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Our Philadelphia criminal lawyers have over 25 years
of combined legal practice – handling some of the
toughest cases in the country.

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SKA Law is a premier, Philadelphia criminal defense law firm, founded by professional criminal attorneys. We take on cases other law firms turn down, because we know how to fight – and when to negotiate. Our goal is to get you the best outcome possible. No fluff. No nonsense. Our focus is results.

Pennsylvania Disability Fraud Lawyers

Social security disability fraud is closely monitored and actively managed by the U.S. Social Security Administration, but it does still happen in some cases. Whether deliberate or unintentional, defrauding the disability system is a serious charge and can result in serious fines as well as prison time. The severity of the punishment, if you are convicted of this crime, depends on the amount of money involved and the type of fraud committed. There are many different ways to defraud the Social Security System, but disability cases are the most common, by far.

What Disability Fraud Looks Like

The basic concept of this type of crime is simple: you are lying or not disclosing information to obtain benefits from the Social Security Disability system. Here are some examples that can help you better understand the charges:

-If you lie, outright, on your SSD application for benefits, you are clearly committing fraud. For example, claiming that you make $10,000 more than you actually do to obtain higher benefit payments is considered fraud. Unintentional misinformation can still be considered fraud, so be very careful when filling out your application.

-Providing false medical records or falsifying documents to prove disability. Someone who goes to a doctor actively seeking a disability diagnosis might be inclined to pretend that symptoms are worse than they are or talk the doctor into lying on the medical chart so that they can get approval. This is definitely fraud, and both parties will be held accountable.

-If your loved one passes away, you are required to report the death so that their SSD benefits can be terminated. If you fail to report the death and continue collecting benefits, you are committing fraud. You need to notify the Social Security Administration of a death as soon as possible to avoid being even unintentionally charged with this type of crime.

-Using another person’s social security number to obtain benefits or cashing someone else’s benefits check for your own financial gain, even with their permission, is considered fraud.

-Changes in your medical condition or employment status that are not reported to Social Security can be considered disability fraud. For example, if you do not get enough benefits and decide to take on a part time job, you need to notify the SSA immediately. Working “under the table” is considered fraud. The same goes for your medical condition. If changes happen that improve your condition, you need to report them right away. It may affect the benefit amount you receive, and you could be charged with fraud for taking higher payments than you should have been given.

Fraud Penalties are Serious

The Social Security Administration takes disability fraud very seriously. This crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the case and the amount of money involved. Typical penalties include:

-Up to 5 years in jail
-Fines up to $250,000
-A combination of both

If fraud is committed by someone in a position of trust, such as an SSA employee or a doctor, the penalties are often much higher. These include:

-Up to 10 years in jail
-Civil court lawsuit
-Fines up to $7,500 per false statement or omission

What to Do Next

Anyone that is charged with disability fraud needs to contact a lawyer right away. They can help you better understand the charges against you as well as what your options may be for a defense in court. If your situation was unintentional, they can even help you explain to the court and the SSA that you did not intend to commit the crime. This could result in lower fines and penalties, and might even lead to the dismissal of charges in some cases. Contact our Pennsylvania disability fraud lawyers today to discuss your case and learn more.

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Firearm Carried W/O License

Montgomery 12/2016

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"I found Michael Kotik via the internet with the hope by someone to help my son in what we thought was something routine. Long story short after being mislead by the prior firm and received no results and my son sat for 18 months in prison because "no one knew what was going on" Michael was able to not only..."
~ Michelle Doria
"I had a pleasure of dealing with Mike on couple of occasions. He is an amazing attorney. He always came through and did what was promised. Also he went above and beyond to assist with any request. He is definitely a fighter and will do what is needed to come out with the best outcome"
~ Ella Shapiro

Criminal Lawyers

Fewer Clients. Better Service And Results

SKA Law takes on fewer clients than other firms – it’s because we believe that taking on fewer clients means we can provide more service, and better results.

25 Years Of Legal Practice

Our firm has over 25 years of combined legal practice. Our Philadelphia criminal attorneys have been recognized by the top lawyer ranking services.

24/7 Customer Service

Our Philadelphia criminal attorneys are available 24/7- regardless of the holiday, or time of week. We are always available to help you.

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We take on fewer clients than other firms. Each client works 1:1 on with one of our senior attorneys.

Criminal Attorneys Philadelphia

We Protect Your Freedom And Your Future.

At the law offices of Amato T Sanita, Esq, this is more than just a slogan – it’s our philosophy, and belief. Our goal is to protect your freedom, and to ensure your future is protected. By working with our firm, you get legal representation when you need it the most for your criminal case in Philadelphia. We understand that dealing with the criminal system is overwhelming – the consequences cannot be underestimated. Regardless of whether it’s a small misdemeanor, or a severe federal crime, you need to understand the legal process – how it impacts you – and a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney, who will work for you. Our Philadelphia criminal lawyers treat each case as it’s own unique situation, and work hard to uncover evidence that will get you the best possible outcome. Founding partner Amato Sanita, understands that you’re very concerned about possible sentences, and issues in the future you might face. There are many aspects to a criminal defense case. Our goal is to show the court you didn’t commit the crime and/or don’t deserve the maximum sentence for the crime you’re accused of committing. Regardless of whether it’s a drug offense, assault charge, or bank fraud, our Philadelphia criminal lawyers work tirelessly to represent your interests in court.

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Our firm has over 25 years of combined legal practice – handling some of the toughest cases in the country.

25 YEARS

CASE DISMISSED

Statutory Sexual Assault

Aggravated Assault can be charged against someone if they cause or attempt to cause “serious bodily injury” to another person. Serious bodily injury within Pennsylvania is defined as injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ (18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 2301). If convicted of Aggravated Assault, the crime is graded as a felony in the first degree.

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Aggravated Indecent Assault

Serious Bodily Injured

Aggravated Assault can be charged against someone if they cause or attempt to cause “serious bodily injury” to another person. Serious bodily injury within Pennsylvania is defined as injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ (18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 2301). If convicted of Aggravated Assault, the crime is graded as a felony in the first degree.

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CASE DISMISSED

Harassment

FACED 3 YEARS IN PRISON

Aggravated Assault can be charged against someone if they cause or attempt to cause “serious bodily injury” to another person. Serious bodily injury within Pennsylvania is defined as injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ (18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 2301). If convicted of Aggravated Assault, the crime is graded as a felony in the first degree.

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CASE DISMISSED

False Imprisonment

15 YEARS IN PRISON

Aggravated Assault can be charged against someone if they cause or attempt to cause “serious bodily injury” to another person. Serious bodily injury within Pennsylvania is defined as injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ (18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 2301). If convicted of Aggravated Assault, the crime is graded as a felony in the first degree.

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Philadelphia

1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

800-646-6048

Get Directions

Philadelphia

1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

800-646-6048

Get Directions

Philadelphia

1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

800-646-6048

Get Directions