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[emailjewel2]

What is the name of your state? NY
If anyone knows. I've been charged with fraud/theft of government housing/section 8 funds. I allowed a friend to stay with me in my section 8 apartment. Additionally, my name was on my husband's lease for 2 years of the 6 where he lived (we're separated). All documented evidence shows that I lived in my section 8 apartment (irs, doctors, school, employer, etc.) Because I was on my husband's lease previously, they alleged that I lived with him the whole time I had my section 8 apartment. My lawyer is telling me that the only option I have is 5 months jail time and 5 months house arrest. Is this true? Are there other cases that ended like this. I have no previous criminal records. I work full-time, I pay my taxes, I served in the military. Can I plea guilty to failing to report the additional person staying with me to Section 8 and pay the money back? Jail time will only pull me right down. I will have no job, and no place to live (for house arrest). I will have to go into a shelter and wouldn't be able to obtain a middle class income paying job, hence the government will be paying for me completely. Is their motive to punish and not get their money back? Is jail time really my only option?