Raleigh Employment Fraud Lawyer

Employment Fraud Attorney In Raleigh

Employers in Raleigh face daily demands as they navigate personnel and logistical issues. Unintentional mistakes and other errors can leave company owners facing allegations of employment fraud. An experienced Raleigh employment fraud lawyer can represent you in court and explain Raleigh employment fraud laws and your options for fighting your charges. With an experienced employment fraud attorney by your side, you can secure a favorable outcome to your case.

A Trusted Law Firm Headed by a Seasoned Litigator

Employment fraud accusations can quickly place your freedom and future in jeopardy. W. James Payne Law Firm represents Raleigh residents who have been charged with fraud. He brings over four decades of experience as an attorney, and his efforts have earned him a strong reputation for tirelessly fighting for the rights of his clients.

Mr. Payne is licensed to practice before the North Carolina Supreme Court, the United States Court of Military Appeals, and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. A retired Marine Corps Colonel, Mr. Payne has earned a reputation for paying attention to detail when representing clients accused of white-collar crimes and other serious charges, including common white collar crimes in North Carolina.

Understanding Employment Fraud in Raleigh

Employment fraud is a serious and ongoing concern in Raleigh and across North Carolina. Whether the acts are intentional or not, employers and workers in areas like North Hills, Glenwood South, and the Warehouse District can face criminal charges when allegations of fraudulent activity are reported to law enforcement.

According to the NC Department of Justice and the Better Business Bureau, job scam incidents increased by 23% between 2021 and 2022. These scams frequently involve fake job offers, phishing schemes, or attempts to steal personal information under the guise of employment verification.

The Federal Trade Commission also reported a surge in online “task” scams, where victims are tricked into performing fake remote work in exchange for promised payment. These schemes grew from virtually nonexistent in 2020 to more than 5,000 reports in 2023 and resulted in over $220 million in losses during just the first half of 2024. Allegations of employment fraud can overlap with broader white-collar crimes, sometimes involving issues like North Carolina tax fraud defense strategies or falsification of financial records.

Common Reasons for Employment Fraud Allegations

Employment fraud allegations often arise from miscommunications, poor recordkeeping, or misrepresentations during the hiring process. Employers may face serious consequences if they overstate job security to prospective employees. Inflating salary or promotion expectations can also lead to potential accusations of employment fraud.

Errors in wage reporting, employee classification, or payroll tax submissions are also potential reasons that someone may be reported for fraud. The federal government is increasingly looking for issues related to unemployment insurance, such as creating false accounts or underreporting employee wages. Even unintentional mistakes may carry legal consequences if they appear deceptive. Fraud claims in employment may even connect to federal crimes statute of limitations if government agencies become involved and pursue charges years after the alleged conduct.

Why You Should Hire an Employment Fraud Lawyer

If you are facing criminal charges for employment fraud, you need representation from an employment fraud attorney who understands how to protect your rights and secure a favorable outcome to your case. The decision to hire an employment fraud lawyer can balance the scales of justice in your favor.

An attorney brings years of experience relying on Raleigh employment fraud laws to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. They can develop a defense strategy tailored to the facts of your case while negotiating with prosecutors to secure an ideal outcome. Attorneys have the experience to conduct their own investigations that may come to very different conclusions than the prosecution’s account of events.

FAQs

What Should I Expect When Hiring a Lawyer for Employment Fraud?

When you hire a defense lawyer to protect you from allegations of employment fraud, you should expect reliable legal services. An attorney should maintain close communications throughout the case so that you are kept up to date with what is happening with your criminal charges. Lawyers provide services by investigating your charges so you do not face the most serious consequences under the law.

What Is Considered Employment Fraud Under North Carolina Law?

Under North Carolina law, employment fraud involves knowingly falsifying information to gain money, benefits, or employment. These fraudulent acts may include fake job applications, forged timesheets, payroll manipulation, or false claims submitted to state agencies.

Employment fraud charges are often prosecuted as felonies and can involve state and federal investigations. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you better understand these charges and the potential consequences.

Can You Be Prosecuted for Submitting False Employment Claims?

Yes, you can be prosecuted for submitting false employment claims to obtain job-related benefits, such as unemployment. The government takes these charges very seriously, and defendants can face potential felony charges under state or federal law. These cases often involve agencies like the Department of Labor or the FBI. If you believe you are under investigation for this type of white-collar crime, you can seek an attorney to advise you on your next steps.

What Should You Do if You’re Accused of Employment Fraud?

If you’re accused of employment fraud, do not speak to investigators without a lawyer. By the time state or federal investigators seek formal charges, they have likely completed an extensive investigation. Your next step should be to hire an employment fraud lawyer who can take decisive action to help you avoid serious employment fraud penalties.

Contact W. James Payne Law Firm for Skilled Employment Fraud Defense

Whether you are facing state or federal employment fraud charges, taking decisive action with the help of an employment fraud attorney can reduce the chances that you will ultimately be convicted of a serious crime. With more than 40 years of experience, the criminal defense team at W. James Payne Law Firm understands how to investigate your case and fight your charges.

Whether your employer failed to honor compensation agreements or knowingly withheld earned pay, our firm can help. We represent clients throughout North Carolina in serious employment matters and have a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes for the people we represent in court. Contact our office today to speak with an attorney who’s ready to advocate for you.