Q: Is this a civil or criminal issue?
I was working with a guy on his business. I created a website for him and I was working on a crowdfunding campaign for him. I guess I didn't complete the project fast enough for him and now he is saying he is gonna press charges on me for fraud and theft and contacted a lawyer. Is this a civil issue or should I be prepared for a criminal situation?
A: Generally, fraud in a commercial matter only occurs when the prosecution can prove that you never intended to do the work or had a history of not performing work
A: What you are describing sure sounds like a civil issue. The police pretty much avoid getting involved in civil disputes. It sounds like just a threat to see if you will get scared and do whatever he is asking you to do. If you are concerned you might want to contact your own lawyer to discuss otherwise wait and see what he does.
A:
From the brief facts at hand, it appears that you were late in completing a project. That doesn't amount to fraud. Fraud generally requires some form of deliberate conduct with the intent of deceiving the other side into doing something to its detriment. Good luck
Tim Akpinar
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
