Industry Insiders

Defending Professionals in Mortgage Fraud

Broker Fraud • Realtor Fraud • Lender Fraud • Appraiser Fraud

Our Orlando, Florida criminal defense practice represents agents and officers in the mortgage and banking industries suspected of using their positions to commit fraud. Because of their fiduciary roles, industry insiders can face enhanced criminal penalties if found guilty of profiting from fraudulent transactions through kickbacks, fees, and commissions.

The Law Offices of Mark L. Horwitz, a Professional Association, represents clients throughout Central Florida, statewide and nationwide. If you have been approached by internal auditors, or state or federal investigators, contact our experienced attorneys immediately. Early representation is important to avoid incriminating statements and innocent statements that are misunderstood so as to avoid criminal charges.

We represent all professionals in insider fraud allegations:

• Bank directors and loan officers accused of falsifying records or green-lighting fraudulent loan applications, often suspected if fees are unusually high
• Appraisers accused of appraisal fraud (collusion with sellers to inflate market prices and "flip" properties)
• Mortgage brokers and realtors/real estate agents accused of coaching buyers to commit mortgage fraud in order to increase their own commissions

Heading off the Indictment
Mark L. Horowitz is a board-certified criminal trial specialist by The Florida Bar with over 30 years of criminal law experience. While every case is prepared for the possibility of a trial, we try to ensure that it never gets that far. Our lawyers have had significant success in preventing criminal charges through early intervention in broker, appraiser and realtor fraud investigations.

To obtain a conviction for fraud, authorities must prove criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Our experience has shown that investigators wrongly attribute intent to common industry practices in the mortgage lending or commercial lending business. For example, relying exclusively on a certain appraiser is a "red flag" for appraisal fraud, but the bank or realtor may simply have a long and trusted relationship with that appraiser. We review the financial documents and work to convince investigators that intentions were good even if paperwork contains irregularities or brings to light sloppy loan procedures.

If a realtor, broker, or appraiser is charged with fraud, we offer an aggressive defense at trial or skilled negotiation to avoid the worst penalties. Contact the Law Offices of Mark L. Horwitz, a Professional Association, at 407.401.7224 or 866.784.0023 to arrange a confidential consultation.