Published July 1, 2025 by HJP Legal

Serving Michigan Including:  Troy, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, Oakland County, and Surrounding Areas

Facing a welfare fraud charge in Michigan can feel overwhelming — especially for first-time offenders who were simply trying to meet basic needs. At HJP Legal, we understand the human side of these cases. Whether you’re in Oakland County, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, or anywhere across the state, we fight to protect your rights, record, and future.

Thanks to the Welfare Fraud Pretrial Diversion Program recently announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), eligible individuals now have a powerful alternative to criminal prosecution.

If you’ve been accused of benefit fraud involving SNAP, TANF, or other state aid, and it’s your first offense, you may qualify for this new diversion program — and avoid a damaging conviction.

What Is the Michigan Welfare Fraud Diversion Program?

The Welfare Fraud Pretrial Diversion Program gives eligible individuals an opportunity to resolve benefit fraud allegations without going through a criminal trial. If accepted, you agree to:

  • Repay the full amount of benefits in question
  • Cooperate with MDHHS to create a realistic repayment plan
  • Complete the terms of diversion without any new violations

If successful, your case is closed without a criminal conviction — meaning no public record, no jail time, and no long-term damage to your future.

Why It Matters for First-Time Offenders

This program can be life-changing. At HJP Legal, we understand that many benefit fraud charges stem from genuine financial hardship — not malicious intent.

If you qualify for this diversion, you can avoid:

  • A permanent criminal record
  • Loss of employment or housing
  • Barriers to government assistance
  • Immigration consequences
  • Social stigma tied to fraud convictions

This is especially important for people seeking how to avoid conviction for benefit fraud in MI.

Who Is Eligible for the Welfare Fraud Diversion Program in Michigan?

The Michigan Attorney General’s office and county prosecutors determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Generally, you must:

  • Be a first-time offender
  • Be accused of fraud under $10,000
  • Have no prior welfare fraud convictions
  • Not be employed by MDHHS

If you qualify, early legal action is essential. At HJP Legal, we act fast to contact prosecutors, present documentation, and negotiate your enrollment into the program.

Serving Oakland County, Macomb, Wayne, and Beyond

We represent clients across Oakland County, Troy, Southfield, Macomb, Detroit, and throughout Michigan. Our goal is to help you navigate this difficult situation with clarity and confidence.

If you’re searching for a welfare fraud lawyer in Michigan or an Oakland County fraud defense attorney, HJP Legal is ready to stand by your side.

Looking for support with another type of charge? Visit our criminal defense lawyer in Oakland County page.

Why Choose HJP Legal – Michigan Welfare Fraud Defense Lawyer?

Attorney Halley J. Peters is known for handling welfare fraud cases with integrity, empathy, and tenacity. We believe in second chances and will explore every opportunity to:

  • Protect your record
  • Minimize penalties
  • Preserve your access to benefits
  • Restore your reputation

Whether you’re facing an active investigation or have already been charged, we’ll guide you through the best legal options — including pretrial diversion, settlement, or defense in court.

Let’s Protect Your Record — and Your Future

If you’ve been contacted by MDHHS, a fraud investigator, or received a notice from the Attorney General’s office, don’t wait.

At HJP Legal, we’ll assess whether you qualify for the diversion program and build a defense designed to protect your future.

Call today for a confidential consultation: 517-449-6544

Facing Criminal Charges in Michigan, contact Michigan Welfare Fraud Defense Lawyer Halley J. Peters at HJP Legal Can Help Contact Us Now, Thank you for reading: Welfare Fraud Diversion Program in Michigan: A Second Chance Without a Criminal Record.