Florida Federal Criminal Defense Attorney focusing on the defense of white collar crimes.

Bankruptcy Fraud

Florida Federal Criminal Defense Attorney, David J. Joffe focuses on criminal defense of persons accused of white collar crimes. David J. Joffe has personally handled over 300 Federal cases. Call today for a confidential consultation.

Bankruptcy fraud constitutes the concealing and misstatement of assets during bankruptcy proceedings. Individuals and corporations can be investigated and prosecuted under bankruptcy fraud statutes. Bankruptcy laws can be found in Title 11 of the U.S. Code. Criminal sanctions can be found in Title 18 of the U.S. Code, §§ 152 and 157.
Bankruptcy fraud cases are investigated by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation’s Bankruptcy Fraud Program. Cases are then referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution. In 2006, the IRS initiated 32 bankruptcy fraud investigations. Twenty-four were prosecuted and ten sentenced. The average sentence was 29 months in either federal prison or another form of detention.

Bankruptcies are steadily increasing, according to the United States Bankruptcy Court. Bankruptcies reached 1.7 million in fiscal year 2003. Bankruptcy fraud cases are also increasing. The Department of Justice estimates that 10 percent of all bankruptcy petitions contain some elements of fraud.

Those convicted of bankruptcy fraud face fines, imprisonment of no more than five years, or both. If you are under investigation or face prosecution for bankruptcy fraud, it is important to seek the counsel of an experienced bankruptcy fraud defense attorney as soon as possible.

Bank Fraud

Bank fraud, a Federal criminal offense, is defined as planning to obtain property or money from any federally insured financial institution. Considered a white collar crime, bank fraud charges are brought against bank insiders, such as loan officers, currency traders, and other bank personnel. 

Bank fraud charges can also apply to persons outside the banking industry. Charges include: forgery, stolen checks, accounting fraud, check kiting, credit card fraud, theft of payment cards, identity theft, fraudulent loan applications, internet fraud, and money laundering.