Other Federal Crimes

Credit card fraud, conspiracy, counterfeiting, cyber-stalking, internet theft and fraud, extortion, mortgage fraud, public corruption and forfeiture actions are all prosecuted as federal crimes. Ivette has extensive courtroom experience and will advocate tirelessly for you at trial while also working hard to reach the best possible settlement if you are charged with a federal crime in South Florida.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud is rampant in the United States and it isn’t just individuals who steal another person’s credit card to make a large purchase. Credit card companies are in a position to defraud consumers and many do through charging hidden or late fees that are not made clear when you sign up for a credit card, double charging for purchases, failing to credit returned purchases, or holding payments until they will be considered late and then charging a late fee. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FBCA) you are entitled to the correction of any billing errors or disallowed fees in a timely manner. If you take the credit card company to court, the FBCA provides that allowable damages include not just the amount of any fraudulent charges, but also court costs and attorney’s fees. If you need an attorney to prosecute your credit card case in court, you can count on Ivette’s experience as a prosecutor to make your case.

Mortgage Fraud

Mortgage fraud involves the use of fraudulent means to obtain a larger mortgage than you can reasonably afford. Unfortunately, many would-be homebuyers get caught up in mortgage fraud without realizing it because they do not understand the rules and regulations for titles and deeds to property, how foreclosures work, and what the role of a broker or a lender should be in a transaction. You may have good intentions in applying for a mortgage and buying a home so that a friend or relative with bad credit has a place to live, but if you do this, you will be considered a “straw buyer”which is a type of mortgage fraud. If you are in danger of losing your home and turn over title to a lender with plans to take it back at a later date, the lender could commit foreclosure fraud and take the equity out of the home or sell it to somebody else without good title, leaving both you and the new “owner” in bad positions. If you’ve been charged with any type of mortgage fraud, call our office today to schedule a consultation and learn about your options.

Internet Theft

Internet theft broadly refers to any theft that involves the use of the Internet. Since we live so much of our lives online in the modern era, Internet theft or fraud is often added to other criminal charges because activity is conducted online. Some Internet theft events like data breaches, where consumer data is leaked beyond a secure server, or e-mail account compromises, wherein private emails are released, are unintentional but still cause widespread damage. Because the definition of Internet theft is so broad, you could be charged with Internet theft without realizing you’ve done anything out of the ordinary. If you are facing Internet theft or fraud charges, call our office to speak with an experienced defense attorney who can help you navigate the landscape.

Conspiracy and Extortion

Under 18 U.S. Code 371, conspiracy occurs when two or more people conspire to defraud or commit any crime against the United States. Conspiracy charges are typically brought in conjunction with other federal crimes when multiple players are involved. Under 18 U.S. Code 375 extortion occurs when one person attempts to obtain money or property by threatening another person or people. The threats may include intended acts of violence, making accusations that the extortion victim has committed a crime, or revealing personal information that could damage the victim’s reputation. Our firm is experienced at handling cases involving charges of conspiracy and extortion. For more information call our office for a consultation.

Public Corruption

Public corruption involves violation of federal law by officials at every level of government. In recent years the FBI has directed more resources toward prosecuting public corruption in the federal prison system, at the United States border stations, and with regards to federal elections. If you’ve been charged with a public corruption crime, you need a defense attorney with courtroom experience who understands how prosecutors think. Ivette will help you achieve the best possible outcome whether at trial or through settlement while managing the effect of corruption charges on you and your family.

Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is another unintended byproduct of the Internet in which someone uses the Internet to harass a victim or obtain information about their whereabouts in order to harass or threaten in person. Cyberstalking can rise to the level of domestic violence. If you are in danger, please call our office at 305-358-8003.

Counterfeiting

Counterfeiting involves manufacturing or distributing goods or services using someone else’s name, company name, logo, or other identifier without their permission. If you’ve been charged with counterfeiting, call our office to schedule a consultation.

Forfeiture Actions

Criminal forfeiture is brought as part of the prosecution of another crime. If property was used in a criminal action, the property itself can be indicted and must be forfeited to the government. To learn more about forfeiture actions, call our office today.