Clearwater Federal Fraud Lawyer
Fraud is the crime or offense of deliberately deceiving another in order to damage them, usually to obtain property or services unjustly. Fraud can be committed via many methods; mail, wire, phone, and the internet to name a few. If you are under investigation for fraud or have already been charged, contact a Clearwater federal fraud attorney right away. An experienced federal lawyer in Clearwater can help to clear your good name quickly and effectively.
Fraud Investigations
When the federal government indicts someone on charges of fraud, federal agents will come in and seize everything. This means that the accused must then request copies of their own records to formulate their own defense. Because of this, it is important to retain a defense lawyer prior to being indicted on charges of fraud. It will allow your attorney access to all of your records at once, without having to request things from others. This allows your defense attorney to root out the cause of the problem possibly before the federal prosecutors find it.
Fraud can be prosecuted by either federal or state agencies. If the investigation comes from the state, chances are the Florida Department of Law Enforcement or the Tampa Bay or Clearwater Police will be in charge of the investigation.
If you notice unusual activity in your vicinity, that could be an indicator that you are under investigation for fraud. Such unusual activity includes document requests; closed doors; and inquiries to neighbors, co-workers, or employees. If you suspect that you are under investigation for fraud, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. This can help you avoid self incrimination.
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Our firm has a reputation for successfully representing doctors and other medical professionals in Medicare fraud, Medicaid fraud, tax fraud, and even in battery cases where patients have accused them of inappropriate touching. We represent doctors with the Food and Drug Administration, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. We’ve represented doctors when they’ve had unfair and non-compete causes in their contracts. This is not the kind of experience you get in a classroom. This is real world experience that we have. Remember when push comes to shove, you want us on your side.
Fraud Prosecutions
Each year, a large number of fraud cases are levied by the federal government. They are an extremely tough opponent with nearly inexhaustible resources. They also have an ability to prosecute and investigate a lot of cases at once.
The types of fraud that are commonly prosecuted include: business fraud, insurance fraud, bank fraud, Medicare fraud, tax fraud, healthcare fraud, forgery, insider trading, and embezzlement.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is a term used to refer to all varieties of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception. Identity theft and fraud as crimes are typically committed for economic gain.
Identity theft has only been a crime, federal or otherwise, since 1998. This offense became a crime with the passage of the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act. This act prohibits knowingly transferring or using some form of identification for a person that is not oneself with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, any unlawful activity that constitutes a felony under any applicable state or law.
The crime, as defined by the 1998 law, carries a penalty of a maximum of 15 years imprisonment, a fine, and criminal forfeiture of any personal property used or intended to be used to commit the offense. In addition to violation of the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, the crime of identity theft may involve committing various other felonies including identification fraud, credit card fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, etc. All of these crimes are felonies which carry the penalties of imprisonment and fines. The worst of the possible other crimes carries a penalty of up to 30 years imprisonment.
If you have been accused of identity theft or any of a variety of other types of fraud and are in need of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, please contact a fraud lawyer in Clearwater to determine the best approach for a successful defense.
How a Clearwater Fraud Lawyer Can Help
The Clearwater criminal defense lawyers of the Law Offices of Tragos, Sartes & Tragos, PLLC represent individuals, corporate officers, directors, employees, and corporations in fraud investigations. Their extensive experience in this area on both sides of the court room is a great asset in your defense.
If you or someone you know is being investigated for fraud and is in need of a lawyer, contact the Clearwater fraud lawyers of the Law Offices of Tragos, Sartes & Tragos, PLLC.