Miami Federal Insurance Fraud Attorney
While insurance fraud is not always classified as a federal offense, in some cases, it may be. The Federal Insurance Fraud Statute (18 U.S.C. Section 1033) identifies who this law applies to, outlines the details concerning federal fraud laws, and the potential consequences of breaking such laws. Being charged with such a crime warrants the advice and help of a Miami federal insurance fraud lawyer. For broader legal expertise, consulting a Miami federal criminal defense lawyer can provide comprehensive support in navigating complex federal charges.
The Federal Insurance Fraud Statute is applicable to anyone involved in the business of insurance when their activities also engage interstate commerce. The key factor to a fraud case being classified as a federal offense is whether or not interstate commerce is involved. If it is not, the case will most likely be tried by the state in which the crime was committed.
Crimes Classified as Fraud
There are various crimes that are classified as fraud by the Federal Insurance Fraud Statute. It includes crimes that may be committed by those working in the insurance business as well as those committed by individuals who are insured. Some common forms of fraud seen in Miami include the following:
- Embezzling. This act typically involves an insurance agent who deals dishonestly with a customer’s premium. They may keep the money for the premium for themselves or withhold information about it from their insurance company.
- Misappropriation of Assets. In some cases, an insurance agent may lie about the cause of damage or what a customer’s insurance actually covers in order to make a financial gain for themselves.
- Falsified Records. This act refers to an insurance agent intentionally submitting false or deceitful information into their company’s records. This can include false damage reports, customer statements, and more.
- Mail and Wire Fraud. This refers to any case in which an individual attempts to deceive a private or public insurance entity through the use of mail or wires.
- Healthcare Fraud. Healthcare insurance programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and others are often taken advantage of. It is illegal to lie about receiving certain forms of medical care in order to receive compensation from your insurance program.
It is important to understand that even minor discrepancies in insurance dealings can be perceived as attempts at fraud. For this reason, it is important to contact an attorney quickly if you believe you may be charged.
Penalties for Federal Insurance Fraud
While the penalties for federal insurance fraud depend on the details of the specific crime committed, an individual convicted of this charge can face a variety of intense penalties. For example, a federal insurance fraud charge can come with up to 15 years of prison time as well as hefty fines. Additionally, being found guilty of such crimes can have a significant impact on your professional life.
In these cases, time is of the essence. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner they can begin to build a strong defense that can eliminate or reduce the above-mentioned penalties. Even in the event of a misunderstanding, it is essential that you work with a lawyer who can advocate for your side of the story. A Miami federal insurance fraud lawyer from our firm has the knowledge and resources to defend you adequately.
How a Federal Insurance Fraud Lawyer Can Help You
While you are not required by law to hire a lawyer to defend you in a federal fraud case, it would be greatly beneficial to do so. The laws surrounding fraud are complex and lengthy, and the federal court system can be intimidating to someone who is unfamiliar with it. A lawyer who has handled previous cases involving federal insurance fraud can not only help you build a strong defense, but they can also protect your rights and negotiate on your behalf.
You should never underestimate the powerful impact that working with a skilled lawyer can have on your case. From gathering important evidence to filing and filling out paperwork, an attorney from our firm has the skills needed to fight for you during the most complex of cases. Don’t wait to ask how a federal insurance fraud lawyer can help you potentially get your charges reduced or dismissed.
FAQs
A: Every lawyer uses unique rates and methods of charging, meaning that the price you pay depends on which lawyer you choose. Some lawyers charge by the hour, while others charge flat fees for various services. Clients are always able to inquire about a lawyer’s charging methods prior to hiring them. The experience of a lawyer, their location, and their reputation may all have an impact on their overall cost.
A: The FBI is one of many organizations that investigates insurance fraud throughout the United States. Additional organizations include insurance companies themselves, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The FBI has various bureaus throughout different states that investigate local cases of fraud depending on the type of case at hand.
A: Insurance fraud can either be considered a federal or a state crime, depending on the case’s specific circumstances. In situations where fraud affects interstate commerce, the federal government is legally able to step in. The consequences of committing federal crimes are more serious, and the fines are higher. For these reasons, it is important to contact an experienced attorney if you or a loved one have been charged with insurance fraud in Florida.
A: In Florida, false and fraudulent insurance claims are illegal. If a person is found guilty of committing such crimes, they are subject to various consequences including jail time and fines. A person who had the intent to mislead, deceive, harm, or defraud any insurance company may be able to be charged with fraud. This can include the misrepresentation of information and even of concealing pertinent information.
Federal Fraud Help From the Kirlew Law Firm
If you are facing federal fraud crimes, it is important to act quickly. While the consequences of being found guilty can be life-changing, working with the right representation can potentially lead to your charges being reduced or even dropped.
At the Kirlew Law Firm, we understand how sensitive these cases are and work tirelessly to make sure our clients are properly represented. We have extensive experience in handling such cases and can provide thorough assistance. Contact the Kirlew Law Firm, today to learn more about how we can help with a federal fraud case in Miami.