My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maryland
Ok, here is my issue. My brother recently applied for a personal loan (I think around $5,000). However, apparently he was no longer employed and lied about employment and forged a paystub. Somehow the loan went through. Then about a week later he received a call saying that he would be charged with fraud if he didn't call back. Now, this is where I'm unclear on details. He tells me he called this person back (I don't know who or how this person is involved in with the loan company and/or law enforcement) and the man told him that either he would have to go to court or he could pay a $600 fine but that paying the fine would not guarantee he wouldn't have to go to court anyway. Now he's paid the $600 fine and tells me he hasn't spent any of the loan money. This is his first offense. My questions are how likely is he to be sentenced to jail time and if its very likely how long of a sentence would be expected? Also, if there is any way out of jail time what would be his punishment, additional fine, community serive? Thanks in advance.

