Goldsboro Fraud Attorney
Protecting Your Future When Fraud Is Alleged
Finding out you are under investigation for fraud, or that charges have already been filed, can turn your life upside down. You may be worried about your freedom, your job, and your reputation in Goldsboro, and you may not know who to trust or what to do next. You do not have to face this alone.
At Pittman Agner, we defend people accused of fraud and other financial crimes in Goldsboro and throughout Wayne County. Our goal is to protect your rights at every stage, explain the process in plain English, and work to put you in the strongest position we can. With more than 60 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have guided many clients through some of the hardest moments of their lives.
Contact our Goldsboro fraud lawyer by calling (919) 893-0090 today!
Why Choose Our Fraud Defense Team
When you are accused of dishonesty, you need a legal team you can trust to be honest with you and direct with the court. At Pittman Agner, our attorneys bring together backgrounds as former prosecutors, investigators, and litigators. This mix matters in fraud cases because these cases are often built on detailed investigations, complex financial records, and strategic charging decisions. We understand how the government prepares these cases, and we use that insight to look for weaknesses and alternatives in the evidence.
We are rooted in Goldsboro, and we take our responsibility to our neighbors seriously. Clients often come to us feeling ashamed or afraid that one accusation will define their entire future. We treat every person with respect and compassion, and we approach each case with the same care we would want for our own families. Partner John Agner is committed to giving clients his very best, and that commitment reflects how our entire team approaches fraud defense.
Communication is central to how we work. We strive to respond quickly to questions, keep you updated on every major development, and explain your options in terms you can understand. When you hire us, you get direct access to our attorneys, paralegals, and staff. We work together as a coordinated team, and each member moves promptly when something changes in your case so that we maintain forward momentum instead of letting your matter sit.
Understanding Fraud Charges In North Carolina
Fraud is a broad term that can cover many different accusations. In general, prosecutors use fraud charges when they believe a person used some form of deceit to obtain money, property, or benefits. That alleged deception might involve written documents, electronic communications, or spoken statements, and it might be tied to a business setting, a government program, or a private transaction.
Common fraud related charges in North Carolina can include things such as credit card or check fraud, embezzlement from an employer, insurance fraud, and allegations involving public benefits or disability payments. Some cases may involve accusations that a business owner or contractor misrepresented work, billed for services that were not provided, or submitted false information on official forms. Many of these situations are highly fact specific, and disputes about intent or misunderstanding can become central to the case.
These cases often involve financial records, bank statements, accounting entries, email trails, text messages, and witness interviews. It is not unusual for there to be a mix of civil and criminal issues, especially if an employer or financial institution is also considering internal discipline or a lawsuit. A bookkeeping error, poor documentation, or a breakdown in communication can sometimes be interpreted as intentional conduct, even when the person accused disagrees strongly with that interpretation.
The potential consequences in a North Carolina fraud case can be serious. Depending on the specific charge and amount of loss that is alleged, a conviction may expose you to fines, supervised probation, restitution, or time in custody. A fraud conviction on your record can also affect future job opportunities, professional licenses, and your reputation in the community. Having a fraud lawyer Goldsboro residents can talk to openly and early can help you understand what is at stake and what options you may have.
What To Do If You Are Accused Of Fraud
What you do in the early stages of a fraud investigation can have a real impact on your case. You might feel an urge to explain yourself to investigators, your employer, or a bank officer, especially if you believe there has been a misunderstanding. It is usually safer to pause and speak with an attorney before you make any detailed statements about what happened.
If law enforcement, a state agency, or a company investigator contacts you, you can remain polite while clearly saying that you want to consult a lawyer before answering questions. Exercising this right does not mean you are guilty. It simply means you understand that your words can be used in court and that you want guidance before you speak. Our attorneys can help you evaluate when, if at all, it makes sense to participate in an interview and under what conditions.
Preserving information is also important. Avoid deleting emails, text messages, or social media messages that might relate to the situation, even if they are uncomfortable to keep. The same goes for bank statements, invoices, contracts, or other paperwork. We can help you sort through what is relevant, but it is usually better to keep the information available than to have questions raised about missing records.
It can also be helpful to write down a timeline of events while your memory is fresh. Include dates when you were first contacted, what was said, and who was involved. This kind of timeline can give our team a starting point for understanding how the investigation unfolded. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the number of moving parts, we can work with you to organize the information and decide what to focus on first.
If you have been contacted about fraud in Goldsboro or anywhere in Wayne County, we encourage you to reach out to our firm as soon as you can. A consultation gives you a chance to ask questions, learn about the process, and discuss how we may be able to help protect you moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could I go to jail for fraud charges?
Fraud charges can carry the possibility of jail or prison time, depending on the specific offense and alleged loss amount. Some cases may be eligible for probation, treatment options, or other outcomes instead of active time. We review the charges and facts with you so you understand the range of potential consequences.
Should I talk to police before I call you?
It is generally safer to talk with an attorney before giving a detailed statement to police or investigators. Your words can be used in court, and it can be hard to correct misunderstandings later. We can help you decide whether to speak and under what conditions, after reviewing your situation.
Do you handle fraud cases in Wayne County courts?
Yes, our firm is based in Goldsboro, and we represent clients in Wayne County criminal court and other North Carolina courts. We are familiar with local procedures and practice, and we use that knowledge to help clients understand what to expect from hearings and scheduling in this area.
How quickly can your team start on my case?
We begin evaluating fraud matters as soon as a client retains us and provides initial information. Early involvement allows us to review documents, assess contact from investigators, and start planning next steps. We work to mobilize our team promptly so your case does not sit unattended during critical early stages.
Talk To Our Team About Your Fraud Case
Taking the first step to contact a lawyer about fraud allegations can feel difficult, especially when you are worried about judgment or consequences. When you reach out to Pittman Agner, you can expect a confidential conversation with people who understand what you are facing and who are prepared to listen carefully.
To talk with our team about your situation, call (919) 893-0090.