Alabama § 22-12C-7 - Fraud or Abuse as a Misdemeanor; Fraud Defined.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 22-12C-7 — Fraud or Abuse as a Misdemeanor; Fraud Defined., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-12C-7. Fraud or Abuse as a Misdemeanor; Fraud Defined.
(a) Any person who obtains WIC Program benefits for himself or herself or for another by fraud or abuse or anyone who otherwise defrauds or abuses the WIC Program shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be punished as prescribed by law. Fraud or abuse is defined as:
(1) Fraudulently reporting of income to receive benefits.
(2) Receiving benefits for services from two or more clinics at the same time.
(3) Selling, trading, or giving away supplies, medications, food, or food instruments issued by the program.
(4) Accepting cash from vendors.
(5) Using food instruments as payment of any debt.
(6) Unauthorized altering of food instruments.
(7) Redeeming food instruments reported lost, stolen, or destroyed.
(8) Purchasing non-food items with food instruments.
(9) Returning WIC Program foods for credit or cash.
(10) Providing cash or credit in place of authorized foods.
(11) Substitution of non-food items for listed foods.
(12) Providing less foods than is specified on a food instrument and requesting full payment for the specified amount.
(13) Charging WIC Program participants more for foods than other customers are charged.
(14) Receiving, accepting, buying, taking by way of trade or barter, or otherwise unlawfully possessing WIC Program food instruments or WIC Program foods.
(b) A second or subsequent conviction of fraud or abuse of the WIC Program shall be a Class B felony, and, upon conviction, shall be punished as prescribed by law.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 22-12C-7
What does Code of Alabama § 22-12C-7 cover?
Section 22-12C-7 ("Fraud or Abuse as a Misdemeanor; Fraud Defined.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 22-12C-7?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 22-12C-7" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 22-12C-7 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.