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West Palm Beach Fraud Defense Attorneys
When federal agents knock on your door or state investigators start asking questions about your business dealings, it can feel like everything you've worked so hard to build is crumbling. At South Florida Justice, we step in before charges are filed, often preventing the devastation of a fraud indictment.
Our fraud defense team has protected business owners, healthcare providers, and other professionals throughout West Palm Beach County, combining aggressive pre-charge intervention with sophisticated trial experience.
Our legal team has sophisticated, big-firm experience and a deep understanding of the complexities business owners face. We routinely handle investigations and criminal charges in the most complex, document-intensive cases.
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24/7 Free ConsultationsLegal troubles don't clock out at 5 p.m., and neither do we.
Always by Your SideWe stand with you, fight for you, and never back down.
West Palm Beach DefendersOur local roots run as deep as our legal knowledge.
Our Track Record of Success
Types of Fraud Cases We Handle
Our proven legal professionals assist clients with all of the following fraud-related charges:
Healthcare FraudOur experienced team represents medical professionals and others accused of Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance fraud. We understand the complex billing regulations at play and work with medical coding experts to push back against charges of upcoding, phantom billing, and kickback schemes.
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Stock Fraud and Securities ViolationsUnder Florida Statute §517.301, securities fraud can result in severe penalties. Our West Palm Beach stock fraud attorneys have extensive experience defending clients against complex stock fraud allegations, from insider trading to market manipulation charges.
We’ll work closely with financial experts to analyze trading patterns, challenge SEC findings, and protect your professional licenses and reputation in the investment community.
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Consumer FraudConsumer fraud cases often involve allegations of deceptive business practices, which fall under the Florida Communications Fraud Act. We'll scrutinize every element of the prosecution's case to protect your interests.
Our team has successfully defended countless businesses and individuals against false advertising claims, unfair trade practices, and consumer protection violations.
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Wire FraudFederal wire fraud involves using electronic communications to execute fraudulent schemes. Our seasoned defense team knows how to challenge these complex federal cases.
We analyze every relevant electronic communication, question the interstate commerce nexus, and work to prove the lack of fraudulent intent. Our strategic approach has helped numerous clients avoid convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 1343.
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Mail FraudUsing the U.S. Postal Service or private carriers in connection with fraudulent schemes can trigger serious federal charges. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys in West Palm Beach will examine every mailed item, challenge the connection between mailings and alleged schemes, and work to demonstrate a lack of intent to defraud.
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Organized Scheme to DefraudUnder Florida Statute § 817.034, an organized scheme to defraud involves systematic, ongoing conduct intended to defraud multiple victims. Our team is prepared to meticulously analyze financial records, challenge evidence of systematic conduct, and work to demonstrate a lack of fraudulent intent on your part.
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Bank FraudWhether you're facing state or federal bank fraud charges, our fraud attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and build a strong defense strategy. We frequently defend clients against allegations of check kiting, loan fraud, and false statements to financial institutions.
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Credit Card FraudPer Florida Statute §817.61, credit card fraud charges can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Our defense strategies include challenging evidence of intent and exploring alternatives to criminal prosecution. We provide defenses against allegations of unauthorized card use, skimming operations, and identity theft-related credit fraud.
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Mortgage FraudMortgage fraud under Florida Statute §817.545 carries significant penalties. Our attorneys are adept at challenging property valuations and questioning documentary evidence in these cases. We defend against allegations of straw buyer schemes, property flipping fraud, and false loan applications.
- When Your Reputation Is Under Attack, Fight Back with Facts
The government builds fraud cases for months or years before making its move. Our attorneys can level the playing field by dissecting financial records, challenging forensic evidence, and exposing flaws in the prosecution's narrative.
Get in Touch with Us
Don't let accusations become convictions. Turn to South Florida Justice.Available 24/7(561) 659-8337
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Understanding Florida Fraud Laws
Florida's fraud laws are highly nuanced and constantly evolving. Our knowledgeable fraud attorneys stay current with every change to provide the most effective defense possible.
Defining Fraud in Florida
According to Florida Statute §817.034, fraud occurs whenever there’s a systematic, ongoing course of conduct, the intent to defraud, and false statements or representations resulting in financial loss to victims. This definition is quite broad and extends to a wide range of potentially criminal actions and behaviors.
