[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"site-search-modal-empty-8":171,"page:cases/fraud":173,"public-chat-settings":293},{"source":4,"siteName":5,"tagline":6,"contactEmail":7,"contactPhone":8,"contactPhoneTollFree":9,"address":10,"mapsQuery":17,"ratingValue":18,"ratingSource":19,"primaryCta":20,"secondaryCta":23,"chatCta":26,"announcement":30,"google":32,"navigationPrimary":34,"navigationLegal":149},"defaults","Stephen D Aarons","Santa Fe Criminal Defense Lawyer","info@aarons.law","(505) 984-1100","(888) 984-1120",{"street":11,"city":12,"state":13,"stateFullName":14,"zip":15,"full":16},"2019 Galisteo St. Ste H1","Santa Fe","NM","New Mexico","87505","2019 Galisteo Street, Suite H1, Santa Fe, NM 87505-2106","https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stephen+D+Aarons,+Attorney+at+Law/@35.6564853,-105.9549988,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x87220cb8d5a8c3c9:0x331b6810ecf42476!8m2!3d35.6564853!4d-105.9524239!16s%2Fg%2F1tn067lx?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMyMy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D",0,"",{"label":21,"url":22},"Call Now","tel:+15059841100",{"label":24,"url":25},"Contact","/contact",{"label":27,"url":28,"statusLabel":29},"Start Chat","#start-chat","24/7",{"enabled":31,"text":19,"ctaLabel":19,"ctaUrl":19,"startAt":19,"endAt":19},false,{"analyticsMeasurementId":33,"tagManagerId":19,"searchConsoleVerification":19,"tagManagerAuth":19,"tagManagerPreview":19},"G-XPE216QNM4",[35,127,133,139,145],{"id":36,"group":37,"label":38,"path":39,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":40,"children":41,"groups":42},"primary-1","primary","Cases","/cases",1,[],[43,58,70,82,97,112],{"label":44,"items":45},"DWI & DUI",[46,49,52,55],{"label":47,"path":48},"DWI / DUI Defense","/cases/dwi",{"label":50,"path":51},"First-Offense DWI","/cases/dwi/dwi-first-offense",{"label":53,"path":54},"Interlock License","/cases/dui/interlock-license",{"label":56,"path":57},"DUI Penalties","/cases/dui/mandatory-minimum-penalties-for-dui",{"label":59,"items":60},"Violent Crimes",[61,64,67],{"label":62,"path":63},"Domestic Violence","/cases/domestic-violence",{"label":65,"path":66},"Murder & Homicide","/cases/murder-homicide",{"label":68,"path":69},"Assault & Battery","/cases/violence-assault-battery",{"label":71,"items":72},"Drug & Financial",[73,76,79],{"label":74,"path":75},"Drug Offenses","/cases/drug-offenses",{"label":77,"path":78},"Embezzlement","/cases/embezzlement",{"label":80,"path":81},"Fraud","/cases/fraud",{"label":83,"items":84},"Sex & Cyber Crimes",[85,88,91,94],{"label":86,"path":87},"Sexual Offenses","/cases/sexual-offenses",{"label":89,"path":90},"Internet Sex Crimes","/cases/internet-sex-crimes",{"label":92,"path":93},"Victim – Child","/cases/victim-child",{"label":95,"path":96},"Internet Crimes","/cases/internet-crimes",{"label":98,"items":99},"Other Offenses",[100,103,106,109],{"label":101,"path":102},"Firearm Offenses","/cases/firearm-offenses",{"label":104,"path":105},"Probation Violation","/cases/probation-violation",{"label":107,"path":108},"Reconsideration of Sentence","/cases/reconsideration-of-sentence",{"label":110,"path":111},"Federal Crimes","/federal-crimes",{"label":113,"items":114},"Record Clearing",[115,118,121,124],{"label":116,"path":117},"Expungement","/expungement",{"label":119,"path":120},"Do I Qualify?","/expungement/do-i-qualify",{"label":122,"path":123},"Fees & Costs","/expungement/fees",{"label":125,"path":126},"Waiting Times","/expungement/waiting-times",{"id":128,"group":37,"label":129,"path":130,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":131,"children":132},"primary-2","Process","/process",2,[],{"id":134,"group":37,"label":135,"path":136,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":137,"children":138},"primary-3","News","/news",3,[],{"id":140,"group":37,"label":141,"path":142,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":143,"children":144},"primary-4","About","/about",4,[],{"id":146,"group":37,"label":24,"path":25,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":147,"children":148},"primary-5",5,[],[150,156,161,166],{"id":151,"group":152,"label":153,"path":154,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":40,"children":155},"legal-1","legal","Privacy Policy","/privacy",[],{"id":157,"group":152,"label":158,"path":159,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":131,"children":160},"legal-2","Terms of Use","/terms",[],{"id":162,"group":152,"label":163,"path":164,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":137,"children":165},"legal-3","Disclaimer","/disclaimer",[],{"id":167,"group":152,"label":168,"path":169,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":143,"children":170},"legal-4","Accessibility","/accessibility",[],{"query":19,"total":18,"results":172},[],{"source":4,"slug":174,"canonicalPath":81,"title":175,"status":176,"seoTitle":177,"seoDescription":178,"ogImage":19,"sections":179},"cases/fraud","Fraud | Stephen D