Louisiana Welfare Fraud Defense Lawyer

Welfare Fraud Attorney in Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, & Ruston, LA

Millions of Americans rely on government assistance, often called “welfare,” to put food on their table and live a stable life. Unfortunately, some people exploit the welfare system for their own gain. Whether it’s falsifying identity information or outright theft of other people’s personal data, welfare fraud comes in many forms, especially in the state of Louisiana. While some people consider it a “victimless crime,” welfare fraud costs the state government (and by proxy, taxpayers) billions of dollars each year.

Those who face charges of welfare fraud are often in a unique, emotionally challenging situation. Although they might truthfully be in need of government assistance, the way they have acquired it is illegal. Now that they’re facing charges, they confront the difficult decision of whether to obtain a viable defense attorney who can help get them back on their feet and heading in the right direction. If you’ve been charged with welfare fraud, don’t give up. There is hope.

Welfare fraud is a serious accusation that requires a strong defense. The defense team at The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm has more than 24 years defending welfare fraud cases in Louisiana. By learning the essential elements of the crime, you can be better equipped to hire a competent welfare fraud defense attorney to represent your case.

Types of Welfare in Louisiana

In the state of Louisiana, there are numerous types of welfare assistance that residents of the state can apply for to help make ends meet. Most residents who use welfare assistance programs in Louisiana do so for only a short period of time. The most common welfare assistance programs include: 

• Louisiana Head Start: A free and reduced pay preschool program for low-income children in Louisiana.
• LaCHIP: An affordable health insurance program for uninsured children in Louisiana.
• LIHEAP: An assistance program designed to help low-income Louisiana pay for basic energy bills such as heat and electricity.
• Louisiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Monthly nutrition benefits for low-income residents of Louisiana.
• Louisiana Unemployment Insurance: Temporary financial assistance for Louisiana residents who are unemployed due to no fault of their own.
• And more… 

You can find all of the Louisiana Welfare Programs online

If anyone who participated in these programs misuses or abuses them, they can be charged with welfare fraud.

What is Welfare Fraud?

Welfare fraud can be defined as illegally using, misappropriating, or receiving state or public funds and/or benefits.

The following are a few common instances that constitute welfare fraud:

• Aiding or Abetting: Helping someone else commit welfare fraud constitutes a charge of aiding or abetting. If you facilitate, encourage, or actively participate in a welfare fraud scheme, that would meet the criteria necessary for an aiding and abetting charge.

• Change of Circumstances: If you begin to make more money than meets the requirements to receive benefits and fail to report it, that would constitute welfare fraud.
• Proving Intent: It’s critical to prove intent in order to be accused of committing welfare fraud. If it cannot be proven the subjects using the funds were aware that they were obtained through fraudulent means, it will be very challenging to prosecute for the crime of welfare fraud.

Louisiana Welfare Fraud Penalties

Welfare fraud carries with it specific penalties unique to the crime. If someone is convicted of welfare fraud in Louisiana, the penalties may vary in terms of the severity of the offense itself. 

The following examples constitute potential welfare fraud penalties upon a conviction:

• Exploited Funds <$200: If the funds used were less than $200, the maximum penalty is a first-degree misdemeanor or one year in jail, in addition to a $1,000 fine.
• Exploited Funds >$200: if the funds used exceed $200, the crime would be considered a third-degree felony and the penalties would be five years in prison and upwards of a $10,000 fine.

Given the severity of the aforementioned charges, having an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential to protecting your assets as well as your freedom and reputation.

Fighting for You When You Need It the Most

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Your Premier Choice for Welfare Fraud Defense

Ready to get back on your feet and move on to the next chapter of your life? If so, then there’s no better time than now to obtain a trustworthy, credible, and proven attorney to help you mitigate the charges you face for welfare fraud.

Don’t let accusations of welfare fraud ruin your good name or result in criminal penalties. At The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we have more than 24 years of experience defending people against criminal charges throughout Louisiana. Attorney Eric Johnson is a devoted problem solver who will give your case the attention it deserves. Let our experienced and dependable team do the same for you. All of our attorneys are members of the Louisiana Bar Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Give our team a call 24/7 at 318-377-1555 or complete our online contact form today. Our eager and professional staff is standing by.