In Pennsylvania, if a contractor takes money for a job but fails to finish it, lies about the timeline or materials, or spends the project funds on something else, it can turn into a serious criminal case. Instead of a simple contract dispute, you could be facing criminal prosecution for charges like theft by deception and theft of services.

Lawyer Michael Kotik is a respected Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer with over 15 years of experience, including time working at the District Attorney’s Office. He is fully prepared to review the evidence against you and build a relentless defense to protect your name and your business.

Is it a Lawsuit or a Criminal Investigation?

Often, unhappy homeowners believe their only option is to file a civil lawsuit to recover their lost money. However, Pennsylvania prosecutors can step in and file criminal charges if they believe the contractor intentionally planned to take the money using false promises or deceptive behavior.

Law enforcement will look for specific actions to justify a criminal investigation, such as:

• Taking a large down payment and walking away from the project.
• Constantly making fake promises while refusing to give the customer a refund.
• Lying about your business qualifications, licenses, or insurance.
• Billing the customer for work or supplies that were never provided.
• Using one client’s money to cover the costs of an entirely different job while hiding the truth.

Before filing charges, the police will closely examine your bank accounts, text messages, contracts, and permits. If they believe they have enough proof, they will ask a judge to issue a warrant for your arrest.

The Severe Penalties of a Conviction

A criminal conviction for construction fraud can completely destroy your livelihood. Depending on the amount of money involved and your criminal history, the penalties can include:

• Time in jail or prison.
• Probation.
• Court orders forcing you to pay all the money back (restitution).
• Heavy fines and court fees.
• Permanent damage to your professional licenses and business reputation.

How Attorney Michael Kotik Defends Your Case

Not every failed construction project is a crime. Normal business struggles like bad weather, a shortage of workers, material delays, and simple arguments over the quality of the work are legitimate civil disputes, not criminal acts.

When defending your case, Attorney Michael Kotik focuses heavily on proving that you had no criminal intent. A strong defense strategy involves looking closely at the facts to show:

• That the construction work was substantially completed.
• That you were open and honest with the customer about any delays.
• That the customer’s funds were actually used for legitimate project expenses.
• That any promises you made were honest mistakes rather than intentional lies.
• That the situation is strictly a contract issue, not a theft.

Attorney Michael Kotik believes that every client deserves full commitment and sharp preparation. If your construction company is under investigation in Pennsylvania, early legal intervention is crucial. Contact Michael Kotik today at 267-265-4553 to get an expert reviewing your case.