Welfare fraud is committed when a person intentionally misuses the Arizona welfare program. The act may be committed if a person intentionally withholds certain information that is required or provides false information. Perhaps a person misrepresents their income in order to receive benefits or there is information about household members that is not disclosed.
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Other examples of welfare fraud are those that fake an injury or an illness in order to trick the welfare system or someone who says they cannot work when they really can. The system is designed to help those who legitimately need help and not a “free ride.” If someone tries to achieve a “free ride” and they are caught, they could serve time in jail and be required to pay back the money the state lost. We represent persons throughout Arizona including Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale and more.
The Charges for Welfare Fraud are technically:
- False Statements (A.R.S. 23-785) a Class 6 Felony;
- Fraudulent Schemes and Practices (A.R.S. 13-2311) a Class 5 Felony; and
- Theft (A.R.S 13-1802) a Class 3 Felony.
You will typically see one count of False Statements for each time you received a benefit from the State; when one was not rightfully due to you. In other words, if you received 26 wrongfully issued payments, you may receive 28 Felony Charges. A False Statements charge for each payment, one for Fraud and one for Theft.
