Fight Your Insurance Fraud Charges With Help From Our Chicago Defense Lawyers
Last updated on April 16, 2025
Insurance fraud is a serious offense that can lead to significant legal consequences, including fines, restitution, and imprisonment. At Cheronis & Parente LLC, our team of experienced insurance fraud lawyers is dedicated to defending your rights.
If you are charged with insurance fraud, it’s important to realize what you are facing. Insurance companies have an arsenal of lawyers dedicated to prosecuting insurance fraud cases. It is vital that you have an equally qualified legal team on your side. Our experienced attorneys are committed to providing a comprehensive legal defense tailored to the specifics of your case.
Understanding Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud involves deceptive practices intended to obtain unwarranted financial gain from insurance policies. Common types of insurance fraud include:
- False claims: Submitting insurance claims for non-existent or exaggerated damages.
- Application fraud: Providing false information on insurance applications to obtain lower premiums.
- Staged accidents / auto insurance fraud: Deliberately causing accidents to file fraudulent claims.
- Health care fraud: Billing for health care services not rendered or unnecessary medical procedures.
- Life insurance fraud: Falsifying death information to collect insurance payouts.
A wide range of activities constitute insurance fraud. Therefore, it’s essential to have an experienced insurance fraud defense attorney who understands both state and federal laws governing these offenses.
Why Choose Cheronis & Parente LLC?
At Cheronis & Parente LLC, our insurance fraud attorneys bring extensive experience in defending clients against various insurance fraud charges. Here’s what sets us apart:
- In-depth legal knowledge: Our attorneys possess a deep understanding of the laws and regulations related to insurance fraud. Thus, ensuring a robust defense strategy.
- Successful track record: We have successfully defended numerous clients against insurance fraud charges. Additionally, we have secured favorable outcomes in even the most complex cases.
- Client-focused approach: We prioritize our clients’ needs and provide personalized legal strategies tailored to each individual case.
Strategies For Insurance Fraud Defense
Our defense strategies are meticulously crafted to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect our clients’ rights. Key components of our approach include:
- Comprehensive investigation: We conduct a thorough review of all evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This includes insurance documents, communication records, and transaction histories.
- Expert consultation: We collaborate with experts in relevant fields, such as forensic accounting and medical billing. They are able to analyze evidence and provide testimony that supports our defense arguments.
- Challenging evidence: Our attorneys are skilled in filing motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully or through improper procedures.
- Negotiating with prosecutors: When appropriate, we negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure plea agreements that minimize potential penalties.
- Aggressive representation in court: If the case goes to trial, our attorneys are prepared to provide vigorous representation. Moreover, we leverage our courtroom experience to advocate effectively for our clients.
The Role Of An Insurance Fraud Defense Lawyer
An insurance fraud lawyer plays a crucial role in safeguarding your rights throughout the legal process. If you think you are being investigated, having an experienced lawyer can greatly impact the result of your case. Here’s how we assist our clients:
- Early intervention: We intervene early in the investigation process to protect your rights and prevent incriminating statements or actions.
- Legal guidance: We provide clear, informed advice on your legal options and the best course of action.
- Defense strategy development: We develop a tailored defense strategy based on the specifics of your case. We always work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Court representation: We represent you in all court proceedings. Thus, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair trial.
Illinois Insurance Fraud Charges Versus Federal Insurance Fraud Charges
Illinois defines insurance fraud under 720 ILCS 5/17-10.5. It criminalizes knowingly providing false information to obtain insurance benefits or coverage. The statute outlines three primary offenses:
- Insurance fraud (720 ILCS 5/17-10.5(a)): A person commits insurance fraud when they knowingly provide false or misleading information to an insurer with the intent to defraud.
- Aggravated insurance fraud (720 ILCS 5/17-10.5(b)): This occurs if the fraud results in a financial loss of $100,000 or more or is part of a larger scheme.
- Conspiracy to commit insurance fraud (720 ILCS 5/17-10.5(c)): If two or more individuals agree to commit insurance fraud, they can be charged with conspiracy, even if the fraud was not successfully carried out.
Illinois law primarily focuses on fraudulent claims within the state. It assigns penalties based on the severity of financial loss, with felony classifications ranging from Class A misdemeanors to Class 1 felonies.
On the other hand, at the federal level, 18 U.S.C. § 1033 governs insurance fraud. This statute targets interstate commerce fraud, including insurers conducting business across state lines. It criminalizes making false statements or embezzling funds in connection with an insurance transaction and imposes harsher penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and hefty fines. Additionally, 18 U.S.C. § 1033(e) prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from working in the insurance industry without regulatory consent.
The key differences between Illinois and federal insurance fraud laws lie in jurisdiction and severity. Illinois law applies to fraud within state lines, with penalties varying based on financial impact.
By contrast, federal law targets large-scale fraud, particularly cases involving interstate commerce or federally regulated entities. However, there may be an overlap; Illinois fraud cases involving interstate insurers or exceeding state thresholds may trigger federal prosecution.
Work with an insurance fraud attorney if you have been accused of insurance fraud. We can handle the complexities of these laws, provide guidance, build a strong defense and help mitigate potential penalties.
Contact Cheronis & Parente LLC For Proven Legal Defense
If you are facing insurance fraud charges, it is crucial to act quickly. The first thing you should do is secure the services of a qualified insurance fraud defense lawyer. At Cheronis & Parente LLC, we are committed to defending your rights and future with thorough legal representation.
To schedule your initial consultation, contact us today. Let our extensive knowledge and dedication work for you in defending against insurance fraud charges.