My sister has been charged with fraud over 5000.00 and uttering false documents. She changed income documents in order to try and remortgage her house as she had been out of work for quite a few months due to a fire. She did not receive the remortgage of course, but is she looking at jail time, as she will surely lose her house if so, as she resides by herself.

So what is your question?

So what is your question?

Well we are all wondering if she will face jail, as we will have to help her with her belongings and pets etc.

Go to your local law library... at the local court house... look up the crime in the crimes code (in Pa, it is called Title 18). In there, it should give you the sentencing parameters ranging from the most lenient to the worst punsihment available to the judge for sentencing.

Sometimes, through the course of a hearing as this, charges may change, which, in turn would obviously change the punishments available to the judge.

So, go do some homework... charges and sentences vary from state to state and from case to case. A definitive answer to your jail time question with the facts given would be very difficult at this point.

Assuming that your sister has no prior criminal record and is typically a law abiding citizen, I would not think that jail time would be appropriate.

Definitely get to the law library and consult with an attorney.