There are many forms of Florida fraud for which you may face criminal charges. Not everyone who is charged with fraud may be guilty of these accusations. In many cases innocent victims of identity theft or banking mistakes can find themselves wrongfully facing criminal charges. You don’t need to let a bad decision or someone else’s errors result in a criminal record when you have a Florida fraud attorney to help your case.
Types of Florida Fraud Charges You May Face
When most people hear they have been charged with fraud it’s normally due to banking issues.
There are 4 major types of Florida fraud for which you may be facing criminal charges:
- worthless checks;
- stopping payment on a check with intent to defraud;
- making false statements to obtain property or credit; and
- identity theft.
Some of these types of fraud, such as check-related fraud and false statements will result in misdemeanor charges if not properly defended against by a Florida fraud attorney. The value of the checks, property or money obtained involved in your Florida fraud case can also affect the criminal charges you face. Criminal charges for bad or stopped payment checks are typically misdemeanors, but can become felony charges if the amount is over $150.
Identity theft is a more serious type of Florida fraud that can result in you being charged with fraud at a 2nd degree felony level. The threat of these criminal charges should not be taken lightly, as they can lead to a minimum 3 years in prison without proper legal defense from a Florida fraud attorney.
Defenses Against Florida Fraud Charges
Quite often people can find themselves charged with fraud due to mistakes or malicious actions by others. In other cases your intentions may not have been fraudulent and you just made a bad financial decision. There are many ways to defend against Florida fraud charges, but your best bet is to leave these tactics up to a Florida fraud attorney.
If you are the victim of another’s negligence or malicious intent, your Florida fraud attorney can help you produce evidence of your innocence. Facing charges of fraud when you were not aware of the goings on needs to be proven in court to get your charges dismissed. Your Florida fraud attorney can help you develop the necessary evidence to show you were not responsible for the bad checks passed in your name due to identity theft.
There are also cases where even if you did intentionally pass a bad check or stop payment, you may be able to argue your situation. You should never have to accept charges for fraud without the chance to defend your actions or situation. An experienced Florida fraud attorney will know all the options you have to use in your defense against Florida fraud charges.
Getting Help When You Are Charged with Fraud in Florida
The Florida fraud laws do not always set a penalty in stone for all cases of criminal charges. With the right evidence and defense against the Florida fraud charges you face, you may be able to have a reduction in the suggested sentence. To attempt to reduce the charges against you, it is best to have an experienced Florida fraud attorney on your case.
There are many legal defenses to use in cases of Florida fraud. No two situations are the same, and you shouldn’t leave the fate of your criminal record up to chance by not hiring legal counsel. The best way to avoid being charged with fraud in Florida is to hire the help of a skilled Florida fraud attorney.
Contacting a Florida Fraud Attorney
Even white collar crimes like bad checks and identity theft deserve a good legal defense during your trial when you are charged with fraud. If you are facing criminal charges in South Florida, your legal team is your best defense. Contact the Florida fraud attorney team at Falk & Ross to discuss your case – 1-877-663-5110.