Interview by ABCNews.com regarding Unemployment Fraud July 13, 2010
Posted by jefhenninger in My Cases.Tags: unemployment fraud
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As a follow up to my last interview, I was also interviewed by ABCNews.com
You can read that interview here
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/underemployed-overpaid-states-shell-unemployment/story?id=11118137
The NJ Unemployment Monetary Interview March 28, 2010
Posted by jefhenninger in News.Tags: unemployment fraud
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A monetary interview is used in New Jersey if there is any question about the amount of unemployment benefits you are entitled to receive. You will receive a notice in the mail that you will be scheduled for a telephone interview with a monetary representative. While the notice indicates that a representative will call you at the scheduled time, someone may not call you at all and you will receive another notice. If they do call you, it may be later so you must be available for two hours after the time scheduled.
While a monetary interview does not mean that you are suspected of fraud, anything you say could be used against you in a fraud prosecution. At the time of the interview, you will be questioned about your proof of employment (pay stubs, W-2, etc.) for the last 18 months prior to filing your unemployment claim. As part of the investigation, your former employer may be sent a request for wage and separation information to complete and return by the time of the interview.
After the monetary interview you will be sent a determination explaining the amount of benefits (if any) you are entitled to receive. If you disagree with the determination, you have the right to appeal. Instructions for filing an appeal are on your determination. If you are denied because of fraud, the investigation will start/continue.
While the representative may tell you that you don’t need an attorney or you cannot have an attorney to help you, they are wrong. You have the right to an attorney! If you think that there is any chance you are under investigation in New Jersey for unemployment fraud, give me a call right away.
Unemployment fraud investigations on the rise in New Jersey: confusion and bad information likely cause March 12, 2010
Posted by tsclaw2209 in Articles.Tags: unemployment fraud
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The amount of unemployment fraud cases I have been involved in here in New Jersey has dramatically increased. I have cases involving small amounts and large amounts, cases where my client has already been indicted and some where no one has even contacted my client yet. So, I thought that I would share some more information as this situation is likely to continue for years to come.
Miscommunication and Confusion
Have you tried to call the New Jersey unemployment office lately? Good luck getting anyone on the phone. However, if you do get someone on the phone, you may get bad information. I’ve had several people call me who are now involved in an unemployment fraud investigation when they thought that they did everything the right way. Confusion often arises with people are who self-employed, working part-time on and off and who are working on a per-diem or contract basis. Whether they should continue claiming unemployment benefits in New Jersey and how these situations should be handled leads to confusion. The worst part is, when some people call the New Jersey Unemployment Office for advice, they are either given wrong information or there is a miscommunication. As a result, they may wind up being investigated months or even years later.
Legal Assistance
Keep in mind that anything you say to anyone at the unemployment office can and will be used against you if you are prosecuted. Thus, an attorney speaks for you so that the case can be resolved before you incriminate yourself. As innocent as your explanation may sound to you, to an investigator it may be taken as an admission of guilt. Besides speaking for you, an attorney can also help prevent you from being prosecuted.
While every case is different, two of my cases provide a great example of how a New Jersey unemployment fraud defense lawyer can help. One client owes over $45,000. We are trying to work out a payment plan at the moment but he will not be prosecuted. Another client just hired me yesterday that owes about $25,000. He has been indicted and we had court today. What’s the difference? The first client came to me the moment there was any indication of a problem. The second client tried to handle it by himself, confessed and could not resolve it. I am now in the case at the last minute.
Thus, while you may not “need” a lawyer, getting one at the first sign of trouble may be the best investment you ever make. Not only can you save money by avoiding court appearances and litigation, but you can keep your name out of the paper. The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office often publishes the names of those charged with unemployment fraud. Of course, if you are never charged, your name will not appear along with everyone else who was charged.
Whether your unemployment fraud case was the result of intentional wrong-doing or an accident, give me a call to discuss how I can help protect you from criminal charges and a criminal record.
New Jersey Unemployment Fraud Attorney January 3, 2010
Posted by jefhenninger in Misc..Tags: unemployment fraud
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Unemployment Fraud is treated as a serious crime in New Jersey. If you are suspected of unemployment fraud or you think you are under investigation, hiring a good unemployment fraud (unemployment insurance fraud) attorney may make the difference between success and disaster. If not handled properly, you can end up with a felony record and in jail or prison. Defendants’ names are published in press releases that will likely come up in search results on search engines such as Google. Thus, your future may be at stake!
In New Jersey, unemployment fraud is investigated by the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development. Your first indication that you being investigated for unemployment fraud will likely be a letter from the Department of Labor. Otherwise, they may call you. Either way, they will be requesting information from you. Anything you say can be used against you. As soon as you realize that you are under investigation, call an experienced New Jersey unemployment fraud attorney right away. Bring him or her the letter and follow the directions given to you.
Unemployment fraud can occur when a person is collecting unemployment insurance benefits and does not report that they have gone back to work, when a person is working “under the table” (off the books) or if a person is working part-time.
With New Jersey’s budget spiraling out of control, the Department of Labor and the New Jersey Attorney General’s office is seeking to get back every dollar that was overpaid. Thus, convictions are becoming more common for even smaller amounts overpaid to ensure that funds are recovered and to act as a deterrent for others. Do not assume that you can handle this on your own! Many people have tried to ignore this only to wind up arrested, indicted and then convicted.
If you think, for any reason, that you are suspected of unemployment fraud or are under investigation, call Jef Henninger, Esq., the New Jersey unemployment fraud defense lawyer. Jef has successfully helped clients across New Jersey avoid prosecution for unemployment fraud and prison/jail. With offices in Newark, Jersey City, Woodbridge, New Brunswick, East Brunswick, Princeton, Freehold, Redbank, Eatontown and Toms River, Jef and his team of fraud defense attorneys are easy to reach from anywhere in New Jersey.
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