Bank Fraud in Florida
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Miami, Michelle Fletcher and Ahmed Shahid have both been sentenced for charges related to bank fraud. Fletcher was sentenced to twelve (12) months and one (1) day in prison after pleading guilty to three (3) counts of making false statements on loan applications. The false applications were approved by four banks and loans were provided to her in the amount of $200,000. Fletcher was ordered to pay $125,000 in restitution to the banks during her sentencing.
Ahmed Shahid was sentenced to eight (8) months imprisonment after he plead guilty to misprision of a felony. He did not inform the authorities about individuals defrauding the banks and will now have to pay $1,313,030 in restitution. These cases are considered to be white collar crimes becaues of the financial incentive involved; however, these crimes hold harsher penalties as far as restitution is concerned. If found guilty, the restitution penalty is usually imposed in accordance with the amount of currency within the alleged crime.
In these types of instances, it is important to hire an attorney that is experienced within the field of white collar crime. A criminal defense lawyer will be able to provide you information on the procedures of the federal system and attain the discovery in order to determine how much evidence the government actually has on the case. The government is required by law to provide any information that they have pertaining to the case and reviewing these documents is vital before accepting any plea offer that may be given.
It is very important not to speak with anyone regarding the case without first seeking the advice of a fraud lawyer. If you have been indicted or are being investigated for a federal crime, please contact one of our attorneys for a free consultation at 1-800-94-TRIAL.
