It can feel stressful if someone accuses you of fraud, especially when you are unsure of what comes next. A conviction in Florida can carry life-changing consequences, including prison time and a permanent criminal record. If the police have arrested you, the choices you make now will have consequences. Speaking with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney right away is one of the best ways to protect your future.
At The Umansky Law Firm, we understand how much is at risk, and we could support you from the beginning. A Windermere fraud lawyer on our team could review the allegations against you, examine the evidence, and build a defense strategy tailored to your situation. The law presumes you are innocent, and we will work to ensure others hear your side of the story.
Fraud encompasses a wide range of offenses under state law, most of which involve an attempt to obtain money or property through deception. These offenses can take many forms, including:
Two of the most common fraud charges appear in Florida Statutes § 817.034, which covers an organized scheme to defraud, and Fla. Stat. § 817.568, which covers the criminal use of another person’s personal identification information. The charge you face and how serious it is often depend on the amount of money involved and the specific way the alleged fraud occurred. In Windermere, a fraud attorney could explain how the law applies to your case and what the prosecution must prove.
The penalties for fraud in Florida depend largely on the value involved. Under the state’s organized fraud statute, the grade of the offense rises as the amount increases.
Property worth less than $20,000 makes the charge a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. If the amount falls between $20,000 and $50,000, the offense is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. At $50,000 or more, the charge rises to a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years.
Beyond prison time and substantial fines, a fraud conviction can follow you long after your case ends. With a fraud conviction on your record, employers, landlords, and licensing boards may all treat you differently. For non-citizens, a fraud conviction in Windermere may even affect immigration status, and our lawyers could work to reduce the charges or seek alternatives that protect your record and freedom.
A charge of fraud does not mean a court will convict you. To win a conviction, the state must establish each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, and that burden often leaves room for a strong defense. Depending on the facts of your case, a defense may include:
Fraud cases often involve complex financial records, digital evidence, and questions of intent. With this in mind, we examine how investigators gathered evidence and whether the involved parties respected your constitutional rights. A skilled Windermere fraud defense lawyer could identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and advocate for dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
A fraud charge can threaten your freedom, your finances, and your reputation, but you do not have to face it alone. The sooner an experienced team reviews your case, the more options you may have.
At The Umansky Law Firm, our attorneys have spent years defending people accused of serious crimes throughout Florida. A Windermere fraud lawyer on our team is ready to listen, answer your questions, and build a defense aimed at the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation to protect your future.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
