West Palm Beach
Insurance Fraud Defense Lawyer
Trust our skilled federal criminal attorneys
to help you fight the serious charges you’re facing
Each year, many people in West Palm Beach find themselves unknowingly caught up in issues that lead to insurance fraud charges, including by simply filing claims for homeowner’s, life, health or financial account insurance policies. If you’ve been charged with insurance fraud in West Palm Beach, attorneys at Joffe Law are experienced in handling complex cases of this nature, and our knowledgeable federal defense lawyers can help.
I’ve been charged with insurance fraud
The truth is that you may be charged with insurance fraud without actually being guilty. Because insurance matters can be complex, you may feel pressured into admitting guilt just to get the insurance company or law enforcement off your back.
If you’re not guilty, this is the wrong move as it essentially paints you into a corner of admitting guilt and potentially facing harsh penalties. When you partner with an insurance fraud attorney in West Palm Beach, you receive options to ensure that your case receives honest treatment under the law.
Do not say anything that might incriminate you. Speak with an attorney first.
How does Florida law define insurance fraud?
Florida defines insurance fraud as acts that are knowingly committed with intent that result in the defrauding of insurers, brokers, or agents of insurance. This scope can be quite broad and covers a number of entities, including insurance companies, individual agents of insurers, HMOs, and much more.
When does insurance fraud become a federal matter?
Insurance is complicated from a legal standpoint because cases of accused fraud usually involve state charges as insurance is largely a state issue. Even with this being the case, if you have been accused of filing fraudulent insurance claims across various state lines, the matter may become one of federal interest. You may also face federal insurance fraud charges if you have been accused of fraud involving funds that are subject to federal insurance programs.
What agencies investigate insurance fraud?
Suspected crimes involving insurance fraud in West Palm Beach typically fall under the jurisdiction of the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, the Division of Insurance Fraud and other state law enforcement and investigative agencies. Depending on the nature of the suspected criminal activity, local authorities and private investigators may also become involved in a case, making matters that much more complex.
If you find yourself facing charges for insurance fraud, you may end up dealing with multiple law enforcement personnel in addition to agents from insurance companies, banks and brokerages. This can become a very confusing and complicated situation quickly as documentation potentially dating back years will typically be requested of accused persons. The complicated nature of insurance fraud cases in West Palm Beach makes it all the more important to partner with a team of defense attorneys to protect your rights and receive fair treatment under the law.
Penalties for insurance fraud in West Palm Beach
The penalties for insurance fraud in West Palm Beach can vary depending on the amount of money involved in your case and the severity of the accused crime. Generally, the larger the amount of money in question, the harsher the penalties. Even with this being the case, any penalty for insurance fraud is going to have the ability to turn your life upside down.
Below are some examples of penalties for insurance fraud in Florida:
- fraud involving $20,000 or less – up to 5 years in prison
- fraud involving more than $20,000 but less than $100,000 – up to 15 years in prison
- fraud involving $100,000 or more – up to 30 years in prison
Keep in mind that civil penalties may accompany criminal charges and penalties. This means that you may find yourself dealing with additional fines and fees as well as court costs if found guilty. This is why it pays to partner with a qualified insurance fraud defense lawyer to ensure you receive fair treatment in your case.
Financial incentives to turn you in
In Florida, residents have a financial incentive to report insurance fraud as the state offers monetary rewards for tips that lead to convictions in insurance fraud cases. This means that you may become the target of an investigation if you have a disgruntled employee in your past, a jilted ex, an old business partner with a grudge or other people in your life who would seek to gain from reporting you.
Many innocent people find themselves in the cross hairs of insurance fraud investigations in West Palm Beach because someone else in their lives decided to file a report with the hope of receiving a cash reward. This financial incentive makes it all the more important to protect your interests by working with an insurance fraud attorney at the first sign that something is amiss in your business dealings. Being accused of something you didn’t do is one of the worst feelings in the world, but with an attorney in your corner, you don’t have to fight alone.
Have you been arrested for insurance fraud in West Palm Beach?
If you’ve found yourself facing charges of insurance fraud in West Palm Beach, FL, experienced federal defense attorneys at Joffe Law are available to help. We can meet with you to discuss your case, provide targeted defense strategies and represent your interests so that you can move forward with your life. Our team will meet with you in person to provide a confidential analysis of your situation and offer dependable guidance and legal counsel along with dedicated representation should your case move to a courtroom.
Contact an insurance fraud defense attorney at Joffe Law, P.A. anytime. We’re available 24×7 to take your call at (561) 800-0522.