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 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.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
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

The timeline for filing pre-trial motions in a criminal case in Minnesota varies with the type of motion. A motion related to the discovery of evidence or dismissal of a criminal case must be filed at least three days before the Omnibus Hearing. The prosecution is then allowed to respond to the motions, and the court sets the timeline for these responses.
Knowing the tips for interacting with law enforcement as a suspect in Minnesota can keep you from saying or doing something that incriminates you. These tips include understanding your rights while interacting with law enforcement, knowing how to handle search and seizure, and seeking the early intervention of a criminal defense lawyer. You should apply these tips when you are stopped for questioning, a suspect in a criminal investigation, pulled over in a car, and during arrest, arrest processing, and custody.
You may need to hire a criminal defense lawyer even if you have not been charged. A criminal defense lawyer protects your rights when law enforcement officers are investigating you for a crime. Without a lawyer, you might say something that could be incriminating or misconstrued. Your lawyer can engage with the police or the prosecutors and provide evidence that prevents them from filing formal charges. Your lawyer can also go through your case and prepare a defense strategy if there is a possibility of you getting charged.