Fraud crimes involve a series of offenses that can be charged at both the state and federal level. If you are accused of any type of fraud crime, you need to secure legal help from an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
A Sanford fraud lawyer understands the complexities of the criminal justice system and can protect you from its potential pitfalls. We will work tirelessly to mitigate heavy penalties and pursue the best possible outcome for your case so you are not left with this permanent mark that can affect the rest of your life.
Fraud encompasses a class of crimes that involve intentional deception to achieve personal and/or monetary gain. If you or a loved one are charged with any type of fraud crime, you need to contact a Sanford attorney right away. Some of the most charged fraud offenses include the following.
Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows individuals and businesses to restructure or dissolve their debts if unable to meet their financial liabilities. Bankruptcy fraud occurs when a party makes false statements or purposefully conceals assets related to a bankruptcy proceeding. A person can also be charged with this form of fraud for actions such as filing for bankruptcy in multiple jurisdictions or starting businesses with no intention of paying financial obligations to vendors.
When someone uses another person’s credit card information for unauthorized transactions, they can be charged with credit card fraud. This type of fraud can be perpetrated through other illegal actions such as using a device to capture credit card information at a point of sale, or tricking individuals into providing credit card information through fraudulent online communications or websites.
The crime of identity theft typically involves taking, receiving, or using another individual’s personal information with the intention of leveraging those details to perpetrate illegal activities. Under Florida law, identity theft involves the fraudulent use or possession with intent to fraudulently use someone else’s personal identification information without their consent,
Insurance fraud involves deceptive practices to get benefits from insurance companies that would not otherwise be owed. Various forms of insurance fraud can include filing a false or fraudulent insurance claim, misrepresenting policy terms, or staging a compensable incident to collect insurance benefits.
Wire fraud is another commonly charged fraud offense that is also a federal crime. It involves using a wire communication to promote a scheme to defraud, or otherwise obtain money, property, or other gain by using of fraudulent means.
Healthcare fraud can refer multiple alleged criminal actions involving healthcare providers and payers. Actions that can lead to these charges include Medicare and Medicaid fraud, filing false healthcare claims, illegal billing, and selling prescriptions on the black market.
Given that Sanford, FL fraud crimes can be charged at either the state or federal level and include many types of offenses, the penalties associated with a conviction can be wide-ranging. Other factors can impact the severity of the penalties involved including the value of the goods, services, or funds allegedly stolen, and whether the accused has a prior criminal history.
For example, credit card fraud involving the purchase of items valued above $100 is a third-degree felony. This crime is punishable by up to five years in jail, plus financial penalties of up to $5,000. If there are multiple alleged victims or the items obtained through the alleged credit card fraud exceeded $300, the crime becomes a second-degree felony. Punishments can include financial penalties of up to $10,000, plus 15 years in prison.
Wire fraud charged under Florida state law can be a third-degree felony for amounts involving $300 up to $20,000, or a second-degree felony if the fraud involves goods valued at $20,000 up to $50,000. Wire fraud involving $50,000 or more is a first-degree felony, carrying punishments that can include up to 30 years in prison plus financial penalties.
Punishments for crimes like identity theft can also range from a third-degree to a first-degree felony, depending on the number of alleged victims and value of the funds involved. For any form of fraud that is charged at the federal rather than the state level, punishments can include decades in prison and potentially millions of dollars in fines.
Individuals convicted of any fraud offense will face the consequences of having a permanent criminal record. In addition to the personal ramifications that a criminal record can impose on everything from applying to jobs to getting housing, you could also face the loss of your voting rights and other civil liberties.
A Sanford attorney can step in from the earliest stages of a fraud case. Our lawyer can defend your rights, negotiate with prosecutors, and leave no stone unturned to mitigate the penalties you are facing.
When your freedom and reputation are at risk, choosing the right attorney to handle your case is crucial to seeking the most favorable result. A Sanford fraud lawyer can examine the case against you and identify the most effective defense strategy that is tailored to your situation.
The Umansky Law Firm can fight for your future, whether in seeking to get your charges reduced, dismissed, or negotiating a deal in your case. Contact us today to get the legal help you need and receive your free consultation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
