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Insurance Fraud Investigation Closed before Charges Filed NJ



When policyholders are accused of insurance fraud, early intervention by an experienced insurance lawyer NYC can prevent criminal prosecution before formal charges are filed.

This case study explains how an insurance lawyer NYC defended a self employed client who was accused of misrepresentation during the insurance application process.

The matter required careful analysis of New Jersey insurance fraud statutes and strategic pre indictment advocacy.

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Contents


1. Insurance Lawyer NYC New Jersey Insurance Application Background


An insurance lawyer NYC frequently handles cases involving alleged pre policy disclosure violations under New Jersey law.

In this matter, the client faced allegations that he failed to disclose prior medical treatment at the time of purchasing health and accident coverage.



Newark Medical History and Insurance Application Timeline


The client consulted an insurance lawyer NYC after receiving notice from the insurer that his prior lumbar diagnosis had not been disclosed. 

Nearly ten years earlier, he had received treatment for mild lumbar strain and early disc symptoms. 

No surgery or hospitalization occurred, and treatment consisted only of short term medication.
 

When applying for coverage, the agent reportedly stated that resolved and non surgical conditions did not require disclosure. 

Relying on that explanation, the client completed the application.
 

Years later, after a car accident required medical treatment, the insurer raised concerns and referred the matter for fraud review. 

At that stage, the client retained an insurance lawyer NYC.



Newark Insurance Fraud Definition and Penalties under NJ Law


Under the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act, N.J.S.A. 17:33A-4, a person commits insurance fraud if they knowingly make false or misleading statements to obtain insurance benefits. 

Criminal prosecution may also arise under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-4.6, which addresses fraudulent insurance claims.
 

Penalties can include:

 

Third degree charges for fraudulent claims

Fines and restitution

Potential imprisonment depending on the amount involved

 

An insurance lawyer NYC must focus on whether intent to defraud existed at the time of application.



2. Insurance Lawyer NYC New Jersey Defense Strategy before Indictment


Once retained, the insurance lawyer NYC evaluated whether the client possessed criminal intent. Under New Jersey law, intent is a required element of insurance fraud offenses.



Newark Emphasizing Lack of Fraudulent Intent


The insurance lawyer NYC reviewed medical records, treatment history, and the timeline between diagnosis and policy purchase.

The client had no ongoing symptoms and had not sought treatment for several years before applying for coverage.

 

The defense emphasized:

 

The condition was resolved

No benefits were claimed before the accident

The applicant relied on agent guidance

 

These facts undermined any claim of deliberate deception.



Newark Agent Representation and Disclosure Context


The insurance lawyer NYC also examined communications with the insurance agent. Evidence showed the agent advised that minor, resolved back pain did not require listing if no active treatment existed.
 

Statements collected included:

 

Application notes

Call summaries

Agent communication records

 

The defense argued that any omission resulted from misunderstanding, not intent to defraud under N.J.S.A. 17:33A-4.



3. Insurance Lawyer NYC New Jersey Prosecutorial Review and Pre Charge Advocacy


Because the matter had not yet reached indictment, the insurance lawyer NYC prepared a comprehensive submission to the investigating authority.

Early intervention is critical in suspected insurance fraud matters.



Newark Written Advocacy Submission


The insurance lawyer NYC prepared a formal memorandum outlining:

 

Absence of material misrepresentation

Lack of scienter

Long term policy compliance

 

Under New Jersey criminal procedure, prosecutors must evaluate probable cause and intent before filing formal charges. 

The memorandum demonstrated that the statutory elements could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.



Newark Supporting Evidence Package


Supporting documentation submitted by the insurance lawyer NYC included:

 

Certified medical history

Policy payment records

Proof of no prior claims

Agent related evidence

 

The submission framed the matter as a contractual dispute rather than criminal fraud.



4. Insurance Lawyer NYC New Jersey Resolution and Practical Considerations


Following review, authorities declined to initiate formal criminal proceedings.

The insurance lawyer NYC successfully prevented escalation to indictment.



Newark Decision Not to Prosecute


After reviewing the defense submission, the investigative unit determined insufficient evidence of intent existed. 

The insurance lawyer NYC secured a pre charge resolution, meaning no indictment or formal complaint was filed.
 

This outcome allowed the client to avoid:

 

Criminal record exposure

Court proceedings

License or business impact



Newark Key Issues in Insurance Fraud Allegations


Insurance fraud cases often hinge on intent and materiality. 

An insurance lawyer NYC must evaluate:

 

Whether disclosure was clearly required

Whether the applicant understood the obligation

Whether the omission was material

 

Early strategic advocacy can prevent unnecessary prosecution.


23 Feb, 2026


The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.

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