Source: https://www.criminaldefenseattorneytampa.com/white-collar-crime/fraud/mortgage/
Timestamp: 2018-10-15 18:21:02
Document Index: 620045563

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 817', '§ 817', '§ 817', '§ 817', '§ 817', '§ 817']

Mortgage Fraud explained by an attorney in Tampa, FL
Mortgage Fraud Cases in Tampa, FL
When mortgage fraud is prosecuted in state court it is often prosecuted under Florida Statute § 817.545(2) & (5). If you have been accused of Mortgage Fraud in Florida then it is important to talk with a criminal defense attorney as early in the case as possible. Never talk to any state or federal law enforcement officer about any allegation of mortgage fraud until after you have spoken with a criminal defense attorney.
The attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm represent clients with mortgage fraud throughout the Tampa Bay area in and around Hillsborough County, FL. Call 813-250-0500 today for a free, confidential consultation.
Jury Instruction in a Mortgage Fraud Case
One way to understand Florida law in mortgage fraud cases is to look carefully at the standard jury instructions. For mortgage fraud cases, the standard jury instructions were just adopted in 2013.
The crime of "Mortgage Fraud" may not be predicated solely upon information lawfully disclosed under federal disclosure laws, regulations, or interpretations related to the mortgage lending process. See § 817.545(3) Fla. Stat.
The jury instructions for Mortgage Fraud in Florida provide that in order to prove the crime of Mortgage Fraud, the prosecutor for the State of Florida must prove that the defendant knowingly with the intent to defraud and did one of the following:
a. made any material misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission during the mortgage lending process with the intent that the misstatement, misrepresentation or omission would be relied on by
a borrower; or
any other person or entity involved in the mortgage lending process;
b. used or facilitated the use of any material misstatement, misrepresentation or omission during the mortgage lending process with the intent that the material misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission would be relied on by
c. received any proceeds or other funds in connection with the mortgage lending process that he or she knew resulted from the making of any material misstatement, misrepresentation or omission during the mortgage lending process that was made with the intent that the misstatement, misrepresentation, omission would be relied on by
d. received any proceeds or other funds in connection with the mortgage lending process that he or she knew resulted from the use of any material misstatement, misrepresentation, omission during the mortgage lending process that was made with the intent that the material misstatement misrepresentation, omission would be relied on by
e. filed or caused to be filed with the clerk of the circuit court for any Florida county a document involved in the mortgage lending process which contained a material misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission.
Mortgage Fraud on Loan Value Stated on Documents Exceeded $100,000
Under § 817.545(5)(b) Fla. Stat., the jury instructions provide that: If you find that the defendant guilty of Mortgage Fraud, you must also determine if the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt whether the loan value stated on documents used in the mortgage lending process exceeded $100,000. § 817.545(2)(a) & (b) Fla. Stat.
Material Ommissions Does Not Include Information that is Not Required on Loan Application
The jury instructions specifically provide that "omissions on a loan application regarding employment, income, or assets for a loan which does not require this information are not considered material omissions for purposes of Mortgage Fraud. § 817.545(1) Fla. Stat."
Definition of Documents in Mortgage Lending Process for the Mortgage Fraud Statute
Florida law defines the term "documents involved in the mortgage lending process" to include the following:
HUD-1 settlement statements;
appraisal reports;
uniform residential loan applications;
other loan applications;
supporting personal documentation for loan applications including:
payroll stubs;
verifications of income and employment; and
any required disclosures.
Florida law defines the term “knowingly” in the context of a mortgage fraud case to mean that the defendant is aware of the act and is not acting through ignorance, mistake or accident.
In a mortgage fraud case in Florida the term “material” is defined to mean a fact a reasonable person would use to decide whether to do or not to do something. A fact is material if it has the capacity or natural tendency to influence a person’s decision. Any misrepresentation or concealment must be reasonably calculated to deceive persons of ordinary prudence and comprehension. Definition. § 817.545(1) Fla. Stat.
Florida law defines the term “mortgage lending process” to mean "the process through which a person seeks or obtains a residential mortgage loan, including, but not limited to, the solicitation, application or origination, negotiation of terms, third-party provider services, underwriting, signing and closing, and funding of the loan."
Finding a Mortgage Fraud Attorney in Tampa, FL
If you are under investigation for any type of white collar crime including mortgage fraud in the Tampa Bay area, including in Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the Sammis Law Firm. Call 813-250-0500 to discuss your case today.