April 23, 2018
Insurance fraud is usually classified as a type of white-collar crime. “White collar crimes” are financially motivated and are usually accomplished with a pen or a computer—rather than with a gun or illegal drugs.
Significantly, white collar crimes like insurance fraud can be prosecuted under both state and federal laws, and the penalties upon conviction can be extremely serious. If you have been charged with insurance fraud in Florida, you need experienced legal representation along every step of the way. The St. Petersburg criminal defense attorneys at the Khonsari Law Group will take the time to review the facts of your case and let you know your legal options. If you choose us to represent you, will we do everything we can to resolve your case as favorably as possible.
Defining Insurance Fraud
A person may face charges of insurance fraud for submitting a claim based upon a false, exaggerated, or deliberate injury or loss. It is against state (and sometimes federal) law to submit false or misleading information as part of an insurance claim. It is also against the law to submit false or misleading information on an insurance policy application.
Penalties for Committing Insurance Fraud
If the prosecutor is able to prove that you committed insurance fraud beyond a reasonable doubt, then you will likely be convicted. Generally speaking, the potential penalties upon conviction for insurance fraud vary. These variations depend upon the monetary amount involved or the value of the insurance claim. The greater the value of the claim, the more serious the charge and potential penalties. A felony conviction for insurance fraud can result in both monetary fines and jail time. If a professional, such as a lawyer or doctor, is found guilty or convicted of insurance fraud, then that professional risks losing his or her license, in addition to other criminal fines and penalties.
Defenses to Insurance Fraud
Just because you have been accused of insurance fraud does not necessarily mean that you will be convicted. There are often various legal defenses that you can raise in response to allegations of insurance fraud. For example, Insurance fraud is a specific intent crime. Therefore, if you lacked the specific intent to deceive or defraud someone else, you may have a valid legal defense. Similarly, you may have a valid legal defense if:
- The insurance claim or application, in fact, was not fraudulent or false
- You were mistaken about the underlying facts or circumstances which led to the insurance fraud charge
Call a St. Petersburg Insurance Fraud Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Case
A conviction for insurance fraud can have a significant impact on both your personal and professional life. This is especially true if you hold a professional license that is subject to revocation. You should call the insurance fraud criminal defense lawyers at Khonsari Law Group to find out if they can assist you with defending your case in state or federal court. To schedule a free case evaluation with a St. Petersburg criminal defense lawyer, call us today at (727) 269-5300 or send us an email through our online contact form.