Fraud is ubiquitous in the United States, and law enforcement officials at both the federal and state level have their work cut out for them in trying to stop it. It is fairly well known, though, that the state of Florida is a hot spot for fraud activity of all kinds. And, although the exact reasons for the high incidence of fraud in Florida are unknown, recent statistics make it abundantly clear that fraud us alive and well here.
According to the Department of the Treasury, for instance, the rate of false federal income tax returns in South Florida is 46 times higher than the national average. The Federal Trade Commission reports that Florida ranks above all other states when it comes to identity theft complaints, with the Miami area accounting for a great deal of such activity. Part of the reason for the high rate of fraud is apparently that organizations that used to focus on violent crime are now shifting to crimes involving digital data. There are undoubtedly other reasons for the phenomenon, though.
Because the rate of fraud is so high in Florida, authorities are particularly keen to investigate the crime. For those accused of fraud, in any of its forms, it is important to understand that a strong defense is necessary to protect their rights and to ensure that the government does its job correctly. Prosecutors are required to provide reliable evidence that the defendant is guilty of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. When the evidence is weak, it is the task of a criminal defense attorney to highlight the weaknesses of the case and see to it that the consequences of criminal charges are minimized.
