Jacksonville Fraud Lawyer

Jacksonville Fraud Attorney

Fraud is a type of white-collar or financial crime that often results in significant financial penalties, restitution, and possibly a prison sentence if convicted. If you’ve been accused of fraud in Florida, contact a Jacksonville fraud lawyer for help. The fraud lawyer at Gates Law Firm uses his considerable experience, compassion, and dedication to ensure your rights are protected and defended.

Fraud attorney Tyler V. Gates has lived in Jacksonville for more than twenty years. He attended law school at Florida Coastal and chose to pursue criminal law. Since then, he’s been defending the rights of people accused of criminal offenses in our community. He is a member of many organizations, such as the Northeast Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys (NEFACDL), and has earned accolades such as “Best Law Firms” from U.S. News & World Report.

As the founder of Gates Law Firm, Tyler V. Gates is committed to providing a solid defense strategy tailored to each client’s unique case and ensuring they receive fair and just treatment.

Fraud Cases in Jacksonville

The 2025 Federal Trade Commission Report states that Florida has the highest number of fraud cases in the U.S. Residents of Florida lost more than $866 million to fraud in 2024, which includes losses from 115,840 cases of identity theft. The U.S. Attorney’s Office branch for Jacksonville is the Middle District of Florida.

The Middle District of Florida office is responsible for prosecuting fraud cases and ensuring fraud penalties are paid to victims. In 2024, this office successfully recovered $73,477,495 from successful convictions. Fraud cases are serious and are the focus of several government branches with a mission to protect Americans from fraud.

Fraud Charges in Florida

Fraud is classified as a white-collar crime by the Department of Justice. Fraud comes in many forms and levels of complexity. The most common fraud crimes involve individuals and federal or business entities. Statistics indicate that prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s office file charges against individuals at a higher rate. In 2024, only 44 of 4332 fraud cases involved corporations.

Florida law defines fraudulent practices as:

• Any action that obtains property by false personation
• An entity providing false information to gain unauthorized access to property
• False statements to businesses as to financial condition
• Receiving money or property based on false promises of service
• False accounting entries
• Misleading solicitation of payments
• Filing false insurance claims

In general, any person who obtains property through false information from another person and uses that property for their own use commits fraud. Some common forms include:

• Credit Card Fraud
• Identity Theft
• Mortgage Fraud
• Wire Fraud
• Insurance Fraud
• Securities Fraud
• Healthcare Fraud

Why You Should Hire a Fraud Lawyer

When you hire a fraud lawyer, you have the benefit of their legal experience and knowledge. Florida’s fraud laws are highly complex and continue to evolve. Being accused of fraud can harm your professional and personal reputation and your freedom. If you are accused of fraud, contact a fraud lawyer right away to start defending you. Fraud attorneys can help people accused of fraud in the following ways:

• By providing a detailed initial consultation
• Explaining the charges and ensuring you understand the impact
• Working with you to develop a tailored defensive strategy
• Negotiating with prosecutors when possible to get charges dropped or reduced
• Advocating and fighting for you in court
• Ensuring your rights are asserted and protected throughout the legal process

Choose Gates Law Firm

Each fraud case is different. At Gates Law Firm, we develop an optimized strategy to challenge the evidence against you. If your case is heard in court, it will likely be handled at the Duval County Courthouse for state-level cases or the Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse when the case crosses state lines or involves entities of the federal government. Attorney Gates can be by your side with a solid defense that challenges the prosecution and provides an optimal chance of a positive result.

FAQs

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Fraud Case?

The cost to hire a fraud or criminal defense lawyer in Jacksonville can vary depending on the complexity of the case, whether it’s a civil or federal case, misdemeanor or felony. The experience of your lawyer and their location may also impact their potential fees. You should discuss pricing and fees with a Jacksonville fraud attorney.

How Much Money Is Considered Fraud in Florida?

The amount of money considered fraud in the state of Florida is only relevant to the degree of the crime. Any action taken to defraud another and obtain property is fraud. The amount of money determines the charges, such as:

• $50,000 or over is a first-degree felony
• $20,000 or over but less than $50,000 is a second-degree felony
• Less than $20,000 is a third-degree felony

What Are Some Defenses in a Fraud Case in the State of Florida?

There are some common defenses that can be used in a fraud case in Florida. One defense is the lack of intent. If your attorney can prove you didn’t intend to commit fraud, your case could be dismissed. Insufficient evidence is another defense. The credibility of the evidence can be challenged by your attorney. Entrapment is another common defense. If you were coerced by law enforcement to do something you wouldn’t have, entrapment can be used to clear your name.

How Hard Is It to Prove Civil Fraud?

It is difficult but not impossible to prove civil fraud. Civil fraud requires proof that a person caused harm to another that resulted in personal or financial loss. It requires clear and convincing evidence along with intent and knowledge. Being convicted of civil fraud can result in financial penalties that may permanently impact your personal finances.

Contact Gates Law Firm for Legal Help with Fraud Charges

With more than 15 years of Florida criminal law experience, the fraud attorney at the Gates Law Firm will fight for you with persistence and dedication. Our legal team works tirelessly to obtain the most favorable legal outcome possible. Protect your future by reaching out to a fraud defense lawyer from Gates Law Firm.

Jacksonville Fraud Lawyer Reviews

Jacksonville Criminal Defense Resources:

• Jacksonville, FL, Crime Rate 2025 – Latest Statistics