St. Petersburg Fraud Lawyer

The Goldman Wetzel criminal defense law firm handles many fraud crime cases in the St. Petersburg. We understand the fear and emotional stresses that accompany fraud and white-collar crime charges. If you are facing fraud charges in or near the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area, you need a criminal defense attorney who understands the local and state criminal justice system and has experience in building a strong defense of those charged with fraud crimes.

Our St. Petersburg fraud lawyers have experience working within the local justice system as well as the State Attorney’s office. We know the prosecutors that will build a case against those facing fraud charges and have a long history of experience dealing with them as well as achieving desirable outcomes for our clients.

Types of Fraud Charges

There are numerous types of fraud with which a person can be criminally charged. Each is different and comes with its own penalties depending on the charge and circumstances, which will impact the severity of penalties for those convicted. An attorney in St. Petersburg can help you understand the different forms of fraud a person can face:

  • Bribery
  • Bank (and loan) fraud
  • Credit Card Fraud
  • Computer-related crimes
  • Counterfeiting
  • Forgery
  • Immigration Fraud
  • Insurance Fraud
  • Money Laundering
  • Mortgage Fraud
  • Ponzi/Pyramid Scheme
  • Racketeering
  • Securities Fraud
  • Social Security Fraud
  • Tax Evasion
  • Tax Fraud
  • Telemarketing Fraud
  • Wire Fraud

What are the Penalties for Fraud and White Collar Crime Charges?

There are a variety of penalties that a white-collar crime or fraud charge may bring. Some of these penalties including:

  • A fine up to $10,000 and 15 years in prison for second-degree felonies involving credit card fraud [Fla. Stat. §§ 775.082, 775.083]
  • Up to $250,000 in fines and 5 years of prison for bankruptcy fraud [18 U.S.C. § 152]
  • Up to 15 years imprisonment and large fines based on the amount of money or goods stolen; and the number of identities compromised under Federal Identity Theft [18 U.S.C. § 1028]

In instances where an individual is convicted of a federal fraud or white-collar crime, the defendant must pay for the trial in which he or she was convicted, in addition to the prison time and fines. A St. Petersburg lawyer can go over the various penalties with you.

Connect with a St. Petersburg Attorney About Fraud

There are different defenses available for these types of charges, including lack of intent, entrapment and insufficient evidence. If you have been charged with a state or federal fraud or theft crime or believe to be under investigation, reach out to speak with the St. Petersburg fraud lawyer at Goldman Wetzel today for a free legal consultation.