Organized scheme to defraud is a serious offense in Florida, and those convicted can face severe penalties including substantial prison time and hefty fines. A criminal record for fraud can have devastating long-term consequences for your future employment opportunities, housing options, and personal freedom. If you or a loved one has been charged with an organized scheme to defraud, it is crucial that you contact our experienced Palm Beach Gardens defense attorney, Matthew Konecky, who will fight to protect your rights and interests.
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What is an Organized Scheme to Defraud?
Under Florida Statute 817.034 (2)(d) An organized scheme to defraud involves a systematic, ongoing course of conduct designed to defraud one or more persons or obtain property through false pretenses. This can include various deceptive practices such as:
- Making false representations to obtain money or property
- Creating fraudulent business schemes
- Using deceptive practices to secure investments
- Making willful misrepresentations about future acts
- Operating ongoing schemes that target multiple victims
These charges are taken very seriously by Florida prosecutors, and conviction can result in significant prison time depending on the amount allegedly obtained through the scheme.
Florida Laws on Organized Schemes to Defraud
Under Florida Statutes, an organized scheme to defraud occurs when someone engages in a systematic course of conduct with the intent to:
- Defraud one or more persons
- Obtain property through false or fraudulent pretenses
- Make willful misrepresentations about future acts
- Use false endorsements or representations to obtain property
- Engage in an ongoing pattern of fraudulent conduct
The key element prosecutors must prove is that there was a systematic, ongoing course of conduct rather than a single isolated incident.
Organized Schemes to Defraud Penalties in Palm Beach Gardens
The severity of penalties for organized scheme to defraud in Florida depends primarily on the total value of property obtained through the alleged scheme:
- First-Degree Felony: If the amount obtained is $50,000 or more
- Up to 30 years in Florida state prison
- Fines up to $10,000
- Second Degree Felony: If the amount is $20,000 to less than $50,000
- Up to 15 years in Florida state prison
- Fines up to $10,000
- Third-Degree Felony: If the amount is less than $20,000
- Up to 5 years in Florida state prison
- Fines up to $5,000
Additional penalties may include:
- Restitution to Victims
- Probation
- Loss of Professional Licenses
- Asset Forfeiture
Contact a Palm Beach Gardens Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or a loved one is under investigation for or has been charged with an organized scheme to defraud, an experienced Palm Beach Gardens defense attorney may be able to help get your charges reduced or dismissed. Early intervention in your case can be crucial to achieving the best possible outcome.
To request an appointment with a criminal defense attorney in Palm Beach Gardens, contact us online by clicking the button above or for immediate assistance, give us a call at (561) 671-5995.
