Wrongfully Obtaining Public Assistance in Minnesota
Experienced Minnesota Lawyers Defending Charges of Falsely Receiving Public Assistance
In Minnesota, it is a crime to falsely obtain public assistance you’re not otherwise entitled to receive. This can include family welfare benefits known as MFIP, medical assistance under the Affordable Care Act, or child care help. Making false statements – whether written or on paper – and not disclosing income or other important information can lead to criminal theft and fraud charges that can result in being sent to jail and having to pay back the money you were given by the state.
Welfare Fraud is Treated Harshly in Minnesota
Wrongfully Obtaining Public Assistance is a felony because it almost always involved the theft of $1,000 or more by the time it is discovered. A guilty plea or conviction can result in being sentenced to serve one year or more in prison and being fined thousands of dollars in addition to being required to repay the money that was received. If you receive public assistance and believe you are being investigated, do not speak to investigators. They are not your friend even though they may seem friendly and casually say they only want to “ask you a few questions.”
You have the right to remain silent and you have the absolute right to be represented by a welfare fraud attorney from Sieben Edmunds Miller during any questioning. Regardless of what an investigator might tell you, your silence cannot be used against you in any hearing or trial. But if you do talk, what you say can be brought up in court. Investigators are trained to know that the best evidence against you is you.
What to Do If You’re Being Investigated for Welfare Fraud
If you are being investigated or believe you will come under suspicion, call Sieben Edmunds Miller immediately. It doesn’t matter if you are in Mendota Heights, Eagan, Minneapolis, St. Paul, or anywhere in Minnesota. We are experienced Minneapolis criminal defense lawyers and St.Paul criminal defense lawyers protecting your rights if you are suspected of wrongfully receiving public assistance. Remember: Talk to us before you speak with an investigator.
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If you’re facing a Theft Crime charge, you can trust the experienced Minnesota lawyers at Sieben Edmunds Miller to advocate for you. We proudly serve the cities of Burnsville, Bloomington, Minneapolis, Woodbury, Eagan, Mendota Heights, St. Paul, Hastings, Hudson, and River Falls in Theft Crime cases. We also serve surrounding cities in Dakota County and throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.