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The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. Your trusted legal advisors since 1976

Fraud Lawyer

Fraud cases are heavily dependent on the amount of money involved and the number of alleged victims. The penalties associated with fraud cases vary greatly depending on the specific crime alleged and whether it is being prosecuted in State or Federal Court. Hiring an experienced lawyer early on in the investigation increases the likelihood of a successful resolution. Nicholas G. Matassini is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law and is AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell.

“Fraud” is a term that covers many different situations. In its simplest form, fraud is theft by deception. Unlike robbery or burglary, theft is considered a “white collar” crime, but it is still taken very seriously by prosecutors and the courts. If you have been charged with fraud, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. You could be facing years–even decades–in prison if convicted of a fraud charge.

Former Florida Prosecutors Who Are Here to Help You

At The Matassini Law Firm, P.A., our team of former prosecutors represent individuals charged with all types of fraud. Nicholas G. Matassini and Christina C. Pappas Matassini have worked as both prosecutors and defense lawyers. Their firsthand experience gives them unique insight into the criminal justice system. They know how prosecutors work, and more importantly, when they have a weak case that is likely to collapse under cross-examination. Their team can help you fight for your rights in court if you are facing fraud charges.

Here are just some of the fraud offenses that can land you in trouble in Florida:

  • Bank fraud
  • Mail and wire fraud
  • Computer and internet fraud
  • Tax fraud
  • Bankruptcy fraud
  • Business fraud
  • Check fraud
  • Healthcare (Medicare and Medicaid) fraud
  • Mortgage fraud
  • Securities fraud
  • Insurance fraud
  • Business scams
  • Identification fraud
  • Fraudulent refunds
  • Motor vehicle fraud
  • Fraudulent branding
  • False and misleading advertising

Regardless of the type, all fraud offenses usually involve intentional deception or misrepresentation for financial gain. The burden of proof is always on the prosecution to show–beyond a reasonable doubt–that the accused individual had fraudulent intent and acted upon it. A simple mistake or error in judgment, even if it involves some element of deception, is not necessarily fraud. At The Matassini Law Firm, P.A., our lawyers understand the difference and will not let prosecutors get away with only proving part of their case.

Tax Fraud

Nicholas G. Matassini has litigated several tax fraud cases in Federal Court and has achieved remarkable results over the years in what many legal experts consider to be the toughest kind of fraud cases to handle. Matassini collaborates with seasoned experts in fraud calculations and sentencing guidelines in conjunction with mitigation experts to advocate for the best possible result for the client. The difference of two to three years in prison, or no prison time at all, can come from the acute attention to detail and hard work put in by our dedicated team.

Healthcare Fraud

Medical providers and patients can both be indicted for healthcare fraud for activities such as altering or fabricating medical bills and related documents, performing excessive or unnecessary treatments, claiming a false or exaggerated medical disability, collecting on multiple policies for the same illness or injury, or engaging in fraudulent billing schemes such as charging for a service which is more expensive than the one actually provided, charging for services not provided, or submitting duplicate charges.

Mortgage Fraud

Making a material misstatement, misrepresentation or omission relating to a piece of property or potential borrower which misleads a lender to funding a loan. Mortgage fraud can include submitting inflated appraisals, false loan applications, or documentation; using straw buyers, or giving or receiving kickbacks in connection with loan approval.

Wire Fraud

A scheme to defraud or obtain money or property by false pretenses using electronic communications such as wire services, radio, television, the telephone, or computers and the Internet.

Experienced Lawyers Who Understand Federal & State Fraud Charges

Many kinds of fraud involve matters controlled or regulated by the federal government, such as securities or Medicare and Medicaid billing. But even if the alleged fraud targeted a local business or individual, it can still trigger federal charges depending on the particular facts and circumstances. This is because federal law broadly defines mail and wire fraud to incorporate any fraudulent scheme that involves any form of interstate communications technology, such as wireless telephone or the Internet.

For example, let’s say a person makes intentional misstatements to a bank in order to obtain a loan. If the scheme is successful and the loan is automatically deposited into the person’s bank account, that is effectively wire fraud. The U.S. Lawyer’s office could then charge the person with a federal offense separate from any state-level prosecution.

And if you think that the federal government would never bother to prosecute someone like you, think again. Fraud and related financial crimes are among the fastest-growing areas of criminal prosecution, particularly in a state like Florida. So if you are under investigation for fraud, the first thing you need to do is contact an experienced fraud lawyer who will aggressively represent your interests. The Matassini Law Firm, P.A., is ready to assist. Call us today at 813-217-5715 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

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