Fraud

Fraud Attorney in Fishers, Indiana

State & Federal Fraud Defense for Individuals & Businesses in Hamilton County

Fraud allegations carry serious consequences, and the way a defense is built from the earliest stage matters. Massillamany Jeter & Carson LLP is based in Fishers and has defended individuals and businesses against fraud charges at both the state and federal level since 2015. Our attorneys bring more than 150 years of combined legal practice to each case, and our multi-attorney team approach means your matter draws on the right resources at every phase.

If you or your business is facing a fraud investigation or charge in Fishers or elsewhere in Hamilton County, contact us today at (317) 434-1490 to schedule a free consultation by phone, video, or in person.

How Indiana Classifies Fraud Offenses

Indiana’s core fraud statute, Indiana Code 35-43-5-4, starts at a Class A misdemeanor. The charge elevates to a Level 6 felony when the pecuniary loss reaches at least $750 or the defendant has a prior related conviction within seven years. At $100,000 or more in loss, the charge rises to a Level 4 felony. Prison time, fines, restitution to victims, and asset forfeiture are all possible consequences, with severity tied to the dollar amount, the defendant’s role in the scheme, and whether the offense involved a breach of professional or public trust.

Federal fraud charges add another dimension. Cases prosecuted at the federal level are sentenced under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which can produce substantially longer sentences than state charges for comparable conduct. For professionals in finance, healthcare, real estate, or public service, a fraud charge also carries the risk of a licensing board disciplinary review that can result in suspension or revocation of a professional license.

Why Fishers Clients Choose Our Fraud Defense Team

Founding partner Mario Massillamany served as a local prosecutor before co-founding the firm. That background shapes how our team reads a fraud investigation: what law enforcement is looking for, how cases are built, and where a defense may have leverage. Our founding partners have also held leadership roles at the state and national level, giving the firm a broad perspective while staying rooted in the Hamilton County community.

Hamilton County’s courts are among the busiest and fastest-growing in Indiana. Our attorneys are familiar with the Hamilton County Judicial Center in Noblesville, the local prosecutors, and how cases move through that system. Clients work directly with a team that knows their case. There’s no handoff to a rotating group of associates.

Schedule a Free Consultation

A fraud allegation doesn’t have to define your future. Call (317) 434-1490 to speak with our team at Massillamany Jeter & Carson LLP and schedule a free initial consultation by phone, video, or in person.

Fraud Charges We Defend in Indiana

Fraud isn’t a single offense. It covers a broad range of conduct, and the charges a client faces depend on the alleged scheme, the dollar amounts involved, and whether the matter draws federal attention. Our attorneys represent clients in both state and federal court, including cases where state and federal authorities are coordinating their investigation.

Common fraud-related charges under Indiana law include:

General fraud (Indiana Code 35-43-5-4): Covers deceptive schemes involving financial institutions, government programs, and private parties, classified from a Class A misdemeanor to a Level 4 felony based on dollar loss and prior record
Identity deception (Indiana Code 35-43-5-3.5): A Level 6 felony by default, elevated to a Level 5 felony when it involves the identifying information of more than 100 people or causes at least $50,000 in harm
Forgery (Indiana Code 35-43-5-2): A Level 6 felony involving the creation or use of a false written instrument
Insurance fraud (Indiana Code 35-43-5-4.5): Generally a Level 6 felony, elevated to a Level 5 felony for a prior related conviction or when the value obtained or loss suffered is at least $2,500; a standalone false statement on an insurance application is a Class A misdemeanor
White-collar offenses (bank fraud, wire fraud, and federal schemes): Charged at the federal level and carrying significant sentencing exposure under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines

From Investigation Through Trial: How We Defend Fraud Cases

Fraud investigations often move slowly. Agencies such as the FBI, IRS, and Indiana state law enforcement can spend months reviewing financial records, interviewing witnesses, and executing search warrants before a target learns charges are being considered. Getting a fraud lawyer involved during the investigative phase, before charges are filed, can affect how the case develops and what options remain available.

Our defense strategies are tailored to the facts of each case. We work to demonstrate the absence of criminal intent, identify procedural errors in how an investigation was conducted, pursue charge reductions or dismissals where the evidence supports it, and negotiate pretrial resolutions when that outcome serves the client. We handle every phase of a fraud matter, from preliminary hearings and arraignment through pretrial motions and trial, in both Hamilton County state court and federal court when a case carries both dimensions.

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Work With People Who Care

A Personalized, Team-Oriented Approach
200+ Years' Combined Experience
We Are Active Members of Our Community
We Treat Every Case Individually
Small Firm Attention. Big Firm Results.
Initial Consultations Are Always FREE!

Our Clients Are Our Biggest Advocates

Mario is absolutely amazing. He is responsive and always at the ready for help. I have relied on him for over two years and his advice is spot on.

- Former Client
He was thorough, prepared, and fought hard to make sure my voice was heard. If you’re looking for a lawyer who is knowledgeable, dependable, and truly in your corner, I highly recommend Mario.

- Former Client
I worked with Danielle Merlo on a Family Law matter in 2024. It was a complex case which Danielle handed incredibly well. I felt supported and well advised as we navigated a several month case.

- Danielle M.
Amy represented me very early in her career. When I am asked for attorney recommendations, I never hesitate to share her name. She has the great distinction of representing her clients well, and still advising them on if they are being responsible or not.

- Former Client
I reached out to Tom Blessing for help with a disability discrimination case involving my son. I felt vulnerable and intimidated taking a stand against an entire school district, but having Tom by my side every step of the way was reassuring and empowering

- Suzi S.
They are very educated on what they do and go above and beyond for their clients. If you ever need, they are the team to call!

- Chelsea B.
Finding a good lawyer is hard. Finding one you can actually trust is even harder. Mario is both. He was honest with me about what to expect, didn’t sugarcoat things, and stayed consistent the whole way through.

- Jalen
Chris Jeter and his team stand by my side to help guide me in the right direction. His knowledge of small business protected me in areas I didn't even know existed.

- Kelley R.
I had a fairly simple need but was very happy with the work and would use them again for any other legal work I need in the future.

- Former Client
Mario was incredible to work with and very easy to work and was very professional!

- Andrew G.

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