Officials say that a Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation employee committed fraud with a government-issued credit card. The man is now facing criminal charges of fraud. The man has the right to the assistance of Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney to defend against the allegations.
Authorities say that the man used his credit card to purchase items on the government’s dime. They say that he then sold the items at a pawn shop. Allegedly, the man had an accomplice. The accomplice also faces serious criminal charges. Authorities say that the man attempted to defraud the taxpayers out of more than $5,000.
How a Fort Lauderdale criminal fraud attorney can help
Criminal allegations of fraud may take many forms. A person may face both state and federal criminal fraud charges. The charges might be fraud, or they may be a slightly different charge like theft. The severity of the offense usually depends on the amount of money taken.
When you work with an experienced criminal attorney in Fort Lauderdale, they help you explore all of the defenses that may be available to you. Fraud is a specific intent crime. Specific intent is just a fancy way of saying that the state has to prove that you purposefully meant to cheat someone else out of what they deserved. The state has to prove that you acted on purpose. Having permission to do something or making an honest mistake can be a defense to the charge of fraud.
Your Fort Lauderdale Fraud Defense Lawyer can help you explain all of the defenses that you may be able to pursue in your case. It’s the state attorney that must gather evidence to prove the case. They have the burden to show that you’re guilty. You have a constitutional right to present a defense.
Working with a Fort Lauderdale Fraud Defense Lawyer
Your attorney can help you pursue all aspects of your claim. Your case begins with an arraignment. An arraignment is a formal reading of the charges against you. It’s important to aggressively pursue a defense. A fraud conviction can bring jail time, probation and restitution. It’s important to do everything you can to fully defend yourself from the charges against you. You may have defenses that you may not realize are available. Your criminal lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help.
If you or someone you know have been in a similar legal situation contact Hassett & Associates, P.A. at 954-791-3939.
