Miami Fraud Defense Lawyer

Last updated on October 19, 2026

A fraud accusation not only threatens your freedom. It threatens your reputation, your job, your professional license and your family. I am attorney Orlando Rodriguez, and I have successfully defended these complex cases in Miami-Dade and Broward counties for over 22 years. I know exactly what is at stake for your livelihood, and I know how to counter the government’s tactics at both the state and federal levels.

With decades of courtroom experience, I bring proven strategies, relentless advocacy and a deep understanding of how prosecutors build their cases. My commitment is to protect your future, safeguard your rights and fight for your freedom.

Clear Guidance Through State Vs. Federal Fraud Charges

White collar accusations require a sophisticated, careful response. The government uses vast financial tools to build deep cases against professionals. At the Law Offices of Orlando Rodriguez P.A., I handle a wide variety of financial defense matters across Miami-Dade County, including:

• Insurance fraud charges in Florida
• Medicare and Medicaid fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Wire fraud and online fraud
• Staged accident fraud in Miami-Dade
• Money laundering charges in Florida
• PPP/COVID relief fraud
• Identity theft

When handling these charges, I focus heavily on challenging how evidence was obtained. If local police or federal agencies violated your rights during a search, I can quickly file motions to keep that illegally obtained data out of the courtroom.

State Vs. Federal Fraud Charges: Who Is Investigating You?

As a federal fraud defense lawyer in Miami, I often see clients realize they face legal trouble when federal agents execute an unannounced raid on their business, seizing computers and financial logs. White collar investigations rarely begin with a sudden arrest. Instead, quiet trigger events like:

• Routine business audits
• Suspicious bank transaction reports
• Whistleblower complaints

Alternatively, you might receive a grand jury subpoena for corporate records, or you may receive a formal federal target letter informing you that a grand jury actively investigates your actions. These moments create overwhelming anxiety, but early legal intervention allows me to protect your rights before formal charges land.

The agency knocking on your door determines the legal arena in federal vs. state fraud charges. Florida state authorities, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and local police departments, typically handle local economic crimes and state-level schemes. In contrast, federal heavyweights step in when alleged conduct crosses state lines, touches banking institutions or involves federal health programs. You may face an FBI fraud investigation, operational surveillance from a white collar crime task force or financial audits from an IRS criminal investigation.

Federal agencies possess vast resources and spend months building airtight cases before taking action, making immediate defense planning vital.

Understanding Fraud Penalties Under Florida Vs. Federal Law

The penalties for a conviction on fraud charges depend mostly on the value of the property or cash involved. Under Florida Statute § 817.034(4)(a), organized fraud crimes bring very severe consequences:

• $50,000 or more: First-degree felony with up to 30 years in prison
• $20,000 to $49,999: Second-degree felony with up to 15 years in prison
• Less than $20,000: Third-degree felony with up to 5 years in prison

The Florida Communications Fraud Act also punishes deceptive phone calls, texts or emails using similar dollar limits. If the value of the property is $300 or more, it is a third-degree felony, while amounts below $300 are first-degree misdemeanors. Additionally, a judge can force you to pay complete restitution, meaning you must pay back every single dollar the state claims you took.

Federal Court operates under an entirely different framework governed by the federal sentencing guidelines for fraud. Rather than relying solely on the stolen dollar amount, federal judges calculate potential prison sentences using complex point systems and loss calculations. If prosecutors argue that you used “sophisticated means”, such as offshore accounts or corporate shell structures or targeted multiple victims, your recommended prison sentence increases dramatically. I fight these enhancement calculations aggressively to minimize your potential sentencing exposure in federal court.

Intervening Before Fraud Charges Are Filed

I can often step in early to protect you before the state or federal prosecutors formalize their case, arrest you and the court sets a bond. To get a conviction, the government has a high legal burden to prove that you knowingly and intentionally set out to deceive someone. If your business actions were done in good faith or if mistakes happened without criminal intent, we can use those facts to build a powerful defense.

I Am Accessible 24/7. Schedule A Consultation Today

Your career, your license, and your privacy require immediate and professional protection. Contact me today at 786-687-5174 to set up a completely confidential consultation. My clients receive my personal cell phone number so they can reach me directly during critical moments. For your convenience and maximum privacy, we accept Bitcoin and stablecoins alongside credit cards and cash.