Welfare Fraud Reduced for No Jail

A 54-year-old construction worker recently found himself in a difficult spot when he was charged with welfare fraud. Apparently, he was sent a few extra checks and didn’t report the overpayment. When asked by the Indiana Department of Revenue, he admitted to the situation and agreed to make restitution.

Making a statement without an attorney turned out to be a mistake because the Department of Revenue referred the matter to the prosecutor, who decided to file criminal charges. This exposed him to felony charges and possible time in custody, so he needed the help of an Indiana criminal lawyer. After attorney Hessler got involved, he negotiated to reduce the charge for no jail time and let him maintain his repayment plan.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.