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Not only are you an excellent attorney, but a good person who truly cared about me and always did your best to help me. I am so grateful for being given a second chance. —TomDave Shrager successfully lobbied for my felony charge to be completely withdrawn. His services were worth every dime. A highly personable, intelligent, and competent attorney, I would recommend Dave Shrager to my closest friends and family without hesitation. —RonDave knows the system better than any lawyer in Pittsburgh due to his family's local and long-standing practice, and it was evident in the positive manner in which the judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers responded to Dave's arguments on my behalf. —JimI cannot say thank you enough to David Shrager for all his help today! If it were not for this guy, I would no longer have a job or drivers license. So thanks again Dave, you're the best! —BillI was in a bad place in my life...I was making bad decisions, which led to my having a really bad night and lots of legal trouble. I'm lucky I had Attorney David Shrager at my side. He helped guide me, with his legal expertise, through a very difficult time in my life. —Tamika
Call 412-969-2540 to Speak Directly with Attorney David Shrager 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

PITTSBURGH WELFARE FRAUD CHARGES DEFENSE ATTORNEY

WELFARE FRAUD CHARGES IN PENNSYLVANIA

If you find yourself facing allegations or charges for welfare fraud or food stamp fraud (SNAP benefits) in Pennsylvania, you are probably wondering what type of penalties you face and how you may be able to defend your legal rights.

Many people who are charged with welfare fraud may be struggling with finding work, or enough work to cover all expenses. Nevertheless, having welfare fraud charges brought against you can be a frightening situation.

In addition, business owners may find they are under investigation for welfare fraud or “SNAP trafficking”.

The penalties in Pennsylvania for a conviction of welfare fraud could mean losing welfare benefits, paying full restitution, jail time and a criminal record.

For business owners, it could mean going to prison, facing Federal charges and state charges, and having to pay restitution, and a criminal record.

In recent years, several bills have been passed to crack down on Welfare Fraud and SNAP Fraud, including the Warner Bill, or House Bill 2179.

If you are facing criminal charges for welfare fraud, it is important to speak with an experienced and aggressive defense attorney as soon as possible.

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WELFARE FRAUD CHARGES
DO NOT MEAN YOU ARE GUILTY
OR WILL BE CONVICTED

CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY
FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.

____________________________________________________________

Your Rights Are Worth the Fight – Don’t’ Be Scared; Be Prepared!

If you have been charged, arrested or suspect that you may be charged for welfare fraud, it is in your best interest to call an experienced Pennsylvania Fraud Attorney right away.

At Shrager Defense Attorneys, we work closely with you to fight for your rights and build a strong defense, taking every legal action available to have charges reduced or withdrawn and, ultimately, make attempts for the case to be dismissed.

Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer David J. Shrager does his absolute best to help people retain their rights and freedom so they can go on with their lives without worry for their future – so they can keep a  clean record and continue providing for their families.

_______________________________________________

SNAP FRAUD CHARGES
DO NOT MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.

CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY FOR A
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
________________________________________________

 

WHAT IS WELFARE FRAUD?

Welfare fraud, simply put, is when an individual uses fraudulent means to receive public assistance benefits.

Under PA Code § 7314 the definition is as follows:

(a)  Offense defined.–A person commits the offense of fraudulent traffic in SNAP benefits if he, whether acting for himself or for another, directly or indirectly, furnishes or delivers to any person money, merchandise, or anything other than food, on or in exchange for a SNAP benefit, or furnishes or delivers food on or in exchange for a SNAP benefit to any person, other than the original recipient of the SNAP benefit, or in quantities or for prices other than those itemized on the SNAP benefit at the time the food is furnished or delivered.

Examples of Welfare Fraud / SNAP Fraud can include:

For individuals:

    • Failing to disclose all income and assets to obtain benefits or receive increased benefits;
    • Using a fake identity to receive benefits;
    • Using multiple identities to receive benefits;
    • Using multiple addresses, sometimes in more than one state, to receive welfare benefits;
    • Filing for benefits in more than one state.

For Retailers (SNAP Trafficking):

    • Accepting SNAP benefits for items that are not allowed under the program, such as cigarettes, alcohol, or cash.

_______________________________________________

BEING CHARGED WITH WELFARE FRAUD
DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.

CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY FOR A
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
________________________________________________

 

PENALTIES FOR COMMITTING WELFARE FRAUD IN PENNSYLVANIA

The penalties in Pennsylvania for welfare fraud or SNAP benefit fraud in PA are extremely harsh.

In Pennsylvania the amount of the benefits allegedly stolen will determine what type of penalties you face upon a conviction.

Other potential charges (such as theft), will determine the length of the prison sentence and amount of the fine.

Under PA Code § 7314 the penalties are as follows:

  • $2,500 or more: A second degree felony of the second degree. This can mean up to 10 years of prison time and a $25,000 fine.
  • Between $1,000 and $2,499: A third degree felony. This can mean up to seven years of prison time and a $15,000 fine.
  • Less than $1,000: A first degree misdemeanor. This can mean up to five years of prison time and a $10,000 fine.

(2)  Amounts involved in fraudulent traffic in SNAP benefits committed pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct, whether from the same person or several persons, shall be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense.

(b)  Additional penalty.–In addition to the penalties otherwise prescribed and any restitution ordered, the defendant shall also be ordered to pay to the agency which shall have issued such SNAP benefit, not less than two times, but not more than three times the amount of restitution ordered.

In addition to financial burden and a lengthy prison sentence, those found guilty may carry the label of convicted felon or convicted criminal for life.

With one’s quality of life and reputation at stake, it is prudent and imperative to choose a highly qualified and experience Pittsburgh fraud attorney who can represent your interests and be aggressive in defending your rights.

FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS

At Shrager Defense Attorneys, we know good people often commit crimes out of necessity, out of fear or simply because they did not fully understand the implication of their actions. Often the punishments do not match the crimes.

We provide compassionate counsel and will listen to your situation with understanding and empathy — not judgment, reproof or apathy. We want to help ease the stress of the situation and make sure you understand your rights.

Don’t be scared: be prepared. Hiring an experienced criminal lawyer can make all the difference in your case and your future.

At Shrager Defense Attorneys, we treat every case as our most important case and will work aggressively to help you have your charges reduced or withdrawn.

Fight for your rights — call or text Attorney Shrager today for a free consultation.

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FREE Legal Consultation

Call or Text 412-969-2540 right now for a FREE initial legal consultation.

Speak directly with David J. Shrager 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Shrager Defense Attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA will attack your criminal charges in order to protect your good name. Have a sound and solid case prepared by David J. Shrager and his legal team so they can fight for your rights.