Fraud Criminal Defense Lawyer | Orlando & Central Florida
Criminal Defense Attorney, Mary. M. Ibrahim proudly provides Fraud Criminal Defense legal services throughout Central Florida, including, Orange County, Osceola County, and Seminole County and surrounding areas.
Call 407.255.6300 today to schedule a confidential consultation with fraud crime defense attorney, Mary M. Ibrahim.
Accusations of fraud can seriously damage your reputation and carry significant legal penalties. If you're facing fraud charges in Orlando, Orange County, or Central Florida, it's crucial to understand the complexities of the law and secure experienced legal representation immediately. The Law Offices of Mary M. Ibrahim, P.A., are here to protect your rights and provide a strong defense.
Understanding Fraud Crimes in Florida
Fraud encompasses a wide range of deceptive acts intended to gain an unfair or unlawful advantage over another person or entity. Florida law addresses various types of fraud, often under different statutes depending on the specific nature of the offense.
Types of Fraud Crimes in Florida
Some common fraud crimes in Florida include:
- Grand Theft (Florida Statute 812.014): Theft of property valued at $750 or more. Theft can involve various deceptive practices, making it related to fraud. Theft involving amounts under $750 is petit theft.
- Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card (Florida Statute 817.61): Using a credit card without the cardholder's consent or exceeding authorized limits.
- Identity Theft (Florida Statute 817.56): Knowingly using another person's identifying information without their consent.
- Insurance Fraud (Florida Statute 817.234): Making false or fraudulent claims to an insurance company.
- Mortgage Fraud (Florida Statute 817.545): Making false statements or misrepresentations in connection with a mortgage loan.
- Healthcare Fraud (Florida Statute 817.02): Submitting false claims to healthcare providers or insurers.
- Securities Fraud (Florida Statute 517): Deceptive practices in the buying or selling of securities.
- Embezzlement: Misappropriation of funds or property by a person in a position of trust.
- And other types of fraud, such as: Welfare Fraud, Internet Fraud, Mail Fraud and other types of theft involving deception.
Penalties for Fraud Convictions
The penalties for fraud convictions in Florida vary considerably depending on the specific offense, the amount of money or property involved, and any prior convictions. Penalties can include:
- Imprisonment: Lengthy prison sentences, ranging from several years to decades, depending on the severity of the fraud.
- Fines: Substantial financial penalties, often in the thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Restitution: Ordering the convicted person to repay the victims for their losses.
- Probation: Supervised probation with specific conditions, such as restitution payments, restrictions on financial activities, and community service.
- A Criminal Record: A fraud conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, which can severely impact employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Potential Defense Strategies involving Criminal Fraud Cases
Building a strong defense against fraud charges requires a thorough understanding of the law, meticulous investigation, and strategic advocacy. Some potential defense strategies include:
- Lack of Intent: Fraud requires intentional deception. The defense may argue that the actions were unintentional or a misunderstanding.
- Lack of Knowledge: The defense may argue that the accused was unaware of the fraudulent nature of the transaction.
- Mistake of Fact: The defense may argue that the accused acted under a genuine and reasonable mistake of fact.
- Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak or circumstantial, the charges may be dismissed or reduced.
- Entrapment: If law enforcement induced the accused to commit fraud, this could be a valid defense.
- Statute of Limitations: Certain fraud offenses have a statute of limitations, which limits the time within which charges can be filed.
- Challenging the Evidence: If law enforcement obtained evidence illegally or violated the accused's constitutional rights, the evidence may be suppressed.
The Importance of Legal Representation in Criminal Fraud Cases
Fraud charges are complex and carry severe consequences. Attempting to navigate the legal system without experienced representation is extremely risky.
Attorney Mary M. Ibrahim has a proven track record of successfully defending clients against fraud charges in Orlando and Central Florida. She will thoroughly investigate your case, protect your rights, and develop the most effective defense strategy possible. Don't face these charges alone. Contact The Law Offices of Mary M. Ibrahim, P.A., today for a confidential consultation. Let us fight for you.
Call 407.255.6300 today to schedule a confidential consultation with fraud criminal defense lawyer, Mary M. Ibrahim.
