Obtaining or negotiating document of title for goods with intent to defraud

NRS 205.570 – Overview of the Penalties Associated with Obtaining or Negotiating a Document of Title for Goods with the Intent to Defraud

According to NRS 205.570, a person who intends to defraud and obtains a document of title that is negotiable for goods to which said person does not have title, or which are subject to a security interest, and proceeds to negotiate the document for value, and does not disclose the want of title or existence of a security, will be punished as follows:

• If the value of the goods allegedly covered by the document of title is $650 or more, it is a category D felony as described in NRS 193.130. This crime can be punished by up to a year in state prison, and a fine up to $5000.
• If the value of the goods allegedly covered by the document of title is less than $650, it is a misdemeanor. You can be punished in Nevada by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Consequences of Conviction for Violating NRS 205.570

If a person is convicted for the crime of obtaining or negotiating a document of title for goods with intent to defraud, you may face more consequences than only jail time and fines. Having a felony on your criminal record can create the following headaches:

• You may not be eligible for housing vouchers, public housing and assorted public benefits. The Public Housing Authority can deny you housing if you have a felony on your record.
• You may have difficulty getting an education loan.
• Trouble finding a job: Most employers conduct background checks on potential employees. Getting a job with a felony on your record involving fraud can make finding work challenging at best.
• Loss or denial of a professional license: Most professions will deny or revoke your professional license if you are convicted of a felony.
• Deportation: If you are a legal resident of the US, you may still face deportation for committing a category D felony in Nevada.

While being convicted of a misdemeanor for this crime is less severe than a felony, such a conviction can still bring hardship to your life.

Defenses to a Category D Felony in Nevada

The most common defense to a charge under NRS 205.570 is lack of intent. When your attorney makes this defense, he is arguing you were not aware you were engaging in fraud. Or, you lacked the mental capacity to have intent due to mental disability or intoxication. This is a common defense in many fraud cases. It could be effective for the crime of obtaining or negotiating a document of title for goods with intent to defraud, if your attorney can prove you did not intend to commit fraud against another person.

Also, lack of knowledge can be used to defend you against a charge of fraud. This may be an effective defense if you can prove that you did not have the detailed knowledge of a document of title to commit fraud.

Have You Been Charged with a Crime Under NRS 205.570? Take Action by Contacting an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Las Vegas Now

If you have been charged with the crime of obtaining or negotiating a document of title for goods with intent to defraud, this is a category D felony in Nevada if the value of the goods is $650 or more. You are facing serious criminal and civil consequences. Contact our Las Vegas office today for a free, confidential case review.