Aarons","published","Fraud Defense | Stephen D Aarons","Fraud defense in New Mexico. Deception, financial gain, document-heavy cases.",[180,187,194,204,223,234,243,263,283],{"id":181,"type":181,"displayOrder":40,"payload":182},"hero",{"eyebrow":183,"title":80,"description":184,"primaryCtaLabel":21,"primaryCtaUrl":22,"secondaryCtaLabel":185,"secondaryCtaUrl":130,"imageUrl":19,"variant":186},"Criminal Defense","Fraud charges involve allegations of deception for financial or personal gain. These cases are often complex, document-heavy, and built over time rather than arising from a single event. While fraud offenses are non-violent, they can carry serious felony penalties and long-term professional and financial consequences.","What Happens Next","compact",{"id":188,"type":189,"displayOrder":131,"payload":190},"disclaimer","rich_text",{"eyebrow":19,"title":191,"paragraphs":192,"variant":188},"Important",[193],"This is general information, not legal advice. If an arrest happened recently or you believe you are under investigation, do not explain anything to law enforcement before speaking with counsel.",{"id":195,"type":189,"displayOrder":137,"payload":196},"overview",{"eyebrow":197,"title":198,"paragraphs":199},"Overview","Fraud cases focus on intent, representations, and whether reliance and harm can be proven.",[200,201,202,203],"Fraud generally involves allegations that someone knowingly made false representations or concealed material facts to obtain money, property, or an advantage. Fraud cases often arise in business, financial, insurance, or online contexts and may involve parallel civil litigation alongside criminal prosecution.","The state alleges that an individual intentionally misrepresented facts, concealed information, or engaged in deceptive conduct that caused another party to rely on that deception. Charges may vary depending on the nature of the transaction, the number of alleged victims, and the amount involved.","Common fact patterns: business or investment disputes escalating into criminal charges; insurance or benefit claims under scrutiny; allegations involving contracts or representations; online or electronic communications forming the basis of the case; investigations following audits or complaints.","Fraud cases frequently begin with an investigation rather than an immediate arrest. Charges may be filed after months or years of document review. Once filed, cases often proceed alongside civil claims, restitution demands, or regulatory actions.",{"id":205,"type":206,"displayOrder":143,"payload":207},"key-points","feature_grid",{"eyebrow":19,"title":208,"description":19,"numbered":209,"items":210},"Key points",true,[211,214,217,220],{"label":212,"title":213,"description":19},"Documentation","Fraud charges often involve extensive documentation and records",{"label":215,"title":216,"description":19},"Intent","Intent is a central issue in most cases",{"label":218,"title":219,"description":19},"Penalties","Penalties escalate with the amount of alleged loss",{"label":221,"title":222,"description":19},"Federal","Federal jurisdiction may apply in certain cases",{"id":224,"type":189,"displayOrder":147,"payload":225},"penalties",{"eyebrow":226,"title":227,"paragraphs":228,"variant":233},"Penalties & Exposure","What the state is seeking",[229,230,231,232],"In fraud cases, the state may seek probation or incarceration, restitution, fines, and forfeiture. Sentencing exposure increases with higher dollar amounts, multiple victims, or aggravated conduct.","Lower-level fraud may be charged as a misdemeanor. Felony fraud charges can result in prison sentences. Federal fraud cases often involve substantial penalties.","Courts frequently order restitution to compensate alleged victims. Financial obligations may continue long after a sentence is completed.","Fraud convictions can affect: professional licensing and certifications; employment in financial or regulated industries; business ownership and management roles; credit and financial reputation.","alt",{"id":235,"type":189,"displayOrder":236,"payload":237},"defenses",6,{"eyebrow":238,"title":239,"paragraphs":240},"How These Cases Are Defended","Common defense themes",[241,242],"Lack of intent to deceive; disputes over reliance or materiality; incomplete or misleading documentation; statute of limitations issues; constitutional or procedural violations.","These cases frequently turn on whether the state can prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt and whether alleged misrepresentations were material and relied upon. Fraud cases often turn on interpretation of records and intent rather than direct testimony.",{"id":244,"type":244,"displayOrder":245,"payload":246},"faq",7,{"eyebrow":247,"title":248,"description":249,"items":250},"Common Questions","Frequently asked","Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. Every case is different — call for a private consultation.",[251,254,257,260],{"question":252,"answer":253},"When should I contact a