Orlando Fraud Defense Attorney

A fraud charge can turn your life upside down overnight. Whether you're facing state charges for a scheme involving a few thousand dollars or a federal indictment alleging a multi-victim conspiracy, the consequences of a fraud conviction — prison time, restitution, and a permanent record — can follow you for the rest of your life. If you've been accused of fraud in Central Florida, you need an Orlando fraud defense attorney who understands how prosecutors build these cases and how to fight back.

At Katz & Phillips, our attorneys bring over 50 years of combined criminal defense experience to fraud and white collar crime cases. Our team includes former prosecutors who have seen fraud cases from the inside, giving our clients a critical advantage when it comes to identifying weaknesses in the State's or the government's case. With more than 10,000 cases handled and a 90%+ success rate, we know what it takes to protect your future.

Contact us today at (321) 425-8961 for a free, confidential consultation and let our experienced team start protecting your rights and your future.

What Is Fraud?

Fraud is broadly defined as the intentional use of deception, misrepresentation, or dishonesty to gain something of value — typically money, property, or services — at another person's expense. Under both Florida and federal law, prosecutors generally must prove that the accused:

• Knowingly made a false statement or misrepresentation
• Intended to deceive another party
• The deception resulted in a financial or material gain, or an attempt to gain

Fraud charges are considered "white collar crimes" because they typically don't involve violence, but they are prosecuted aggressively due to the financial harm involved. Many fraud cases involve complex paper trails, financial records, and expert witnesses, making experienced legal representation essential from the earliest stages of an investigation.

Common Types of Fraud

Fraud charges can arise in a wide variety of contexts. Some of the most common types of cases our firm defends against include:

• Credit Card Fraud — Unauthorized use of another person's credit or debit card information
• Identity Theft — Using someone else's personal information without permission for financial gain
• Insurance Fraud — Filing false or exaggerated claims with an insurance company
• Mortgage Fraud — Misrepresenting information on loan or mortgage applications
• Healthcare/Medicaid Fraud — Billing for services not rendered or misrepresenting medical necessity
• Securities Fraud — Deceptive practices related to the buying or selling of stocks and investments
• Wire Fraud — Using electronic communications (phone, email, internet) to carry out a fraudulent scheme
• Mail Fraud — Using the U.S. Postal Service to further a fraudulent scheme
• Check Fraud/Forgery — Writing bad checks or forging signatures on financial documents
• Ponzi & Investment Schemes — Soliciting investments under false pretenses

Florida Fraud Laws & Penalties

Florida classifies most fraud offenses under its theft and fraud statutes, with penalties largely determined by the dollar value involved:

• Petit Theft/Fraud (under $750): Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail
• Grand Theft/Fraud, 3rd Degree ($750–$20,000): Up to 5 years in prison
• Grand Theft/Fraud, 2nd Degree ($20,000–$100,000): Up to 15 years in prison
• Grand Theft/Fraud, 1st Degree ($100,000+): Up to 30 years in prison

Certain fraud offenses, such as organized fraud schemes or fraud against elderly victims, can carry enhanced penalties regardless of the dollar amount involved. Florida also allows for restitution, meaning a convicted defendant may be ordered to repay victims in addition to facing criminal penalties.

Federal Fraud Laws & Penalties

Many fraud cases — particularly those involving wire communications, the mail, banks, or interstate commerce — are prosecuted at the federal level, often carrying far steeper penalties than state charges:

• Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343): Up to 20 years in federal prison per count
• Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341): Up to 20 years in federal prison per count
• Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344): Up to 30 years in federal prison
• Securities Fraud: Up to 20–25 years in federal prison, depending on the statute
• Healthcare Fraud: Up to 10 years in federal prison, or up to 20 years if serious bodily injury results

Federal fraud cases are typically investigated by agencies such as the FBI, IRS, or Secret Service, and prosecutors often pursue multiple counts stemming from a single scheme — meaning potential sentences can add up quickly. Federal sentencing guidelines also weigh the number of victims and total financial loss, making early intervention by an experienced attorney critical.

Legal Defenses to Fraud Charges

Because fraud requires proof of intent to deceive, many defense strategies focus on challenging whether the accused actually intended to defraud anyone. Common defenses include:

• Lack of Intent — Demonstrating the alleged misrepresentation was a mistake, not deliberate deception
• Insufficient Evidence — Challenging the prosecution's ability to prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt
• Entrapment — Showing law enforcement induced the defendant to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed
• False Accusation — Demonstrating the accusation stems from a misunderstanding, business dispute, or false claim by another party
• Good Faith Reliance — Showing the accused relied in good faith on information or advice provided by others
• Constitutional Violations — Challenging how evidence was gathered, including improper searches or seizures

Our attorneys thoroughly review financial records, communications, and investigative procedures to identify every possible defense available in your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between state and federal fraud charges?

State fraud charges are typically prosecuted by local State Attorneys and involve Florida's theft statutes. Federal fraud charges are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys and generally involve larger schemes, interstate communications, or federal agencies, carrying significantly harsher penalties.

Can fraud charges be dropped or reduced?

Depending on the strength of the evidence, it may be possible to negotiate reduced charges, a favorable plea agreement, or in some cases, a dismissal of charges.

Do I need a lawyer if I'm only being investigated, not yet charged?

Yes. Speaking with an attorney before charges are filed can make a significant difference, as early legal intervention can sometimes prevent charges from being filed at all.

Will I have to pay restitution if convicted?

Courts often order restitution to victims in addition to any criminal penalties, which is another reason a strong defense strategy matters from the outset.

Why Choose Katz & Phillips?

• Former Prosecutors who understand how fraud cases are built and prosecuted
• Board-Certified Attorneys* with decades of courtroom experience
• 10,000+ Cases Handled with a 90%+ success rate
• Experience with Both State and Federal Fraud Cases
• Financing Available with no credit check required

Contact an experienced Orlando fraud defense lawyer at Katz & Phillips today at (321) 425-8961 for a free, completely confidential consultation.