• Argue for alternatives to jail – Like probation or restitution instead of prison time.
• Advocate for a shorter sentence – Present mitigating factors to the judge.
• File an appeal – Look for legal errors to overturn the conviction.

Hiring a lawyer greatly improves your chances of avoiding jail and keeping your record clean after a welfare fraud conviction.

Finding the Right Welfare Fraud Lawyer in Queens

If you’re accused of welfare fraud, it’s crucial to have an experienced Queens lawyer on your side. Look for someone who:

• Focuses specifically on welfare fraud cases
• Has represented many clients before the Queens DA
• Understands the welfare system and common mistakes
• Will aggressively defend you and fight the charges

Ask any lawyer you consider:

• – How often do your cases end in dismissed charges or acquittal?
• – Will you help me avoid jail time and a criminal record?

Don’t just pick anyone – interview lawyers and find one you trust. The consequences of welfare fraud are too serious to risk it.

What to Do If You’re Being Investigated

If investigators contact you about potential welfare fraud, here’s what to do:

• Don’t answer questions without your lawyer present – you could accidentally incriminate yourself.
• Politely state you won’t speak without an attorney and end the conversation.
• Call a lawyer immediately – they can deal with investigators for you.

Investigators often use scare tactics to get people to talk. A lawyer can protect you from this and advise if you have a defense.

References

Here are some references used in this article:

• Queens Welfare Fraud Lawyers
• The Original ‘Welfare Queen’
• “The Crime of Survival”: Fraud Prosecutions, Community Surveillance, and the Original “Welfare Queen”