Fraud Classifications and Penalties
The severity of fraud charges in Florida depends on the amount involved:
- Third-degree felony:
- Amount: Less than $20,000.
- Penalties: Up to five years in prison and $5,000 fine.
- Second-degree felony:
- Amount: $20,000–$50,000.
- Penalties: Up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 fine.
- First-degree felony:
- Amount: Over $50,000.
- Penalties: Up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 fine.
These charges can be upgraded when the offense in question is committed against an adult over 65, a minor, or someone with a physical or mental disability.
Federal Fraud Charges
Federal fraud charges often carry even more severe penalties, including extended prison sentences:
- Mail fraud: Up to 20 years per count.
- Wire fraud: Up to 20 years per count.
- Bank fraud: Up to 30 years per count.
- Securities fraud: Up to 25 years per count.
Conviction may also come with hefty fines, along with orders to pay restitution to the victim.
Statute of Limitations for Fraud Cases in Florida
Understanding the time limits for fraud prosecutions is crucial. Here are the statutes of limitations that apply to various fraud charges:
- State fraud charges:
- General fraud: Four years from discovery.
- Organized scheme to defraud: Five years from discovery.
- Securities fraud: Five years from discovery.
- Insurance fraud: Five years from discovery.
- Federal fraud charges:
- Mail/wire fraud: Five years from discovery.
- Bank fraud: 10 years from discovery.
- Securities fraud: Five years from discovery.
- Healthcare fraud: Five years from discovery.
However, under Florida Statute §775.15, the statute of limitations may be extended if the fraud was concealed, the scheme was ongoing, the victim was elderly or disabled, or the alleged crime involved public funds.
Why Choose South Florida Justice for Your Fraud Defense?
Here’s why our South Florida clients trust us to handle cases involving the most serious state and federal charges:
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We're Trial-TestedOur fraud defense attorneys have tried hundreds of federal fraud cases to verdict. From SEC investigations to Medicare fraud charges, we know federal court procedures inside and out.
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We're Former ProsecutorsOur team includes former federal and state prosecutors who have handled high-stakes fraud cases from the other side. We know the playbook because we helped write it. We now use that knowledge to protect our clients.
- We're Passionate Local Defenders
Our deep roots in West Palm Beach mean we’re familiar with every judge, prosecutor, and courthouse procedure. This home-field advantage has helped us secure countless dismissals and favorable plea agreements.
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We're Always AccessibleFraud investigations don't follow regular office hours, and neither do we. When federal agents show up at dawn or pressing questions arise late at night, one call will connect you directly to an experienced fraud attorney.
Areas We Serve
Our fraud defense services cover all of South Florida, including:
- Palm Beach Country
- Miami Country
- Broward Country
- St. Lucie Country
- Martin Country
- Okeechobee Country
We proudly serve all clients from our headquarters in West Palm Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if I'm under investigation for fraud?
First and foremost, don’t speak to investigators without an attorney present. Additionally, avoid consenting to searches or handing over any documents without legal counsel. Don't discuss your case with colleagues, friends, or family members, and resist the urge to delete emails or documents, as this could be interpreted as obstruction of justice.
Lastly, contact South Florida Justice immediately at (561) 659-8337. Early intervention can often prevent charges from being filed or minimize their severity.
- Can fraud charges be dropped if I pay restitution?
While restitution isn't a guaranteed path to dismissed charges, it can significantly strengthen your position.
Making victims whole demonstrates good faith and can support your attorney’s negotiations for reduced charges. When combined with solid defense strategies, restitution can play a key role in securing pretrial release and receiving more favorable sentencing if conviction is the outcome.
- What is a Nebbia hold, and how does it affect my case?
A Nebbia hold requires the defendant to prove they acquired the money they’re attempting to use for bail through legitimate means — a common requirement in fraud cases. During a Nebbia hearing, you must thoroughly document the source of your bail money. Prosecutors will scrutinize this documentation to ensure that you're not using illegally obtained funds.
- What are the consequences of a fraud conviction?
The impact of a fraud conviction can extend far beyond prison time and fines. You may face asset forfeiture, professional license revocation, and exclusion from Medicare or other government programs or contracts.
Banking restrictions can limit your financial operations, while employment opportunities may become severely limited. What’s more, civil lawsuits often follow criminal convictions, multiplying your financial exposure.