Florida Fraud Charges Attorney Protects Your Future
A former Palm Beach prosecutor helps you build a solid defense
If you face charges of fraud in Florida, it is vital that you contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At Sando Law, P.A., defense lawyer Andrew Sando is more than a skilled criminal law attorney — he’s a former, award-winning prosecutor. Now, Attorney Sando is using his skills and knowledge to help fraud defense clients fight back. Whether you’re accused of mortgage fraud, making a false statement, using false identification, or any other type of fraud crime in South Florida, Attorney Sando can protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.
What is fraud in Florida?
Fraud is using deceit or misrepresentation to steal information, assets, or property that does not belong to you. Contrary to popular belief, fraud is not a victimless crime and if police arrest you for fraud, you could face a lengthy prison sentence. Many fraud cases are considered “white collar crimes” — non-violent, financial offenses. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, “White-collar crimescan destroy a company, wipe out a person’s life savings, cost investors billions of dollars, and erode the public’s trust in institutions.”
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, fraud is an offense that falls within the following categories:
- False Pretenses/Swindling
- Credit Card/ATM
- Impersonation (Identity theft)
- Welfare
- Wire
To convict you of fraud, the prosecution must establish the following:
- You made a false statement of material fact
- You understood that the statements you made were false and untrue
- Your intention was to defraud or deceive the alleged victim
- As a result, the alleged victim suffered injury or loss
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could face state and/or federal fraud charges. Further, the court may seek to make an example out of you and impose an especially harsh penalty to deter other, would-be offenders.
What types of fraud can a person be charged with in Florida?
The Sunshine State recognizes many different types of fraud crimes. While some are penalized with restitution or fines, more serious offenses can result in a lengthy prison sentence. Even a mere accusation of fraud can tarnish your reputation.
Defense Attorney Andrew Sando can fight fiercely for your rights if you are accused of any type of fraud crimes in South Florida, including:
- Credit card — Credit card fraud is one of the most common types of fraud. It involves the stealing of another person’s credit card information by any means — physical or digital theft. Perpetrators may use ATM skimmers or hack a victim’s online accounts.
- Mortgage fraud — Crimes involving mortgage fraud often involve the overstating or misrepresentation of income, assets, or property. Further, they can involve real estate agents, mortgage professionals, attorneys, and investors.
- Charitable fraud — Creating a charity for the purpose of collecting and keeping donations for personal use is charitable fraud. Fake charities will often pop up quickly, secure a certain number of donations, and then disappear.
- Racketeering — A crime typically associated with Mob movies and pop culture, racketeering is a serious offense that occurs when an organization uses intimidation or threats of force to obtain money from a business. In many instances, the offending organization creates the very problem or issue they are requesting money to fix.
- Identity theft — According to a study in Tampa Bay Business Journal, in 2019, Florida ranked number four in the country for reports of identity theft. The correlation between technology leaps and an increase in identity theft is not a coincidence, either — the evolution of the internet and digital devices has made this type of fraud more prevalent than ever. As a result, identity crimes are penalized swiftly and harshly by the criminal justice system.
The penalties you face depend on many factors — the type of fraud, your criminal history, the amount stolen, etc. If it is your first offense and you are arrested for making a false financial statement, expect to be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. However, if you are arrested for identity theft, you could be charged with a 3rd-degree felony — a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
What fraud defense can you mount in Florida?
Given the complex nature of digital transactions and the evolving technologies they rely on, fraud allegations are sometimes brought against innocent parties. If you believe you are falsely accused of fraud for an unintended action, Attorney Sando can advocate for your rights.
Although fraud charges in South Florida are serious, they can be reduced or dismissed with the right legal strategy.
Examples of effective fraud defenses include:
- You made an accidental/unintentional statement or action
- The false statement in question did not relate to a material fact
- Your false statement or action did not harm another person or entity
- You are the victim of identity theft — you did not commit the crimes you are accused of
- Your action or false statement caused harm to another, but that person should not have relied on your statement
- You lacked motivation or intention to scam or deceive the person/entity out of their money or property
Every Palm Beach fraud case is different. After reviewing the unique details of your case, Attorney Sando can help you tailor a solid fraud defense strategy.
How can a fraud attorney help you?
An accusation of fraud carries serious repercussions — jail or prison time, costly fines, restitution, and a tarnished reputation. An experienced defense attorney can increase your chances of reducing or eliminating the charges against you. Attorney Sando was Prosecutor of the Year twice and understands exactly what you are up against.
Here are just some of the ways he can safeguard your future:
- Explain the charges against you and the penalties you face
- Appear with you before all court meetings
- Protect your rights at every turn
- Interview witnesses and gather evidence to support your innocence
- Help you devise a strong defense strategy
- Negotiate with the prosecution
- Fight passionately for you in court
- Use his knowledge as a former prosecutor
Contact a skilled fraud defense attorney in South Florida
Before starting Sando Law, P.A., Attorney Sando worked as a prosecutor and thus has a deep understanding of the criminal justice system and the road you face. If you are accused of any type of fraud crime in Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Marin, Broward, or Monroe County, call 561-296-1665 or contact Andrew online, for a free case review.
