• PRIETO LAW FIRM

    Serving all of Florida for over 20 years. Frank Prieto’s breadth of experience gives him the unique ability to approach issues from multiple points of view and always uncover an innovative solution to a particular legal challenge in both the criminal and civil arena.

Our Areas of Practice

Federal Cases

The areas of Medicare, Medicaid, and other forms of general healthcare fraud have become a focus of both the Attorney General of Florida and other states and the Department of Justice. Years ago, the United States established the Medicare Strike Force that has become a front-runner in these prosecutions across the nation. Mr. Prieto has handled cases in these areas at both the State and Federal levels with excellent results.

The banks have guidelines that they must follow, and this includes reporting suspecting criminal activity. There are computer programs that alert the bank’s own investigative personnel who often get Federal investigators involved. Bank fraud is a federal offense that the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes to the fullest extent of the law. Bank fraud will often be charged with wire fraud which can increase penalties depending on the amounts of the fraud involved.

Under federal law, anyone knowingly possessing a fraudulent credit card can be found guilty of fraud or identity theft. Banks and other financial institutions lose millions of dollars each year stemming from fraudulent credit card activity. Federal prosecutors also regularly charge with conspiracy and fraud, no matter how insignificant a person’s role may have played in an overall criminal scheme.

Mail and wire fraud charges are taken very seriously since Federal authorities control both mail and wire communications. The U.S. Postal Police, the U.S. Secret Service, and the FBI are often involved in these investigations. A defendant faces hefty fines and up to thirty years of prison in some cases. Defendants are also expected to pay restitution to the federal institution or the individuals to who the government claims lost funds or monies.

The IRS Criminal Investigation Unit focuses on prosecuting persons accused of crimes such as filing a false tax return or false documents or failing to pay taxes. The penalties for these types of charges are severe, including up to 5 years in prison, fines up to $500,000, and a civil tax fraud penalty equal to 75% of the tax owed.

Money Laundering is the investment or transfer of illegal money. The money is obtained from illicit sources such as drugs, weapons, wire fraud, or theft and worked through legal outlets to cover the original source and make it look genuine.

Federally prosecuted crimes are often taken more seriously than State courts, even for similar offenses; however, under some circumstances, being charged in Federal courts is more advantageous and can carry fewer penalties because of a “safety valve” exception the mandatory/minimum sentencing structure.

Extradition is a request by a foreign jurisdiction to obtain jurisdiction over a person and have that person transported to the requesting foreign state or country. Extradition is used in criminal matters only.

Import and export crimes usually involve highly taxed, highly regulated, or clearly illegal items such as weapons, tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. They can range from drug smuggling across the border to falsely reporting the intended use of an imported or exported product.

As technology advances, cyber-crimes have become very popular in the past 10 years. These crimes include child pornography and solicitation, cyberstalking, identity theft, Ransomware, and credit card fraud, among other crimes at the state and federal levels.

State Cases

Criminal traffic convictions can result in sentences including expensive fines, community service, a criminal felony record, and substantial jail or prison time. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest and your driving record, Mr. Prieto may be able to have the charges against you reduced or negotiate a lighter sentence.

Jail time, Counseling, Hefty fines, losing your rights to your children, loss of personal property that you jointly hold with your spouse, and a Criminal record

Simply an arrest for domestic violence subjects the accused to public shame and can have serious repercussions.

Human trafficking charges may be filed in State or Federal court. These charges can include kidnapping, trafficking for prostitution, and solicitation for sex, among others. A person may also be charged with RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) if the prosecutors can prove that an organization was profiting from these crimes.

A sex crime allegation can negatively affect someone for the rest of their lives, even if the claims are not valid. These crimes are punished with harsh penalties and include statutory rape, date rape, sexual assault, child pornography, incest, and failure to register as a sex offender, among others.

From simple possession to trafficking, drug-related crimes can have a massive impact on a person’s future. In Florida, even a first conviction carries a 2-year driver’s license suspension. Attorney Frank Prieto is a former narcotics prosecutor prepared to fight for the best possible outcome on your drug-related case.

Arson is a serious charge that involves the use of fire and/or explosives. It is associated with the act of illegally burning down a property — whether for insurance claims or any other reasons. The punishment for these types of crimes depends on the person’s intent causing the damage. A person can potentially face up to life in prison if somebody was harmed or killed.

These types of crimes involve the taking of or the intention to take another’s property. There are many different types of theft crimes, including car theft, petty theft, identity theft, burglary, embezzlement and forgery, counterfeiting, and retail theft. In some cases, state and federal prosecutors will prosecute theft crimes under RICO or racketeering. This is when organized groups run illegal businesses or when an organized crime group uses legitimate organizations to steal money.

