Fighting Serious Government Fraud Criminal Charges Requires Deep Experience & Aggressive Advocacy

If you are being investigated or have been charged or arrested in connection with a government fraud case in Florida, you need experienced legal defense counsel to protect your rights and freedom. Retaining an experienced government fraud defense attorney early in the process is imperative to keep all defense options on the table.

Our Fraud Defense Experience And Philosophy

At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, founding attorney Bjorn E. Brunvand – a Florida board-certified criminal trial attorney and nationally board-certified criminal trial lawyer – has defended employees and businesspeople in criminal cases filed in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County and throughout the country for over 20 years. Those criminal cases have included a substantial number of white collar cases and, more specifically, government fraud cases.

We can guide you through the state or federal criminal justice system with a combination of skill, experience, tenacity and understanding. In cases in which our clients have advance notice that they are being investigated, our firm is often brought in to assist during the investigation and grand jury phases.

We Defend Those Accused Or Investigated For White Collar Crimes

White collar accusations threaten your life’s work. Handling investigations and charges incorrectly can jeopardize your legacy. At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, we can help you fight these allegations. Our firm provides comprehensive defense for:

• Active criminal charges: Our team of attorneys can form defense strategies against allegations of fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, tax evasion and other white collar offenses.
• Government investigations: We can provide personal guidance if you or your business has received a target letter, subpoena or notice of investigation.
• Early intervention: We aim to prevent a formal filing of charges by negotiating with the prosecuting side and providing context to correct factual errors.
• Federal and state representation: Our lawyers are ready to stand with you in court and defend you from complex financial and commerce-related crimes.

In the finance industry, we understand that discretion is as valuable as a technical defense. Our primary goal is to resolve investigations quietly to prevent publicity caused by a formal charge. To obtain legal guidance, get in touch with us by dialing 813-521-8069 or completing this form.

Important Notice: We Do Not Represent Victims Of Fraud

We have great sympathy for those who have suffered financial loss, however our firm does not represent victims of fraud. Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group dedicates its practice to defending individuals or entities that are under investigation or facing serious federal criminal charges. We regret that our firm cannot assist with the following situations:

• Victims of fraud: Our attorneys cannot represent victims of scams and identity theft.
• Asset recovery: We do not accept clients who seek help to recover financial losses.
• Consumer protection claims: Our practice does not file lawsuits against companies for deceptive trade practices.
• Individuals with no criminal charges: We do not provide legal advice if you are not currently under criminal investigation, facing charges or dealing with potential state or federal accusations.

If you are a victim seeking to recover lost funds, you may consider reaching out to a civil litigation attorney. Another option is to report the incident to your local police department or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

What Is Government Fraud?

Government fraud encompasses criminal offenses that involve the intentional deception of federal, state or local government agencies to obtain money, benefits or services unlawfully. These charges typically involve schemes designed to misrepresent facts, conceal material information or submit false documentation to government programs or agencies.

Government fraud defense cases often involve complex elements that prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt:

• Making false statements on official documents or applications
• Submitting fraudulent claims for government reimbursement or benefits
• Misappropriating government funds or resources for personal gain
• Conspiring with others to defraud government programs or agencies
• Concealing material information required for government compliance

These cases frequently involve multiple defendants, extensive paper trails and sophisticated schemes that can span months or years.

Federal agencies, including the FBI, IRS, Department of Health and Human Services, and various inspector general offices, investigate government fraud allegations. These agencies possess significant resources and expertise in financial investigations, making early legal representation crucial for protecting your rights.

Are Different Types Of Government Fraud More Serious Than Others?

Yes, government fraud charges vary significantly in severity based on several critical factors that courts consider during sentencing. Understanding these distinctions helps defendants and their families prepare for potential consequences:

• Loss amount: Cases involving losses exceeding $1 million face enhanced penalties under federal sentencing guidelines.
• Program type: Health care fraud involving Medicare and Medicaid typically carries severe penalties due to the substantial money involved.
• Victim impact: Fraud affecting vulnerable populations or essential services results in harsher sentences.
• Defendant’s role: Organizers and leaders of fraud conspiracies face more severe penalties than minimal participants.
• National security concerns: Defense contractor fraud cases often result in harsh sentences due to security implications.

Healthcare fraud and contractor fraud generally receive the harshest treatment due to the substantial amounts involved and their impact on critical government functions. Repeat offenders or those in positions of trust face enhanced penalties regardless of the specific type of government fraud involved. A skilled government fraud defense attorney can help improve your legal position, helping preserve your future.

Let Us Take Action Before Charges Are Filed

We are well aware of the damage that government fraud cases can do to a business or individual’s reputation and livelihood. If our firm is involved early enough, we can take steps to minimize any media attention to the case while building a solid defense to the charges.

If retained early enough, our attorneys have the experience, knowledge and skill to help clients, in many cases, avoid or mitigate government fraud charges by negotiating with law enforcement and prosecutors. If a trial becomes necessary, the litigation skills of the attorneys of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group are hard-charging and second to none.

We Can Handle All Types Of Government Fraud Defense Cases

Our attorneys have a wealth of experience defending federal criminal cases, where most significant government fraud cases are prosecuted.

We defend individual and business clients against all varieties of government fraud charges, including:

• Government contract fraud
• Medicaid/Medicare fraud
• Securities fraud
• Social Security fraud
• State and federal grant fraud
• Political corruption
• Election fraud
• Immigration fraud
• Tax fraud and tax evasion
• Defense contractor fraud cases

The government can be an intimidating adversary. A seasoned and skilled government fraud defense attorney can help guide you through the process from investigation through trial.

For over 20 years of criminal defense practice, Bjorn Brunvand has fostered the respect of the prosecutors and judges involved in government fraud cases. Along with his board certification in criminal trial law, this stellar reputation and skill place our firm’s clients in a strong position from which to approach the resolution of a federal criminal case.

Don’t Let Criminal Fraud Charges Ruin Your Future Or Your Business

Turn to Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group for an experienced defense against government fraud charges. To schedule a free initial consultation, call 813-521-8069 or contact us online.