Uttering a Forged Instrument is a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Uttering is when you try to pass a forged check, knowing is forged, with the intent to defraud any person. In uttering cases in Florida, the assistant state attorney has to prove that you knew the document was forged and not legitimate when you tried to pass it.

Crimes involving checks, like Worthless Checks, are also crimes of intent. It is illegal for any person to write a check, use a debit card, while knowing you do not have sufficient funds in the bank to pay.

If the amount of the check is under $150.00, the worthless check charge is considered a first degree misdemeanor. If the check written is $150.00 or more, the crime is a third degree felony. Third degree felonies carry a maximum of five years in prison.

In most worthless check cases in Florida, the main priority of the state attorney’s office is to get restitution to the victim who is out the money.

Schemes to Defraud is another fraud crime in Florida. It is when someone engages in a systematic and ongoing course of conduct with the intent to get property or money from a person or institution (bank) under false pretenses.

If the amount obtained is $50,000 or more, the scheme to defraud is considered a first degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison. If the value is $20,000 or more but less than $50,000, the crime is a second degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. If the amount is less than $20,000, the crime is a third degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

In addition to the fraud crimes described above, Mr. Quirantes also represents people charged with False Representation to a Pawn Broker, ID Fraud, Unauthorized Criminal Use of Another’s Identification, and Unlicensed Contracting.

Call us today for a free consultation at 305-644-1800.