Fraud Defense Lawyers in Hollywood

Types of Florida Fraud Charges We Handle

When people think about criminal charges, what usually comes to mind are accusations of murder, burglary, or drug trafficking. However, in the state of Florida, one of the most common types of crimes is actually the “white collar” offense of fraud crimes, which essentially involves some kind of misrepresentation of the truth in order to obtain a monetary gain from another individual or a company. Understandably, because there have been so many complaints of identity theft, mortgage fraud, tax fraud, and even Medicare fraud recently, government officials have sought to crack down on those alleged to commit these crimes. The consequences can dramatically affect the rest of your life if you have been accused.

Just a few examples of the wide range of allegations for fraud that we can handle include cases involving:

• Mail fraud
• Medicare/Medicaid fraud
• Identity theft
• Internet and mobile device fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Public assistance fraud
• Banking fraud
• Organized fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Extortion
• Green card, visas, and passport fraud
• Unlawfully using someone else’s personal information
• Owning a business without proper licensing

Unfortunately, in their zeal for justice, law enforcement sometimes exaggerates a fraud charge or even simply mistakenly identifies a defendant. If you have been unfairly accused, seek representation from our fraud lawyers in Hollywood, so Magilligan Law can protect your rights. Our criminal defense attorneys are highly skilled at representing clients who are being accused of multiple types of fraud, both in the state court or even the federal court, where the penalties are even more severe.

Contact us now at 954-866-8058 to get the answers to any questions you have about fraud.

Public Assistance Fraud Penalties in Florida

Public assistance fraud is a form of fraud where an individual is charged for fraudulently manipulating any public program. These include but are not limited to assistance, services, and/or benefits provided by a federally or state-funded program.

The most common of these is “Welfare Fraud,” as outlined in Section 414.39 of Florida’s Statutes; these offenses often include:

• Aiding and/or Abetting Fraudulent Welfare
• Failure to Disclose a Change in Circumstances
• Failure to Disclose a Material Fact – Purposefully Falsifying Facts About Themselves to Receive Public Assistance
• Food Stamp/Medical Services Fraud

The penalty for welfare fraud in the State of Florida ranges from a misdemeanor to a felony offense depending on the extent of the fraud:

• Goods/Services fraudulently received within 12 months that are valued at less than $200 is a 1st-degree misdemeanor – up to 12 months of probation or up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $1k in fines
• Goods/Services fraudulently received within 12 months that are valued at more than $200 is a 3rd-degree felony – up to 5 years of probation or up to 5 years in jail and/or up to $10k in fines

Personalizing a Strategy for Your Needs

Every defendant in a fraud case is unique, as is their situation. In some cases, there has simply been an unfortunate misunderstanding where the accused was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. In other circumstances, we have discovered individuals who are themselves, victims of higher management in their company, spreading the blame on others and away from themselves. We have even seen entire businesses purposely maligned by competitors. No matter the circumstance, we can investigate to reveal your side of the story.

The consequences of being convicted of a fraud crime in Florida are harsh and drastic. They will cost you thousands of your hard-earned savings and place you and your family in tremendous debt. In addition to potentially placing you in jail for several valuable years of your life, the misery of conviction does not end even when you are released from incarceration. With a criminal record, you will find it difficult to find another job or apply for a mortgage, and your ability to seek credit loans or other financially related matters will be virtually nonexistent. By the time you complete probation and parole, much of the most essential time of your life will be gone. This is why it is so important to take decisive action with Magilligan Law before it is too late.

Call us today at 954-866-8058 or contact us online to benefit from a completely free consultation with one of our fraud lawyers in Hollywood.