If you’re a company owner or entrepreneur who regularly conducts business in person or online in Alabama, you obviously want to remain current in your understanding of state and federal business laws. Often, being well-informed and up-to-date regarding any regulation or law that governs business in the state may help you avoid problems with clients, and may even keep potential legal problems at bay.
If you find yourself facing fraud charges despite your best efforts to stay informed and achieve business success, you may wonder what options are available to protect your rights and defend yourself in court.
Avoiding fraud issues altogether
Sometimes, the best defense is to avoid potential fraud issues in the first place. Following are tips you may find useful as a business person to prevent trouble with the law:
- Conduct all sales in adherence with state and federal sales regulations, and establish yourself as a reputable dealer.
- Provide a physical mailing address and current telephone number to all prospective and active customers and clients. (Avoid using post office boxes for business purposes.)
- Respond to customer inquiries in a timely manner to provide information or address any purchase concerns.
- Operate under appropriate trademarks, copyrights and patents.
Full disclosure and consistent ethical practices may be your best bets for establishing healthy business relationships with your customers and may also provide the necessary foundation to avoid suspicion and legal problems as your business grows.
Common types of business fraud
If authorities have formally accused you of business fraud, basically, they are saying you have been dishonest and have engaged in illegal practices, possibly to your own financial advantage. Below are some of the most common types of business-related fraud:
- Fund-related issues: Whether someone has accused you of not paying for services or products provided to your company, or denying that you have received appropriate payments from your own customers, these types of issues are among those most common in connection with business fraud.
- False charities: Perhaps authorities suspect that you have raised money for a charity that doesn’t exist or accepted donations through deceptive means for a particular cause or need.
- Overpayment issues: You may need support to address issues related to customers overpaying for your products or services but claiming you did not return the excess money.
This list is by no means extensive regarding various types of business fraud. Regardless the details of your particular situation, it’s no secret that facing fraud charges can produce immediate and long-lasting negative consequences to your business success.
Protecting your rights and bottom line interests
It’s understandable you might be worried, not only about your business reputation, but how your current situation may adversely affect your personal life as well. Depending on the circumstances, your very freedom may be at stake. Knowing where to turn for help is the first step toward protecting your rights and avoiding conviction.
One solid means of support is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your attorney can provide the following services:
- Offer a confidential setting in which you can freely discuss the private details of your situation
- Clarify state and federal laws that pertain to your circumstances
- Help you explore all options available toward a strong defense
- Provide sound counsel and experienced guidance as to how best to proceed in obtaining a positive outcome
- Act on your behalf in all court proceedings
As your personal and business advocate, an experienced attorney understands that protecting your rights and preserving your freedom are of paramount importance. By acting alongside aggressive representation, you can fight against fraud charges and get your business plan back on track.
