Under Investigation for Fraud? Get an Orlando Fraud Lawyer Before You Say a Word.

It depends on whether the case is state or federal, how much financial evidence there is, whether outside financial experts are needed and whether the case goes to trial. We'll explain the fee clearly, in writing, before you hire us. The first consultation is free and confidential.

Federal wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 carries up to 20 years in prison per count and fines of up to $250,000 per count for individuals. If the fraud affects a financial institution or involves federal disaster benefits, the maximum rises to 30 years and $1 million. Because each communication can be a separate count, exposure adds up quickly, which is why early defense matters.

Sometimes, yes. Fraud charges can be avoided, reduced or dismissed by showing there was no intent to defraud, exposing errors in the government's financial analysis, challenging how evidence was collected, raising the statute of limitations or presenting information to prosecutors before charges are filed. No attorney can promise a result, but early involvement gives you the most options.

State fraud charges are brought by the State Attorney's Office in Florida circuit court, usually under Chapter 817, such as organized fraud under § 817.034. Federal charges like wire, mail and bank fraud are brought by the U.S. Attorney's Office in federal court, where the federal sentencing guidelines apply, restitution is mandatory in most cases and there is no parole. Many schemes could be charged either way; the amount, the number of victims and whether interstate communications or federal programs were involved all play a role.

You can be charged, but the prosecution must prove you knowingly took part and intended to defraud. If you were an employee who processed transactions without knowing they were fraudulent, lack of knowledge is a real defense. Be aware that deliberately avoiding the truth — sometimes called willful blindness — can be treated as knowledge, so have an attorney evaluate your situation.

Florida Statute § 817.034, the Florida Communications Fraud Act, makes it a crime to engage in a scheme to defraud and obtain property through false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises. Organized fraud is graded by the total amount: under $20,000 is a third-degree felony (up to 5 years), $20,000 to under $50,000 is a second-degree felony (up to 15 years) and $50,000 or more is a first-degree felony (up to 30 years). Penalties are bumped up a degree when the victim is 65 or older, a minor or disabled.

Almost always. Florida courts order restitution to victims, and in most federal fraud cases restitution is mandatory under the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act. Criminal restitution generally can't be discharged in bankruptcy. Our fraud defense attorneys challenge how the loss was calculated, because a lower loss figure can reduce both restitution and the sentence.

Yes, right away. If the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Secret Service or any other agency contacts you, don't answer questions without an attorney. Federal investigations can run for months before charges, and what you say can be used against you. Lying to a federal agent is a separate crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1001. Call ANT Law Firm at (407) 777-8888 before you speak with any agent.