Accused of Home Loan Fraud?
Prosecutions for mortgage fraud and bank fraud have escalated with the housing market collapse and foreclosure crisis. Lenders are eager to ferret out corrupt insiders and recoup their losses, and to make headlines.
If you are charged with obtaining a loan by fraud, or abetting such a fraud, the government already has built a case against you. But do not assume they have the "smoking gun" documents to convict you, or that you will gain any leniency by cooperating with investigators. You need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.
In 30-plus years of criminal law practice, I have handled hundreds of cases of mortgage fraud and other "white collar" crimes. Contact me if you have been arrested or suspect that you are under investigation. My Fort Myers law firm, Charles M. Harris, P.A., serves Southwest Florida from Sarasota and Punta Gorda to Naples and Marco Island.
Experienced Mortgage Fraud Defense Lawyer
I have represented many homebuyers accused of lying about their income or employment to qualify for a mortgage or a better rate. Home loan misrepresentation is considered fraud, a felony crime carrying the very real possibility of jail. If a federally insured bank was defrauded, you may face federal charges and even stiffer sentencing.
The most common form of mortgage fraud is lying about income or assets, failing to disclose other debts, or providing any false data the lender relied upon in granting the loan. My goal is to prove that there was no intent to deceive, or that my client was instructed to fudge income or omit information so the mortgage would be approved funded.
I have also represented loan officers, appraisers, mortgage brokers and others accused of masterminding, aiding or profiting from mortgage fraud scams. Industry insiders are often punished more severely if convicted, and commonly face additional charges of money laundering.
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Early involvement in your case gives you the best opportunity to beat the charges or minimize the punishment. I have extensive experience in state and federal courts in Southwest Florida. Call my Fort Myers office at 239-935-5703 or e-mail me to discuss your situation in a free consultation.