About Felony Crimes
In Florida, a felony is a serious criminal offense punishable by more than one year in state prison, up to life imprisonment, or even death. Felonies are categorized into degrees, with varying levels of severity and corresponding penalties. The most serious are capital felonies, punishable by death or life imprisonment, followed by life felonies, which carry a life sentence.
In Florida, a felony is a serious criminal offense punishable by more than one year in state prison, up to life imprisonment, or even death. Felonies are categorized into degrees, with varying levels of severity and corresponding penalties. The most serious are capital felonies, punishable by death or life imprisonment, followed by life felonies, which carry a life sentence. Third-degree felonies are the least severe, with a maximum of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Second-degree felonies are more serious, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. First-degree felonies carry the most substantial penalties, with up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, although some first-degree felonies have even harsher penalties.
Beyond imprisonment and fines, a felony conviction in Florida can have lasting consequences, impacting an individual's rights and opportunities. These can include restrictions on voting, firearm ownership, jury service, and certain professions. It's crucial to understand the potential ramifications of felony charges and seek experienced legal counsel. The specific penalties and classifications can be complex, so consulting with a qualified attorney is essential for anyone facing felony accusations.
About Felony Crimes
In Florida, a felony is a serious criminal offense punishable by more than one year in state prison, up to life imprisonment, or even death. Felonies are categorized into degrees, with varying levels of severity and corresponding penalties. The most serious are capital felonies, punishable by death or life imprisonment, followed by life felonies, which carry a life sentence.
In Florida, a felony is a serious criminal offense punishable by more than one year in state prison, up to life imprisonment, or even death. Felonies are categorized into degrees, with varying levels of severity and corresponding penalties. The most serious are capital felonies, punishable by death or life imprisonment, followed by life felonies, which carry a life sentence. Third-degree felonies are the least severe, with a maximum of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Second-degree felonies are more serious, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. First-degree felonies carry the most substantial penalties, with up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, although some first-degree felonies have even harsher penalties.
Beyond imprisonment and fines, a felony conviction in Florida can have lasting consequences, impacting an individual's rights and opportunities. These can include restrictions on voting, firearm ownership, jury service, and certain professions. It's crucial to understand the potential ramifications of felony charges and seek experienced legal counsel. The specific penalties and classifications can be complex, so consulting with a qualified attorney is essential for anyone facing felony accusations.
About Misdemeanor Crimes
In Florida, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense less serious than a felony, generally punishable by fines, probation, and up to one year in a county jail. Misdemeanors are categorized into two degrees: first-degree and second-degree.
A first-degree misdemeanor is the more serious of the two, carrying a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Examples include battery, petit theft (first offense), and driving under the influence (DUI) – first offense. Second-degree misdemeanors are less severe, with a maximum of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. These can include offenses like simple assault, disorderly conduct, and certain traffic violations.
While misdemeanors don't carry the same severe penalties as felonies, a conviction can still have negative consequences. A criminal record, even for a misdemeanor, can impact employment opportunities, housing, and other aspects of life. It's important to take any misdemeanor charge seriously and understand the potential ramifications. Although the penalties are less severe than felonies, legal representation is still crucial to protect your rights and minimize the impact of a conviction. Consulting with a qualified attorney is recommended if you are facing misdemeanor charges in Florida.
Orlando Fraud Criminal Defense Attorney serving Central Florida Area, including Orange County Florida, Orlando, Maitland, Apopka, Winter Park, Alafaya, Bay Lake, Belle Isle, Bithlo, Christmas, Doctor Phillips, Eatonville, Edgewood, Fairway Shores, Goldenrod, Gotha, Hunter's Creek, Lake Buena Vista, Lockhart, Meadow Woods, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlovista, Pine Castle, Pine Hills, Southchase, South Apopka, Taft, Tangerine, Union Park, Wedgefield, Williamsburg, Windermere, Winter Garden, Zellwood, Seminole County Florida, Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Forest City, Geneva, Goldenrod, Heathrow, Lake Mary, Lake Monroe, Oviedo, Wekiva Springs, Winter Springs, Osceola County Florida, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Campbell, Celebration, Champions Gate, Deer Park, Four Corners, Harmony, Intercession City, Kenansville, Narc oossee, Poinciana, Reunion, Yeehaw Junction, and surrounding Central Florida Areas.
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