Law Enforcement Investigations of Florida Mortgage Fraud Cases
Early Intervention by a Lawyer May Prevent Criminal Charges
Inquiries into questionable loans can quickly turn into criminal investigations for mortgage fraud, banking fraud or conspiracy. Early intervention by an attorney with experience handling mortgage fraud cases can mean the difference between walking away or facing criminal fraud or conspiracy charges.
The defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Mark L. Horwitz, PA stand willing to represent borrowers and lenders, builders and developers, sellers, and real estate professionals under investigation or facing a grand jury proceeding in central Florida, statewide, or nationwide.
As soon as you suspect you are the subject of an investigation, contact our firm immediately. When our fraud defense attorney is called upon early in the process, his parallel investigation can reach a different conclusion and may convince law enforcement to not charge the client.
Initial Investigations of Mortgage Fraud/Bank Fraud
Typically, an internal review is triggered when a homeowner defaults on a mortgage loan or a bank discovers several mortgages in default involving the same industry insiders or purchasers. If the audit reveals irregularities in loan applications or supporting documents, the case is referred to the FBI or Florida law enforcement.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the federal department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and other state and federal regulatory agencies may also get involved in investigations that turn into a criminal investigation. Signs of a criminal investigation include:
- The FBI or other criminal investigators start conducting interviews
- The bank sends out an auditor who raises questions about the truthfulness of documents
- The FBI or other law enforcement attempts to interview you
Many times law enforcement agents will show up without an appointment for an interview. In this way, they hope that you will not have a lawyer present when they talk with you.
Mortgage and commercial lending are complicated matters. Law enforcement officers are investigating business professionals but often do not understand the industry, its practices, jargon, and operations. There is a huge opportunity for miscommunication and erroneous conclusions.
Legal Representation
Before a grand jury indictment is returned, there are usually many opportunities for the targets of an investigation to get legal advice.
Our attorneys strive to demonstrate to the investigators' satisfaction that no fraud occurred, or that there was a lack of criminal intent. We carefully counsel clients on how to respond to auditors or investigators to avoid charges of obstruction of justice, for false statements or destruction of evidence.
If you are contacted by a regulatory agency or if you suspect you are the subject of investigation, contact our Orlando defense firm for help to respond to the investigation of bank fraud, mortgage fraud, and mail fraud or wire fraud. We offer a confidential consultation at 407.401.7224 or 866.784.0023.
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