There are several reasons you may be facing charges of fraud in Florida. This type of white collar crime usually involves some form of dishonesty or malicious intent in regards to financial transactions, but can also be easily misconstrued. It’s important to have a Florida fraud attorney on your side to fight these charges properly or you can learn about financial fraud defense here.
Worthless checks are the most common type of fraud seen in Florida fraud charges. You can be found guilty of fraud if it is believed that you had reasonable knowledge that the check you wrote would bounce. If convicted, you could face charges of a 1st degree misdemeanor which can result in up to a year in jail and fines up to $1,000. However, if the check was over $150 your charges may go up to a 3rd degree felony which can result in up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
The second most common type of fraud is when you stop payment on a check intending to defraud another party after receiving goods or services. These charges are often easily misconstrued and your Florida fraud attorney can help you provide evidence if your intentions were valid. This can help you avoid the 2nd degree misdemeanor charges or 3rd degree felony charges for checks over $150.
False statements made to acquire property or credit are also on the list of potential charges for fraud in Florida. If you falsify information to obtain credit, goods or services, you can be charged with a 1st degree misdemeanor.
The most serious type of Florida fraud charges is when you are charged with identity theft. Criminal use of personal identification of another, even mere possession of another’s identification, can bring up penalties of a 3rd degree felony. If that personal identification is used to obtain credit, money, goods or services in excess of $5,000, your potential sentence could become a 2nd degree felony.
As you can see, Florida fraud laws do not take these charges for fraud lightly when it comes to potential sentences. For your best chance at fighting charges of fraud in Florida you should speak with an experienced 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.