Contractor Fraud Attorney in Nashville, TN
Written by Kimberly S. Hodde, National Chair of Criminal Defense at Meister Seelig & Schuster
In Tennessee, contractors are being charged in criminal cases for what amounts to civil breach-of-contract claims. These often inappropriate prosecutions target contractors who have not completed work or have reached an impasse with a homeowner.
Although the Tennessee legislature made it abundantly clear that these prosecutions are designed to target “fly-by-night,” “snake oil salesmen,” and not legitimate businesspersons, investigators and prosecutors have immense and largely unchecked discretion and have consistently charged legitimate contractors with fraud – an allegation that is devastating to their business’s success and longevity. Although the underlying disagreement may be civil, an accusation of intentional deception can quickly become a serious white-collar fraud defense matter.
Challenging Tennessee Contractor Fraud Prosecutions
Kimberly (Kim) S. Hodde and her team at MSS lead the movement to unwind this legislation and prevent injustices in prosecutions and charging decisions. Ms. Hodde has extensively briefed and litigated constitutional challenges to the Tennessee contractor fraud statute. She has tried cases involving wrongfully accused contractors and has secured acquittals.
What Contractors Should Do When Contacted by Investigators
If you are a contractor and have been contacted by a member of law enforcement about an investigation into a pending construction or home-improvement contract, you need to immediately seek legal advice from a qualified and experienced lawyer familiar with litigating criminal contractor fraud allegations. Ms. Hodde and her team at MSS-Nashville can help you assess whether you are a target of the criminal investigation and develop a strategy to navigate it without damaging your ultimate defenses.
Experienced Contractor Fraud Defense in Nashville
Although it is often tempting to try to explain yourself to investigators because you believe you have done nothing wrong, by speaking with law enforcement, you are increasing (not decreasing) your chances of being charged with a crime. You should resist that temptation.
As National Chair of Criminal Defense at Meister Seelig & Schuster (MSS), Kim Hodde leads a Nashville-based team backed by attorneys in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California and Tennessee, enabling the firm to represent clients in complex contractor fraud matters wherever they arise. If law enforcement has contacted you about a construction or home-improvement contract, contact Kim Hodde and MSS-Nashville before making a statement.