Suppose someone is charged with a crime that resulted in no conviction, a dismissal, Nolle Prosequi, or a “No Action.” In that case, that person can have their record expunged or sealed. One can only expunge one case in their lifetime. The record can then be sealed for ten years and cannot be accessed publicly.

Testimonials

“I would highly recommended Mr. Prieto to represent anyone seeking a criminal defense attorney in Miami-Dade County. His previous experience as a prosecuting attorney definitely helped when discussing a resolution with the judge and prosecutor for my case. My case took over 2 years to get resolved and he was there for me every step of the way, from random phone calls throughout the week to numerous appearances in court. I owe my freedom to him and his team for the hard work and dedication they put forth!”

R.G.

★★★★★

“Do not hesitate to hire the Prieto Law Firm. From our first meeting with Mr. Prieto, he explained everything to my father and I in terms we could easily understand and was always very responsive when we had questions outside of our meetings. Not only is Mr. Prieto extremely knowledgeable, but was highly sensitive to the fact that it was proving to be a very traumatic experience for everyone. Mr. Prieto would frequently check in with us and make sure we knew what was happening at all times. Lastly, we received the outcome we were expecting and couldn’t be more thankful from the bottom of our hearts. If anyone is looking for a knowledgeable attorney at a great price, please do yourself a favor and hire the Prieto Law Firm.”

Jesenia

★★★★★

“El mejor abogado del sur de la florida Excelente persona, Atento, preocupado,siempre al pendiente, perfecta comunicación con todo su equipo de trabajo y seriedad, yo estoy mas que agradecido con su trabajo y con el servicio que recibí, muchas gracias por todo. Bendiciones”

Brayan F.

“I have had the pleasure of having Mr. Prieto handle a difficult case for me. Thanks to his knowledge, his professionalism, as well as his sincerity and concern for my wellbeing, a bad situation was handled as smooth as possible and I highly recommend anyone in need to contact him as you will be extremely satisfied with his service, just as I am.”

A.C

★★★★★

“Prieto Law firm is the best I have ever worked with. From our first meeting, he explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand and was always very responsive when I had questions outside of our meetings.”

Andres B.

★★★★★

“I was very pleased with the way Frank Prieto handled my case. The service was great, everything was handled in a timely manner and my issues was resolved which was the most important thing. THANK YOU!!”

Fernando F.

★★★★★

“Frank prieto was very attentive to every detail surrounding my case. Everything was resolved in a timely and professional manner. Highly recommended.”

Kevin A.

★★★★★

“Prieto Law Firm and his staff worked diligently on my case. I would 100% recommend their office to anyone. They are the best!”

Ruben M.

★★★★★

“Frank prieto and his legal assistant were always on top of my case, they were able to resolve my case and got the help I needed, definitely recommend”

Marcos C.

★★★★★

“Exceptional attorney supported by a helpful and professional staff.”

Denice T.

★★★★★

“I cannot express enough gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding legal representation I received from Frank Prieto Law Firm. From the moment I contacted Pam (paralegal) & Frank, I knew I was in capable hands. Frank took on my case with great professionalism, skill, and dedication, and the results they achieved were simply remarkable. Facing legal charges can be an incredibly stressful and daunting experience, but Pam & Frank eased my worries from the outset. They displayed a profound knowledge of the law, and their expertise in my specific legal matter was apparent throughout the entire process. Communication was impeccable and Frank has demonstrated an unparalleled courtroom presence. Frank’s confident and persuasive arguments showcased his exceptional skills as a litigator, leaving me feeling reassured and confident in the defense of my case. Furthermore, it is of utmost importance to me to mention that Frank and Pam always treated me with fairness and respect. It was evident in every interaction, and I know that they prioritized equal treatment for all their clients. Frank is Hispanic goodness sakes! If you find yourself in need of a top-notch attorney, I wholeheartedly recommend Frank Prieto Law Firm. Their legal expertise, professionalism and results truly set them apart. Trust Frank with your legal matters, and you can rest assured that you are in the best hands possible. Thank you again, Frank & Pam, for your outstanding representation and for helping me through a challenging couple of years. Your passion for justice and commitment to your clients are truly commendable!”

Nick O.

★★★★★

“Frank is an exceptional attorney with both litigation and interpersonal skills necessary to achieve the best outcome for his clients in need. I highly recommend him.”

Bryant S.

★★★★★

“Excelente servicio, increible atención…… todo se soluciono más fácil de lo que pensaba y todo gracias Frank Prieto y Pamela … Agradecido de corazón!!! Dios los Bendiga y sin dudarlo los volvería a contactar ..!!!! Thank you very much for the whole experience… very helpful and excellent service…. God bless you Guys”

Junior H.

Thought my life was over. But Frank Prieto provided with assurance and delivered on his promise.

Jane. W.

© 2023 Frank Prieto Law