Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

23 years old accused of scheme to defraud less then 20,000

My friends were caught in Orlando,FL with fake drivers licence,fake SS&bills proving they received money through Western Union with fake identities.They are from Romania,one having visitor visa and other summer working visa.They were put in jail accused of SCHEME OF DEFRAUD and their bail was 5,000 each(the bail was paid and they got out after 5 days)but their passports remained at the police.Now they dont have a lawyer cuz they cant figure out why the attorney appointed to them by court is asking them for money.Is this the way that attorney should act?ask them for money and trying to get them to sign a contract in which all the obligations are for the 2 guys and all the rights for the attorney?How should they proceed in order for them to get their passports back (is it possible that the court decides to throw them out of US with no right of turning back ever??this would be a preferred scenario,cuz they dont have that much money and they have to came back to Romania to school).They were never involved in terrorist acts or any crime whatsoever before.They're just 2kids that lost the way,tempted by others with easy money.HOW SHOULD THEY PROCEED IN ORDER FOR THE FEDERAL CHARGES TO BE DROPPED AND FOR THE PASSPORTS TO BE RECOVERED?


Asked on 9/23/05, 1:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Valerie Masters Valerie Masters, P.A.

Re: 23 years old accused of scheme to defraud less then 20,000

Your friends are in serious trouble. I cannot comment on the the other attorny. I can tell you the Feds will not merely send them home with a promise not to come back. I received your message on my website. Please contct me if you are interested in retaining me as counsel.

Read more
Answered on 9/23/05, 4:18 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Florida