Make Payment
Call Today
(952) 913-1421
Call Today
(952) 913-1421

Minnesota law supposedly contributes to insurance fraud

Anyone in St. Paul who has been in a car accident knows that Minnesota is a no fault state, meaning that an insurance company will pay any bill related to an accident, no matter who causes the accident. While this helps to protect people who might otherwise be unable to cover their medical costs following an accident, some people are saying the policy is also contributing to insurance fraud, a felony under Minnesota law.

According to the Insurance Federation of Minnesota, the Russian mafia is participating in a growing number of insurance fraud cases in south Minneapolis. According to the organization, there are individuals who are creating fake accidents in an effort to collect money from insurance companies. Moreover, members of this criminal enterprise have also allegedly established fake clinics, billed for accidents that never happened and overbilled, all of which could be considered insurance fraud.

While it is possible that individuals are taking advantage of the no-fault insurance policy in Minnesota to participate in fraudulent behavior, there are also countless others who have genuine claims and desperately need insurance payouts. What’s worse, naming a specific group as responsible for insurance fraud could have a far-reaching impact.

Imagine a Russian immigrant getting injured in a car accident in south Minneapolis. Normally, he or she would be able to file for an insurance payout to cover the cost of medical care and property damage. But if the individual suddenly becomes a suspect for insurance fraud because he or she is Russian, it could not only delay the compensation the individual needs to cover his or her bills, but it could also lead to a very serious criminal charge.

Source: CBS WCCO 4, “Organized Crime Causes Spike In Car Insurance Fraud,” Heather Brown, Feb. 18, 2013

Being charged with a felony in Minneapolis, such as insurance fraud, is incredibly serious and requires an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Learn more about the work we have done on behalf of people charged with felonies by visiting our website.

Max Keller image
Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
Handcuffed man in beanie looking distressed during interrogation. police lie to you during an interrogation

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.