Miami Fraud Defense Attorney Dennis Gonzalez Jr.
Fraud crimes in Florida are taken seriously by state and federal authorities, with convictions resulting in severe penalties like imprisonment, fines, probation, and restitution. Fraud convictions can also negatively impact professional opportunities, especially for those in accounting, banking, or finance sectors. If you're facing state or federal fraud charges, it's crucial to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Dennis Gonzalez Jr is dedicated to aggressively defending clients against fraud charges throughout South Florida. As fraud is a nonviolent, white-collar crime, it's essential to be represented by attorneys who understand the intricacies of fraud and the investigation and prosecution processes.
Call Us At 305-209-0384 For A FREE Consultation!
Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Dennis Gonzalez Jr is dedicated to aggressively defending clients against fraud charges throughout South Florida. As fraud is a nonviolent, white-collar crime, it's essential to be represented by attorneys who understand the intricacies of fraud and the investigation and prosecution processes.
Call Us At 305-209-0384 For A FREE Consultation!
Types of Fraud Crime Cases We Handle
Our legal team has a successful history of defending clients against a wide range of fraud charges, such as:
When you consult us, you'll gain confidence knowing that our dedicated advocates will work tirelessly to protect your rights.
Understanding Fraud
Fraud is defined as an intentionally deceptive act carried out by an individual or entity to:
In simpler terms, fraud involves the theft of money, property, or services using deceptive or misleading elements.
Our legal team has a successful history of defending clients against a wide range of fraud charges, such as:
- Bank fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Forgery
- Healthcare fraud (Medicare/Medicaid fraud)
- Identity theft
- Insurance fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Mail fraud
- Tax fraud
- Wire fraud
When you consult us, you'll gain confidence knowing that our dedicated advocates will work tirelessly to protect your rights.
Understanding Fraud
Fraud is defined as an intentionally deceptive act carried out by an individual or entity to:
- unlawfully gain something of value or;
- deprive the victim of a legal right.
In simpler terms, fraud involves the theft of money, property, or services using deceptive or misleading elements.
Fraud Charges in Florida
In Florida, fraud is classified as either organized fraud or communications fraud:
The penalties for fraud depend on the crime classification and the value of the property taken. Organized fraud can be prosecuted as a first, second, or third-degree felony, with penalties ranging from 5 to 30 years in prison, significant fines, probation, and restitution. Communications fraud involving property valued at $300 or more is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines. If the property value is less than $300, the offense is charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, which can result in 1 year in jail and up to $500 in fines.
Federal Fraud Charges
Fraud can also be prosecuted at the federal level, with common charges being mail fraud and wire fraud:
Mail fraud involves using the U.S. mail or a private interstate carrier to engage in fraudulent activity (e.g., mailing contracts, receipts, invoices, or other communications regarding a fraudulent scheme). Mail fraud convictions are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and heavy fines. Penalties are elevated if the crime involves a financial institution, benefits related to a federally declared disaster or emergency, or other special circumstances.
Wire fraud involves using wire, radio, or television communications in interstate or foreign commerce. "Communications" include any writings, signals, pictures, or sounds; interstate wire communications involving telephone calls or other e-communications such as fax machines, the internet, or television. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and significant fines, with elevated penalties for special circumstances similar to mail fraud.
Federal fraud cases may be led by agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Due to the federal government's unlimited financial resources and aggressive investigative techniques, it's essential to have an attorney who can protect your rights.
Contact Our Miami Fraud Defense Attorney
Despite the state and federal government's advantage in fraud cases, prosecutors must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Dennis Gonzalez Jr. is skilled at asserting a variety of defenses against fraud charges.
A strong defense is proving that you did not intentionally commit fraud. For example, if you provided or transmitted information that you didn't know was false, we may be able to show that you lacked the requisite intent to commit the crime. Additionally, a misrepresentation must refer to an existing fact to be considered fraudulent. Therefore, a statement that is an opinion, or a promise to take action in the future, may not constitute fraud. Lastly, an entrapment defense can be raised if we can demonstrate that you would not have committed fraud without being coerced by law enforcement.
Our primary objective is to achieve an acquittal. Our legal team is well-versed in the applicable fraud statutes and has a proven track record of successful outcomes in state and federal court. We will take the time to explain your rights and help you navigate the criminal justice system. When your freedom and future are at stake, it's vital to have the aggressive legal representation that Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Dennis Gonzalez Jr. is prepared to provide.
Contact our office today or fill out the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
In Florida, fraud is classified as either organized fraud or communications fraud:
- Organized fraud — occurs when an individual or entity obtains property through an ongoing scheme to defraud.
- Communications fraud — involves communications by mail, telephone, or other electronic means to fraudulently obtain property.
The penalties for fraud depend on the crime classification and the value of the property taken. Organized fraud can be prosecuted as a first, second, or third-degree felony, with penalties ranging from 5 to 30 years in prison, significant fines, probation, and restitution. Communications fraud involving property valued at $300 or more is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines. If the property value is less than $300, the offense is charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, which can result in 1 year in jail and up to $500 in fines.
Federal Fraud Charges
Fraud can also be prosecuted at the federal level, with common charges being mail fraud and wire fraud:
Mail fraud involves using the U.S. mail or a private interstate carrier to engage in fraudulent activity (e.g., mailing contracts, receipts, invoices, or other communications regarding a fraudulent scheme). Mail fraud convictions are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and heavy fines. Penalties are elevated if the crime involves a financial institution, benefits related to a federally declared disaster or emergency, or other special circumstances.
Wire fraud involves using wire, radio, or television communications in interstate or foreign commerce. "Communications" include any writings, signals, pictures, or sounds; interstate wire communications involving telephone calls or other e-communications such as fax machines, the internet, or television. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and significant fines, with elevated penalties for special circumstances similar to mail fraud.
Federal fraud cases may be led by agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Due to the federal government's unlimited financial resources and aggressive investigative techniques, it's essential to have an attorney who can protect your rights.
Contact Our Miami Fraud Defense Attorney
Despite the state and federal government's advantage in fraud cases, prosecutors must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Dennis Gonzalez Jr. is skilled at asserting a variety of defenses against fraud charges.
A strong defense is proving that you did not intentionally commit fraud. For example, if you provided or transmitted information that you didn't know was false, we may be able to show that you lacked the requisite intent to commit the crime. Additionally, a misrepresentation must refer to an existing fact to be considered fraudulent. Therefore, a statement that is an opinion, or a promise to take action in the future, may not constitute fraud. Lastly, an entrapment defense can be raised if we can demonstrate that you would not have committed fraud without being coerced by law enforcement.
Our primary objective is to achieve an acquittal. Our legal team is well-versed in the applicable fraud statutes and has a proven track record of successful outcomes in state and federal court. We will take the time to explain your rights and help you navigate the criminal justice system. When your freedom and future are at stake, it's vital to have the aggressive legal representation that Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Dennis Gonzalez Jr. is prepared to provide.
Contact our office today or fill out the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation.