Welfare Fraud Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale

Welfare fraud is a serious offense in Florida, and individuals convicted of such charges can face severe penalties. A criminal record stemming from welfare fraud can have long-lasting repercussions, affecting one's ability to secure employment, housing, education, military service, or access to future public assistance. If you or a loved one is facing welfare fraud charges, it is crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced welfare fraud defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale who will vigorously advocate for your best interests.

Welfare fraud can manifest in various ways, all of which involve gaining an unjust personal advantage. Examples of common welfare fraud cases in Broward County include making false statements for program eligibility, neglecting to inform relevant agencies about changes in circumstances, or engaging in the forging or trafficking of food stamps. Any of these actions can lead to a conviction for benefit fraud, resulting in substantial fines and potential jail or prison time. If you or someone you care about is charged with welfare fraud, it is imperative to promptly consult with a welfare fraud defense lawyer.

The severity of the penalty for violating welfare fraud laws in Florida depends on the amount of unlawful public assistance acquired. Public assistance fraud may be categorized as either a felony or a misdemeanor based on case-specific details.

1. For those who obtain less than $200 within a 12-month period, it constitutes a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine.
2. If an individual obtains a value of $200 or more but less than $20,000 within any 12 consecutive months, it becomes a third-degree felony, carrying a potential penalty of up to five years in Florida state prison and a $5,000 fine.
3. When the value acquired ranges from $20,000 to less than $100,000 within any 12 consecutive months, it becomes a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in Florida State Prison and a $10,000 fine.
4. If a person accumulates a value of $100,000 or more within any 12 consecutive months, it becomes a first-degree felony with a potential punishment of up to 30 years in Florida state prison and a $10,000 fine.

Public assistance fraud can occur through a range of deceptive methods but typically involves dishonesty or misleading behavior to secure benefits for oneself or others. Florida Statutes Section 414.39 defines public assistance fraud as:

1. Making false statements, impersonation, or misrepresentation when applying for public assistance or any federally sponsored aid program.
2. Failing to report changes in circumstances, such as address or income, to the relevant agency to continue receiving public assistance.
3. Aiding and abetting another individual in any form of welfare fraud.

It is also against the law to fraudulently receive or use food assistance benefits. These are government vouchers exchanged for groceries by individuals on public assistance. In Florida, it is illegal to acquire food stamps through activities such as:

• Forgery
• Alteration
• Sale or production of fraudulent food stamps
• Attempted alteration or forgery of food stamps
• Attempted use of fraudulent food stamps
• Trafficking food stamps to others
• Aiding and abetting another person in fraudulently obtaining food assistance benefits