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Sunrise Mortgage Fraud Lawyers
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Sunrise Mortgage Fraud Lawyers
Mortgage fraud has become a major issue in recent years, especially in places like Sunrise, Florida. As the housing market boomed in the early 2000s, some shady lenders and borrowers took advantage of loose lending standards to commit fraud. When the housing bubble burst around 2007, many of these crimes came to light.
Now, authorities in Sunrise and other parts of South Florida are cracking down on mortgage fraud through criminal prosecutions. This has created demand for experienced criminal defense attorneys who understand these complex financial crimes. Keep reading to learn more about mortgage fraud charges in Sunrise and how a knowledgeable lawyer can defend you.
Overview of Mortgage Fraud
Mortgage fraud involves intentionally deceiving lenders, investors, or insurers during the mortgage lending process. There are many schemes, but some common examples include:
- Loan origination fraud – Falsifying information on a mortgage application to qualify for a loan the borrower otherwise wouldn’t get approved for. This could involve exaggerating income, lying about employment, hiding existing debts, etc.
- Appraisal fraud – Dishonest appraisers work with borrowers to artificially inflate home values. This lets borrowers take out bigger loans than the home is worth.
- Equity skimming – Realtors or investors trick homeowners into signing over title to their property, then steal any equity in the home.
- Foreclosure rescue scams – Scammers target distressed homeowners facing foreclosure and promise to “rescue” them. But they really just take the homeowner’s money and the house ends up in foreclosure anyway.
Mortgage fraud can be complex, involving multiple parties like lenders, appraisers, real estate agents, title companies, and more. The common goal is to extract as much cash as possible from a mortgage transaction through deception.
Mortgage Fraud Charges in Sunrise, FL
In Sunrise and other parts of Broward County, state and federal prosecutors are charging many individuals for mortgage fraud crimes. Common charges include:
- Wire fraud
- Mail fraud
- Bank fraud
- Making false statements to lenders
- Racketeering and RICO charges
- Money laundering
- Mortgage broker fraud
Prosecutors often pursue severe penalties for mortgage fraud in Florida. These white collar crimes can lead to decades in federal prison, massive fines, and restitution payments.
High-profile cases have included indictments of 13 people in a $14 million mortgage fraud ring in Broward County. Ringleaders face up to 30 years in prison. More recently, the Brooklyn DA charged a man with stealing homes through fraudulent deeds and selling them – part of a surge in deed theft affecting NYC.
Why Hire a Sunrise Mortgage Fraud Lawyer?
Facing mortgage fraud accusations can be terrifying. These complex financial crimes require an experienced criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights. A knowledgeable attorney can:
- Analyze the prosecution’s case and identify weaknesses
- Challenge improper or illegal investigative tactics
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or dismissals
- Develop an alternative theory of the case and defend you at trial
- Navigate federal sentencing guidelines to minimize penalties
It’s essential to have a lawyer who understands real estate transactions and mortgage lending. They can reconstruct the deal, pinpoint where things went wrong, and show you lacked criminal intent.
An attorney can also negotiate with prosecutors before charges are filed. In some cases, they may convince prosecutors to drop the case for lack of evidence.
Fighting Mortgage Fraud Charges in Federal Court
Many mortgage fraud cases end up in federal court, where penalties are harshest. But an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can still fight the charges.
Defense strategies may include:
- Attacking flawed forensics – Many mortgage fraud cases hinge on forensic accountants reconstructing records. But their methods aren’t foolproof. A lawyer can scrutinize their process to find errors.
- Questioning witness credibility – Prosecution witnesses often have incentives to lie or exaggerate. Skilled cross-examination can undermine their credibility.
- Raising improper conduct defenses – If investigators violated your rights or used deceptive tactics, any evidence obtained improperly may be excluded.
- Introducing mitigating circumstances – There are often extenuating reasons why someone participated in mortgage fraud. A good lawyer presents these to reduce culpability.
- Using sentencing guidelines – Federal guidelines provide opportunities to lower sentencing ranges through factors like minimal role, cooperation, etc.
- Seeking appeals – After conviction, there may be grounds for appeal based on legal errors, insufficient evidence, etc.
The bottom line is mortgage fraud charges shouldn’t be taken lightly. But an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can thoroughly analyze the case against you and build an aggressive defense.
Finding the Right Sunrise Mortgage Fraud Lawyer
If you or a loved one are facing mortgage fraud allegations, it’s critical to have an experienced lawyer in your corner. Look for an attorney with specific experience defending complex financial crime cases. Ask questions like:
- How many mortgage fraud cases have you handled in federal court?
- What are some strategies you’ve used to successfully defend these cases?
- Will you conduct your own investigation by hiring forensic accountants, mortgage experts, etc?
- How often do your mortgage fraud cases end in dismissals versus settlements or pleas?
- What are the biggest weaknesses you see in the prosecution’s approach to these cases?
Don’t take chances with an inexperienced lawyer or public defender. Mortgage fraud cases are highly complex and the penalties are severe. An expert like Ralph Behr gives you the best chance of success. With an aggressive lawyer fighting for you, the odds of beating mortgage fraud allegations improve dramatically.