Insurance fraud in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Parker occurs when someone purposefully makes a false claim or provides false information to a provider. Staging a car accident to collect funds or lying about your health habits to get lower premiums can be considered fraud. While making a mistake on an insurance application isn’t an act of fraud, deliberately providing false information intending to defraud can lead to harsh penalties. Below we discuss insurance fraud in greater detail and how our Douglas County defense attorneys can help those facing allegations.
Douglas County Insurance Fraud Law
Douglas County’s insurance fraud law prohibits obtaining benefits from an insurer using false information. CRS 18-5-211 addresses this crime in Douglas, Arapahoe, and Elbert County. You commit this type of fraud if you:
- apply for a policy with material lies or omissions to lower premium costs,
- make a fraudulent claim for a loss or injury,
- stage a car accident to file a false claim,
- file a claim for a loss or damage that predates the policy itself,
- knowingly make an oral or written statement in support of an insurance claim you know isn’t true
A charge for insurance fraud doesn’t just apply to customers. Agents who present an insurance certificate with false information or misappropriate funds without permission are susceptible to charges as well.
How Serious is Insurance Fraud in Colorado?
For those who receive a policy after intentionally providing or submitting false information, a class 1 misdemeanor applies. A conviction in these cases can lead to:
- a county jail sentence of 6 – 18 months,
- a maximum fine of $5K
However, other acts listed above that apply to defrauding an insurance company are a class 5 felony. False claims and staged accidents can result in:
- a prison sentence of 1 – 3 years,
- a max fine of $100,000
Best Fraud Lawyer in Douglas County
Allegations of fraud in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Parker require swift action by the defendant, especially when the case involves an insurance company. Hiring a strategic criminal lawyer early on has several benefits and often leads to a better outcome. Perhaps there was never an intent to defraud or the application contains unintentional mistakes.
That said, exercise your right to remain silent and contact our office. Our free, confidential consultation includes a careful evaluation of your case, as well as suggestions as to what’s next. We offer affordable fees and flexible payment plans for those facing fraud allegations throughout Colorado.
Don’t talk to police about insurance fraud – talk to us. 303-265-1950
Photo by Romain Dancre