In Florida, a fraud case can be classified as first, second, or third degree. That means that depending on the severity of the offense, various cases may result in varied penalties and jail terms. A felony charge carries a prison sentence of more than a year. Fraud felony laws in Florida are strictly enforced, and violators are not exempt.
The following are some common examples of Florida fraud cases:
Checks That Are Void
People writing checks from closed bank accounts has become a widespread practice. When the cheque is deposited, it bounces, leaving the person with no money. However, if the signed amount on the check is less than $150, it considers as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a year in prison.
And if the amount exceeds from $150, it considers misdemeanor & it’s punishable by up to 15 years in prison or fine of $10,000.
Forgery
Forgery is the alteration, falsification, or counterfeiting of legal papers in order to swindle another person or get access to large sums of money. The documents must be legally recognized; otherwise, the crime will not be classified as forgery. Forgery is classified as a third-degree felony in Florida and is penalized by law.
Forgery is classified as a Level 1 offense under the Criminal Punishment Code. Depending on the severity of the act, a judge may sentence the perpetrator to probation, up to 5 years in prison, or a $5,000 fine.
Exploitation Of the Elderly or The Disabled
This typically occurs when an old or disabled person places their faith in someone to manage their possessions, and then that person steals from them. In Florida, this is prohibited, and the culprit will face legal consequences.
The court determines the monetary value of stolen items or assets and then punishes accordingly. Deception of an old or disabled person, for example, is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in jail or a $5,000 fine. The second-degree felony lies when the amount is between $10,000 and $50,000, and it’s punishable by 15 years in prison or a $10,000 fine.
And if the defrauded amount exceeds $50,000, the offense is considering first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The severity of this offense is Level 8 under the Criminal Punishment Code.
Bribery
This is when one party gives or accepts an inducement in exchange for financial gain. The incentive could be anything valuable as long as it persuades the person in control to let the other person gain. Bribery is frowned upon in Florida, and those who do it face harsh penalties under the law.
Bribery is classified as a 2nd-degree felony and is classified as a Level 7 offence. Bribery is punishable by 15 years of probation, 15 years in jail, and a $10,000 fine, according to the legislation.
False Assertions
In this scenario, the culprit files a fictitious financial status in order to obtain financial benefits. This is particularly common when filling out financial information for government or non-government assistance.
False financial statements are considered a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida and are penalized as a fraud crime. The offender faces up to a year in prison or a $1,000 fine. In more egregious circumstances, the offense might be classified as 2nd or 3rd degree, resulting in harsher consequences.
Conclusion
Fraud Felony laws in Florida are severe, and the courts strictly enforce them to punish any fraud culprit. The first step toward obtaining a favorable judgment in a court of law for the crime of fraud is to hire an experienced Florida Felony Attorney.
You might also become acquainted with these laws and look for instances where they operate in your favor. Most essential, the definitions of these fraud offenses can assist you recognize when you are cheated if you make a contact with experienced lawyer.
Please contact us for free case evaluation.
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