Penalties Based on the Value of the Offense
Fraud penalties vary according to the severity and value of the property, services, or money involved:
Fraud under $5,000: Maximum of 2 years in prison if tried by indictment, or less than 2 years for a summary conviction.
Fraud over $5,000: Maximum sentence of up to 14 years in prison.
Fraud exceeding $1 million: Mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years.
For any fraud over $5,000, no discharge or suspended sentence is permitted. The severity of penalties reflects the seriousness of the offense and serves to protect the victims.
