Tag Archives: pittsburgh theft lawyer

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Don’t Get kicked When You’re Already Down. Fight Back Against Charges of Welfare Fraud #Pittsburgh #CriminalLawyer

Pittsburgh Welfare Fraud Lawyer - Frank Walker Law
Pittsburgh Welfare Fraud Lawyer – Frank Walker Law

We live in tough times with a rough economy.  In times of need, there are some social safety net programs that provide assistance to those in need. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF, which is welfare in its current incarnation), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid programs exist to help those with low income and limited resources to make ends meet.  However, these programs also have a high potential of abuse for those looking to make money which they are not entitled to.  In order to combat this, the Commonwealth and the federal government have enacted strict rules and regulations to govern these programs.

Title 62 P.S. § 481 False Statements makes it a criminal offense to make a false statement or misrepresentation, or to fail to disclose a material fact in the attempt to secure cash assistance or federal food stamps.  The severity of the offense is dependent upon the monetary amount of assistance or food stamps acquired fraudulently. This can range anywhere from a Misdemeanor three up to a felony of the third degree for amounts above $3,000!  

In addition to the criminal penalties for making false statements to obtain cash assistance or food stamps, people who are found guilty of one of these offenses are rendered ineligible for further assistance for a period of time. For the first offense they will be ineligible for a period of six months. For a second offense they will be ineligible for a period of twelve months. A third conviction results in a permanent ban from receiving assistance. This is devastating for a person who is in dire need of assistance.

If you have been charged with making false statements to obtain assistance, you may think that an attorney is beyond your ability to afford. However, considering the severity of the potential charges,, you can’t afford not to have an attorney. Attorney Frank Walker offers affordable rates, and is available for initial consultations to see if he is the attorney that is right for you. With years of experience in defending people charged with crimes in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, he has the experience and affordable rates to be the perfect fit for you.  Call now to set up an appointment. 

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia. Attorney Walker is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Super Lawyer and qualified as a Pennsylvania Death Penalty Defense Attorney.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident in WV or PA, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation following a serious accident or injury.

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Access Device Fraud #Pittsburgh #CriminalLawyer

Frank Walker Law - Access Device Fraud
Frank Walker Law – Access Device Fraud Attorney

If you have taken someone’s debit or credit card and used it without their permission, or just used those cards numbers to obtain goods and services online or in stores, you may be charged with a theft offense known as Access Device Fraud. An “access device” can include a credit card, debit card, pin number, account number, login or other method used to access electronic funds.

The crime of access device fraud covers the use of counterfeit cards, the use of the access device or account information of another without their permission, use of a revoked or cancelled card, and several other unique ways in which electronic funds are obtained illegally.  The grading of the crime of access device fraud can range from a misdemeanor three all the way up to a felony three, depending on the methods and amounts involved. Considering that the statutory maximum penalty for a felony three offense  is seven years, access device fraud is no minor matter.

It’s also important to realize that an offense that ends with you being charged with access device fraud may also lead to other similar related charges.  For example, if you use someone’s credit card and debit card and then sign the sales receipt, you may also be charged with forgery, another felony. Other common charges accompanying access device fraud include identity theft, theft by unlawful taking, receipt of stolen property, and in extreme cases the case could even be made by a zealous prosecutor for a burglary or robbery charge depending on how the card was obtained.

It is a potential defense to the unauthorized use of an access device under certain circumstances if the person charged can show they had every intent and means to meet the obligations out of the use of the card. Also, it is important to remember that the burden is on the Commonwealth to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in all criminal prosecutions. In many cases dealing with access device fraud or theft, an important factor for the Commonwealth is making sure that the victim gets their money back, and special consideration may be given to those who can make swift restitution.

If you or a loved one has been charged with Access Device Fraud or other similar charges, you need an attorney you can trust to mount a serious defense and deal with the prosecution on your behalf.  Attorney Frank Walker has years of experience dealing with criminal cases in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and can help guide you through the process of handling these charges.  Lines are open at Walker Law 24/7, and people are available to help you now. Call now! Our number is 412.532.6805.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia. Attorney Walker is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Super Lawyers and qualified as a Pennsylvania Death Penalty Defense Attorney.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident in WV or PA, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation following a serious accident or injury.

 

 

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Former Head of #Munhall Borough Charged with $230,000 Theft

The former manager of the borough of Munhall was recently arrested on suspicion of theft.

The 44 year-old former manager of Munhall suddenly quit his job in June 2013, leaving the borough’s government in a state of deep financial uncertainty.  At the time, it had been three years since the borough had undergone mandatory audits.  Now, the borough’s former manager is being charged with having overpaid himself more than $230,000.

In order to execute the alleged theft police say that the suspect manipulated the borough’s payroll records by omitting payroll reports and falsifying records, and hence was able to disguise the fraud.  In covering up his alleged crimes, the suspect is accused of also having avoided doing payroll altogether at times, and in one situation failed to pay emergency responders for six weeks.

In a complaint filed with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office, police are charging suspect with four counts of theft by deception.  He is currently in Allegheny County Jail, being held on $100,000 bond.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-315-7441, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.

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Two Women Charged with Hoagie-Fundraiser Scam in Carrick

Two Pittsburgh area women were recently arrested on charges that they fraudulently offered local residents the opportunity to purchase hoagie sandwiches, which were to be delivered at a later time. It turns out that the offer was a complete scam.

Police allege that a 27 year-old Pittsburgh woman went door to door in Carrick, pre-selling hoagie sandwiches to residents for $6.00 a piece. It turns out that the woman, who told the residents that she was selling the sandwiches as part of a fundraiser, was allegedly perpetrating a scam. Police also allege that a 31 year-old area woman was also involved in the scheme. In all, approximately just 100 sales were made.

Police are attempting to make a list of all for women’s victims. Possible charges could include theft by deception, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-315-7441, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.