Public Assistance Fraud, also known as welfare fraud, is a serious felony crime in the State of Florida. If you are charged with this crime, you are facing a third degree felony offense, punishable by up to five (5) years in Florida State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
To prove this crime, the State must show that you 1) knowingly failed to disclose a material fact regarding your eligibility for public assistance; 2) that fact was used to determine qualifications to receive benefits; and 3) the aid or benefits you received came from a state or federal public assistance program.
Our firm has helped many people in your very same position in the past. We know that most likely, you have no prior criminal convictions and that you were simply trying to help your family get by. We also know that you most likely have a stable job and a family to care for, and that you cannot risk having a felony conviction on your record. That’s where we come in.
In many cases, we are able to negotiate with the State to help you avoid a conviction. If this is the case, you would be eligible to have your record expunged and your mug shot removed from the Sheriff’s Office website. If we cannot negotiate a fair outcome for you, we will aggressively defend you at trial.
An attorney from our firm is on call 24 hours a day to take your call. We offer a free, confidential consultation and affordable payment plans to help you through this difficult time. When your future is at risk, you need an experienced advocate in your corner. Don’t let this mistake haunt you for the rest of your life.