Fraudulently presenting claim to public officer

Vegas Criminal Attorney Explains False Claims Crimes

There are strict laws in the state of Nevada that are designed to ensure public money does not fall into the wrong hands. One of these laws punishes individuals and businesses who try to improperly obtain funds by presenting false claims to public officers. If you are accused of the crime of fraudulently presenting a claim to a public officer, you could face prosecution and harsh penalties under Nevada law.

You need to defend your good name when you come under investigation or if you are faced with criminal charges. LV Criminal Defense is here to help you. We have represented many individuals accused of fraudulently presenting false claims to public officers. We also provide legal representation to public officers who are accused of facilitating the improper payment of claims.

Our Las Vegas criminal attorneys know the laws on these offenses inside-and-out and we will put our legal knowledge to work to help you to develop the right legal strategy for responding to charges. Give us a call to find out more about how our firm can help you and to get an advocate on your side.

Nevada Laws on Fraudulently Presenting Claims to Public Officers

Nevada defines the crime of fraudulently presenting a claim to a public officer in Nevada Revised Statute section 197.160. According to the relevant law, it is unlawful to knowingly present a false or fraudulent claim to any officer or any board of the state of Nevada. It is also unlawful to knowingly present a fraudulent or false claim to any school, district, county, city, or town.

A prosecutor must prove that you knowingly submitted a false claim with intent to defraud in order for you to be convicted of this offense. The type of claim you must submit is defined broadly. You could be charged if you submit a fraudulent claim, a voucher, a bill, an account, or any writing that details false or fraudulent charges or items.

The offense defined in N.R.S. 197.160 relates only to the submission of fraudulent claims. Public officers who pay fraudulent claims or who become involved in falsely auditing fraudulent claims are charged under a different section of Nevada law, N.R.S. 197.150. Both parties to a fraudulent transaction in which a claim is improperly paid can thus be punished under Nevada law.

If you violate the law found in N.R.S. 197.160 and you submit false claims of any type to anyone with authority to pay, process or audit claims, you can be charged with a gross misdemeanor offense. Punishment for a gross misdemeanor can include fines, jail time, and other penalties. If a public official knowingly pays out a false claim or falsely audits a fraudulent claim, the public official could be charged with a Category D felony if the amount of money at stake is more than $250.