Legal Question in Employment Law in Florida
i continued to claim unemployment after i was hired. I just got a letter from DEO asking for claimants statement and that I owe $1783. How can I avoid going to jail, I know it was wrong to do it and I am willing to pay it back. I keep reading however online that even after people pay them back the state still comes after them for jail time. I needed the money badly at the time and was desperate. My wife is 9 months pregnant about to burst and now I am hit with this. I am freaking out and so is she. Please help
1 Answer from Attorneys
You are unlikely to go to jail for this offense, but you will have to pay them back. Unemployment compensation fraud is a felony, but it is among the most minor felonies in existence. You are very unlikely to face jail time unless you have a very bad prior record. Generally the state is willing to reduce these charges if you pay off all the money before court. However, since this is a felony you should talk to an attorney.