Fraud Attorney in Orlando
Whether you’ve been indicted for fraud or believe you’re the subject of a fraud investigation, you need to take the matter seriously. The law enforcement officers in Florida who investigate fraud crimes are extremely methodical, and when they’re ready to prosecute, they are diligent and well-prepared.
Parikh Law is an Orlando-based law firm representing individuals in state and federal court. While no attorney can guarantee a “not guilty” verdict, Rahul Parikh is an experienced lawyer with an excellent track record of fighting fraud charges on behalf of his clients.
Fraud Crimes in Florida
From his Orlando, FL law office, Rahul Parikh represents clients who have been charged or are under investigation for the following crimes:
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud involves making false claims against an insurance policy. This may be a one-time occurrence where the policyholder provides false or exaggerated information, or it could be a criminal enterprise where a party files multiple fraudulent claims using false information.
Credit Card Fraud
Since the advent of online shopping, this has become an increasingly popular white-collar crime. That is because it allows the perpetrator to generate cash or assets by using fraudulent credit cards over the internet without face-to-face contact. With credit card fraud, the subject applies for credit cards with false information. This allows them to run up charges without being held accountable for payments.
Bank Fraud
This is a form of theft from financial institutions that involves defrauding the bank. The target may be the federally insured deposits of the bank customers. Bank fraud usually falls under the auspices of the federal government.
Internet Fraud
Most people have at least been targeted by internet fraud scams. Internet fraud targets individuals by convincing them to send financial or personal information to the perpetrators. They then use this information for financial gain.
Identity Theft
It is unlawful to assume another person’s identity for financial gain or to cause harm to that individual.
If you’re facing any of these criminal charges involving fraud, contact Orlando’s Rahul Parikh.
Florida Fraud Penalties
If you’re charged under Florida State Statute 817.034, which entails engaging in a “scheme to defraud and obtain property thereby,” you could face the following penalties:
- It is a first-degree felony under Florida law, punishable by up to 30 years in state prison and $10,000 in fines if the aggregate stolen amount exceeds $50,000
- It is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to15 years in state prison and $10,000 in fines if the aggregate stolen amount is between $20,000 and $49,999.
- It is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in state prison and $5,000 in fines if the aggregate stolen amount is less than $10,000
With fraud charges, you may also be required to pay back the stolen funds. Even if you are able to avoid criminal penalties, victims can pursue their losses through civil court. This is why it’s essential to hire a criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with all levels of fraud cases, like Rahul Parikh of the Parikh Law Firm in Orlando. Call today.
Federal vs. State Cases
Many fraud crimes violate both state and federal charges. As a rule of thumb, if the alleged fraud crime is within the borders of the state of Florida, then Florida law enforcement agencies have jurisdiction. However, in many cases, these types of criminal offenses cross state and national borders. In these situations, it’s often necessary for federal agencies and prosecutors to pursue charges.
Defenses for Fraud Cases
Being charged with a fraud crime does not necessarily mean that you will have to do prison time. A criminal defense law firm has the resources to build a solid defense for your fraud case. Here are a few of the common defenses that a criminal defense attorney might employ on your behalf.
Violation of Your Fourth Amendment Rights
Investigators are often overzealous when pursuing a fraud claim. In some instances, they inadvertently or intentionally violate the defendant’s rights. This could be in the form of a warrantless search or wiretap, for example. If this occurred, any of the evidence they obtained using these methods is inadmissible.
Mitigating Circumstances
This essentially means that the crime may have occurred, but the defendant’s actions were less egregious than the violation would indicate. For instance, if you committed fraud but weren’t aware that your actions were illegal, the courts may be more inclined to reduce or dismiss your charges.
Entrapment
Entrapment occurs when investigators attempt to get the defendant to participate in a crime. If your defense attorney can show that the incidents leading up to your arrest would not have occurred without police influence, your charges may be dismissed.
Coercion
This occurs when the defendant feels that they have to participate in the fraud because of express or implied consequences. Coercion does not have to involve physical violence. For instance, an employer may tell an employee to participate in an identity theft operation using customer data. The implication is that the employee might be fired if they don’t cooperate.
Without knowing the specifics of your case, a criminal defense lawyer cannot build an effective fraud defense, which is why you should immediately contact a fraud attorney. Orlando, FL defense attorney Parikh’s law firm offers free, no-obligation consultation. Call today.
Frequently Asked Fraud Questions
Many people facing fraud charges tend to have similar questions about their cases. To discuss your legal options, however, you should make an appointment with fraud defense attorney Parikh at his Orlando, Florida office.
What is a white-collar crime?
White-collar is a catch-all term for fraud crimes like identity theft, bank fraud, wire fraud, credit card fraud, etc.
When should I contact a fraud attorney?
If you’re the subject of a fraud operation, the time to contact an attorney is now. The law enforcement officer may have a lengthy head start, and your attorney will need time to develop a fraud defense.
Does the FBI investigate fraud crimes?
The FBI investigates some types of fraud crimes, but there are many other federal agencies that also investigate fraud. For instance, the Federal Trade Commission investigates crimes involving securities. The agency that investigates fraud crimes largely depends on the nature of the case.
Orlando Florida Fraud Defense Attorney
The state and federal governments take fraud charges seriously, and the penalties in fraud cases tend to be severe. If you’ve been arrested for fraud or you are the subject of a fraud probe, you need to act swiftly. Orlando, Florida, fraud defense attorney Rahul Parikh is ready to defend you in state or federal court. Call our Orlando office today for a free case evaluation.