Passport Fraud in Fort Myers: When Might I Face Penalties?
The current administration takes immigration and customs very seriously. As a result, you might be more likely to face charges of passport fraud in the modern era. But what exactly is passport fraud? What are some recent examples of this offense in the Fort Myers area? If you are convicted, what kind of penalties might you face? These are questions you might want to raise with a Fort Myers white-collar crime defense lawyer.
What Is Passport Fraud in Florida?
Passport fraud may involve various things. Perhaps the most obvious example is the use of a forged, fake, or altered passport. You might also face this charge if you use someone else’s passport to travel in the United States. Your penalties could be particularly high if you steal someone else’s passport for this purpose or use the passport of a person who is now deceased.
The Department of State notes that a U.S. passport is “one of the most valuable identity documents in the world.” People often commit passport fraud as a first step toward other crimes, such as identity theft, financial crimes, human trafficking, and various white-collar offenses.
What Is the Penalty for Passport Fraud in Florida?
Passport fraud can lead to various penalties. Under 18 USC 1542, you could face up to 25 years in prison for this offense. The specific penalties depend on why you were committing passport fraud, and the most severe punishments are reserved for drug traffickers, human traffickers, and terrorists. If you did not commit passport fraud to carry out any of these crimes, you still face up to 10 years in prison. You may also face fines.
Recent Examples of Passport Fraud in the Fort Myers Area
In November of 2025, a Venezuelan national was sentenced to 33 months in prison for passport fraud and bank fraud. The Department of Justice in the Middle District of Florida stated that this individual carried out a bank fraud scheme involving fake checks and a counterfeit passport. He successfully stole over $867,000 before he was caught.
Also in November, the Middle District of Florida reported that a Bahamian national had been indicted for illegal voting, passport fraud, and falsely claiming US citizenship. This individual faces a maximum prison sentence of 35 years if convicted. The defendant allegedly tried to renew a US passport under fraudulent pretenses, later voting in the 2020 elections despite not being a US citizen.
Can a Fort Myers White-Collar Crime Defense Lawyer Help Me?
If you face allegations of passport fraud or other white-collar crimes in Fort Myers, you may want to start working with a criminal defense lawyer. These legal professionals can guide you toward a positive outcome. Various defense strategies might be possible in this situation, and you can explore them today with The Foley & Wilson Law Firm. Reach out now to get started.
Sources:
justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/venezuelan-national-sentenced-prison-bank-and-passport-fraud
justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/bahamian-national-indicted-illegal-voting-passport-fraud-and-false-claim-united-states
state.gov/passport-and-visa-fraud