Legal Question in Criminal Law in North Carolina

Unemployment insurance fraud

I filed several unemployment insurance claims last year while I

was receiving other income (freelance). The Employment Security

Commission discovered this, and as a result, I was put on a

monthly restitution payment plan (which I have been paying

faithfully). 3 months later, the ESC discovered more occurances

(actually, they were all during the same earning period, but were

missed the first time around). As a result, I was served 4 warrants

for fraud and have an upcoming court date scheduled. (The total

amount: around $9,000).

I gather (from some anecdotal research) that the judge will rule

that I must pay back the money, which I am prepared to do. My

question: is this an open & shut case, due to the existing

documentation that I was working & filing claims at the same time,

and therefore unnecessary to hire an attorney? [note: I cannot

really afford one.] Is there an advantage to having legal

representation for this case, or more importantly, am I in trouble if

I don't hire an attorney? Is there a way to ''fight'' the charges, or

plea something other than ''guilty?''

Thanks for any help offered.


Asked on 7/08/04, 2:50 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jim Griffin The Law Office of James L. Griffin

Re: Unemployment insurance fraud

Never-I repeat, never, face a criminal charge without legal representation. This can be a serious, i.e. jail/prison time, matter. If you can't afford an attorney, one will be appointed. There is rarely an "open & shut case" which requires no attorney.

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Answered on 7/08/04, 2:57 pm


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