lawyer after an arrest?","As soon as possible — ideally before speaking with law enforcement about the facts of the case. The right to remain silent is one of the most important protections available. Statements made before consulting counsel can be used against you and are very difficult to walk back later.",{"question":255,"answer":256},"Do I have to answer questions from law enforcement?","Generally, no. You have the right to remain silent. While you must provide identifying information in certain situations, you are not required to discuss the details of your case. Politely invoking your right to remain silent and requesting an attorney is not an admission of guilt — it is a constitutional right.",{"question":258,"answer":259},"What happens at an arraignment?","An arraignment is typically your first formal court appearance after charges are filed. The judge informs you of the charges and you enter a plea. Bond conditions and conditions of release are often set at this stage. Having counsel present at arraignment can influence bail decisions and early case direction.",{"question":261,"answer":262},"Can charges be dismissed or reduced?","Yes, in many cases. Charges may be dismissed or reduced depending on evidence issues, constitutional violations, plea negotiations, or other legal factors. No outcome can be guaranteed, but early defense preparation significantly expands the range of available options before key procedural deadlines pass.",{"id":264,"type":265,"displayOrder":266,"payload":267},"related","promo_cards",8,{"eyebrow":268,"title":19,"cards":269},"Related Practice Areas",[270,274,277,279,281],{"title":271,"body":272,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":48},"DUI","Drug or combination impairment charges. Dual court and MVD proceedings. Outcomes often hinge on testing procedure.","Learn more",{"title":275,"body":276,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":48},"DWI","Alcohol impairment with prior convictions. Mandatory minimums escalate with each offense. Early action matters.",{"title":74,"body":278,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":75},"Possession, distribution, and trafficking. Penalties range widely. Search-and-seizure issues frequently central.",{"title":62,"body":280,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":63},"State-controlled prosecution. Immediate no-contact orders, firearm restrictions, and custody implications.",{"title":104,"body":282,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":105},"Technical or substantive violations. Can result in revocation and exposure to original sentence.",{"id":284,"type":285,"displayOrder":286,"payload":287},"cta","cta_band",9,{"eyebrow":288,"title":289,"description":290,"primaryCtaLabel":291,"primaryCtaUrl":22,"secondaryCtaLabel":292,"secondaryCtaUrl":39},"Talk to counsel before the state defines your case for you.","Early decisions often control everything that follows.","If you are under investigation or facing charges, a short, private consult can clarify exposure, options, and next steps. Free consultation. 24-hour answering service. Payment plans available in many cases.","Call 505-984-1100 Now","Browse All Cases",{"enabled":31,"followUpEnabled":209,"title":294,"assistantName":294,"eyebrow":27,"description":295,"welcomeHeadline":296,"welcomeBody":297,"inputPlaceholder":298,"statusLabel":299,"suggestedPrompts":300,"form":304,"review":315},"Aarons Law Chat","Calm first-step guidance for urgent criminal defense questions.","Tell me what is happening.","Keep it general at first. If the situation is urgent, recent, or someone is in custody, call (505) 984-1100.","Tell us what happened in broad terms. Avoid confidential details for now.","Available 24/7",[301,302,303],"Someone was arrested last night. What should we do first?","Can you explain what happens after a DWI arrest in New Mexico?","I need the office to review this chat and follow up directly.",{"enabled":209,"triggers":305,"headline":311,"description":312,"submitLabel":313,"successMessage":314},[306,307,308,309,310],"contact me","call me","follow up","consultation","talk to a lawyer","Request office follow-up","Share a few details and the office can review the chat and follow up directly.","Send Follow-Up Request","Your follow-up request has been sent to the office.",{"enabled":209,"triggers":316,"threshold":143,"geoPreference":209,"clickTracking":209,"askHeadline":325,"askDescription":326,"positiveHeadline":327,"positiveDescription":328,"negativeHeadline":329,"negativeDescription":330,"reviewSites":331},[317,318,319,320,321,322,323,324],"leave a review","write a review","review","feedback","testimonial","google review","yelp","avvo","How would you rate your experience?","Choose a rating so we can route you to the right next step.","Thank you for the kind words!","Would you mind sharing your experience on one of the review platforms below?","We are sorry to hear that.","Tell us what happened and the office can review it directly.",[]]