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625 W Rollins Road, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073

Award Winning Lawyers That Get Results 
The attorneys of Harter & Schottland are hands-on, thorough, and aggressive lawyers with a reputation for taking cases to trial and winning. Whether you need a Lake County criminal defense lawyer, a Waukegan family law attorney, or legal representation in a real estate matter or personal injury claim, you can count on us for personal service and outstanding legal representation. Harter & Schottland wins more cases.

Financial Crimes/Fraud

Financial Crimes/Fraud

Illinois has a wide array of criminal laws designed to prosecute financial crimes and fraudulent activity. These charges vary widely. Harter & Schottland is very experienced in defending these cases. Some of the more common charges that we defense are:

  • Identity theft / aggravated identify theft
  • Deceptive practices
  • Forgery
  • Fraud
  • Unlawful use of a credit card
  • Computer fraud / tampering
  • Financial exploitation of an elderly person or person with a disability

Financial crimes tend to be complicated cases and can be difficult for the government to prove. In contrast to most criminal charges, many financial crimes rely heavily on documentary evidence, as well as eye witness testimony. 


Another element of many financial crimes that is unique is the element of intent. Most offenses in Illinois do not have an intent element. For instance, a prosecutor does not need to prove that a person committed a DUI, just that it occurred. In certain financial crimes, such as fraud or deceptive practices, the prosecution must prove the accused’s intent. Without direct evidence, such as an admission, proving intent can be difficult.

Financial crimes vary in seriousness. They range from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies. Factors that affect the severity of the offense charged includes the age of the alleged victim, the value of the alleged theft or fraud or whether the acts were in furtherance of an organized gang. Sentencing in these cases can be anywhere from one year in the county jail and a fine of $2,500 up to 30 years in prison with a fine of $25,000.


Harter & Schottland has experienced criminal defense attorneys who defend financial crimes regularly. Our goal is to win your case and preserve your freedom, not to negotiate for less prison time. While we cannot guarantee the outcome of any case, we can tell you we have successfully defended many clients charged with serious felonies. We have a history of winning cases at trial.


Our attorneys will dig into the case, interviewing witnesses, studying the evidence, filing the appropriate motions, perhaps to suppress evidence or statements, get the charges against you reduced or the case dismissed. We put our knowledge of the law, the courts, and the facts, and our ability to persuade a judge or jury to work on your behalf.


If you are facing any criminal charge, from fraud to murder, contact us for a free consultation. We take an aggressive approach to criminal defense. And we get results.

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