White Collar & Fraud Defense
Strategic Insurance Fraud Defense in Southwest Ohio
Defense Against Commercial & State Insurance Fraud Allegations
At the Law Office of David A. Chicarelli Co., LPA, we represent individuals, policyholders, and business owners accused of insurance fraud under Ohio R.C. 2913.47. Insurance fraud investigations are conducted aggressively by insurance Special Investigation Units (SIU) and the Ohio Department of Insurance. Penalties range from misdemeanor charges to severe felony indictments with mandatory restitution and prison time.
Our insurance fraud defense practice represents clients facing:
- Automobile & Property Claim Allegations: Defending claims involving alleged staged accidents, inflated property damage, or false theft reports.
- Medical & Healthcare Billing Fraud: Representing healthcare providers and patients in disputed treatment and billing claims.
- Workers' Compensation Fraud: Defending injured workers accused of misrepresenting injury severity or employment status.
What Do I Do If Contacted by Fraud Investigators?
Insurance Special Investigation Units (SIU) build criminal cases for state prosecutors. Follow these steps if questioned:
1. State Identity & Refuse SIU Interviews
- Provide name and ID: Hand over physical identification upon officer or investigator demand.
- Decline recorded statements: Politely decline recorded EUO (Examination Under Oath) interviews without defense counsel.
2. Audit Claim Documentation & Valuations
- Preserve original receipts: Gather repair estimates, medical bills, and claim correspondence.
- Demonstrate honest intent: Work with defense lawyers to show absence of fraudulent intent or misrepresentation.
3. Retain Financial Fraud Defense Counsel
- Intervene before indictment: Have defense lawyers handle all communications with the Ohio Department of Insurance.
- Decades of trial experience: The Law Office of David A. Chicarelli Co., LPA defends your financial reputation and freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Fraud Defense in Ohio
What constitutes insurance fraud under Ohio law (R.C. 2913.47)?
Insurance fraud involves knowingly filing a false, incomplete, or misleading claim to an insurer with the intent to defraud. It applies to auto, property, medical, disability, and workers' compensation claims, escalating from a misdemeanor to a high-level felony based on total claim value.
How do defense attorneys fight insurance fraud charges?
Insurance fraud requires prosecutors to prove specific fraudulent intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Defense strategies focus on demonstrating honest mistakes, lack of intent, valuation disputes, improper insurance investigation tactics, and lack of deceptive conduct.