Defending Against Accusations of Criminal Fraud

The state of Florida defines “scheme to defraud” as the “intent to obtain property from one or more persons by false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises or willful misrepresentations of a future act.” That’s a broad definition, to say the least. There are numerous types of fraud — credit card fraud, identity theft crimes, business-related scams, etc. — and a person could easily find themselves accused of any one or more of them. When that happens, a person is left with the prospect of defending themselves against damaging accusations and state prosecutors eager for a guilty verdict. 

If you’ve been accused of fraud, please remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. In this article, we’ll cover effective fraud defenses that could result in your charges being dropped, reduced, or dismissed. For a legal ally who will stick by your side through this complicated process, contact a fraud defense attorney in Tampa from The Rickman Law Firm today. 

Related: 8 Ways You Can Be Accused of Fraud

Defense Tailored to Your Case 

The tactics employed to defend you will depend entirely on the specifics of your case. We understand that this may not be the answer you’re looking for, but it’s simply the truth. No two cases are alike, and we would be remiss to recommend a one-size-fits-all approach. With that being said, we can discuss common defenses employed by our team at The Rickman Law Firm. 

• Insufficient Evidence: Unfortunately, innocent people are often blindsided by groundless charges. Our team can review your case and determine if there is insufficient evidence. Just because law enforcement has enough evidence to charge you with a crime doesn’t mean there’s enough evidence to convict you of a crime.

• Lack of Intent: Remember that fraud definition we talked about at the beginning of this article? It specifically states that there must be an intent to commit fraud. Our team can use this to argue that you did not intend to defraud anyone of their property. The burden of proof rests on the prosecution, and they must prove that you did not accidentally perform the incident that resulted in your case.

• Entrapment: In their enthusiasm for justice, law enforcement will sometimes pressure an innocent person into committing fraud. Proving that a defendant was coerced into committing a crime is a difficult undertaking, which is why it’s so important to speak with an attorney regarding the specifics of your case. 

Related: Credit Card Fraud: How One Swipe Can Lead to a Felony

When you work with a fraud defense lawyer in Tampa, they’ll start by looking at the type of fraud you’ve been accused of. At The Rickman Law Firm, our team regularly represents defendants accused of: 

• Credit Card Fraud
• Telemarketing Fraud
• Identity Theft Crimes
• Business-Related Scams 
• Ponzi Schemes
• Running Fraudulent Nonprofit Organizations
• Medical Care Crimes
• Payroll Fraud

If brought on to represent you, we will work tirelessly to determine the best defense for your unique case. The penalties for committing fraud are severe and can include prison time and large fines. In order to defend yourself against accusations of fraud, schedule a free consultation with an attorney at The Rickman Law Firm. We believe in your innocence, and we’re ready to fight to secure your freedom. 

For a free consultation with a fraud defense attorney in Tampa, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.