Accusations of financial misconduct and white collar crimes can ruin your reputation and future, even if you’re not convicted. Whether you’re dealing with allegations of fraud, embezzlement, or another offense, having a skilled Florida white collar crime lawyer on your side makes all the difference.
At George Law, we represent clients throughout South Florida, including Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County. Our white collar crime attorneys are committed to providing aggressive and effective representation while protecting your rights every step of the way.
We approach each client and case holistically because you’re a person, not just a defendant. Our lawyers take the time to understand your story, goals, and character. Whenever appropriate, we help clients pursue substance abuse assessments, psychological evaluations, counseling, or other rehabilitative programs to show a genuine commitment to growth and accountability. Unlike other firms, our lawyers handle all aspects of your case directly. Most importantly, our firm is personally invested in your outcome and works collaboratively to develop the best defenses for your unique case.
Don’t leave your defense to chance. Let our Florida white collar crime attorneys start building a defense strategy to protect your reputation and your freedom. Contact George Law for your free, no-obligation consultation.
Why You Need a Florida White Collar Crime Defense Attorney
White collar crime cases are complicated. They typically involve extensive financial records and electronic communications, and investigations can take months or years. You may not even know you’re a suspect until you’re charged with a crime. When that happens, you need a defense lawyer who can hit the ground running and start untangling the prosecution’s case. At George Law, our white collar crime defense law firm knows how to identify and challenge weak evidence and protect your legal rights at every stage.
The consequences of a conviction often involve fines, restitution, and incarceration. Working with our white collar crime attorneys in Florida allows you to respond strategically, right away, whether that means negotiating for favorable resolutions or preparing for trial.
George Law can handle every aspect of your case, from investigation to final resolution. By keeping our work in-house and using a collaborative approach, we have a unique ability to develop nuanced strategies for each client. Our personal investment in your outcome drives us to dig deeper and fight aggressively.
With our firm by your side, you have an advocate who can navigate complex investigations and guide you toward the best possible result. Reach out to our Miami office today for your free, confidential case review.
What Is Considered a White Collar Crime?
White collar crimes involve nonviolent acts committed for financial gain or to secure a business or personal advantage. These offenses often include deceptive or fraudulent practices designed to manipulate money, property, or information. In Florida, many white collar crimes fall under specific statutes, such as theft and embezzlement, fraud and false pretenses, and racketeering (RICO) violations.
What Is Considered Fraud?
Fraud occurs when someone intentionally misrepresents facts or makes false statements to gain money, property, or other benefits. Fraud can happen in business, government, or personal settings, and it often involves complex financial or digital transactions.
In Florida, fraud offenses can be prosecuted by state or federal prosecutors, depending on the circumstances. The attorneys at George Law can help identify defenses that challenge the prosecution’s claims.
What Are Common Fraud-Related Crimes?
Fraud-related offenses come in many forms, each with specific elements that can carry serious penalties. They include the following:
- Insurance Fraud – This occurs when someone makes false claims or misrepresents facts to receive insurance benefits.
- Healthcare Fraud – Healthcare fraud involves billing for services not provided or falsifying medical records to get higher payments.
- Tax Fraud – Tax fraud occurs when individuals intentionally provide false information on their tax returns to avoid paying taxes.
- Credit Card Fraud – Using another person’s card or account information without authorization is credit card fraud.
- Check Fraud – This involves altering or using fake checks to withdraw or transfer funds.
- Embezzlement – Embezzlement is when someone steals funds or property entrusted to them, often from an employer.
- Forgery – Forgery occurs when someone falsifies signatures or documents, usually to gain money or property.
- Welfare Fraud – This crime involves providing false information on benefit applications to receive public assistance.
- Wire Fraud – Wire fraud happens when someone uses electronic methods and communications to commit fraud.
- Computer Fraud – This occurs when someone accesses or alters computer systems to steal money, data, or services.
- Mail Fraud – Mail fraud involves using the postal system to carry out fraudulent plans.
- Bankruptcy Fraud – This type of fraud occurs when individuals conceal assets or falsify documents during bankruptcy proceedings, typically to retain more of their property.
- Counterfeiting – Counterfeiting is when someone creates or uses fake currency, trademarks, or documents.
- Identity Theft – Identity theft involves using another person’s personal information to open accounts, make purchases, or get credit.
A Florida white collar crime attorney from George Law can explain the charges for each crime and develop a strong defense for your case.
What Are Other Common White Collar Crimes?
White collar crimes include other offenses that involve corruption and abuse of trust. For example:
- Perjury – Perjury is when someone knowingly lies under oath during legal proceedings, like depositions or hearings.
- Money Laundering – Money laundering is the concealment of the source of illegally obtained money, usually through a series of financial transactions.
- Larceny – This happens when someone unlawfully takes property or funds belonging to someone else.
- RICO Claims – RICO claims involve a pattern of criminal activity, such as fraud or bribery, to further an enterprise.
- Extortion – Extortion is when someone threatens harm or exposes damaging information, usually to get money or property.
- Bribery, Including of the Government or Law Enforcement – This involves offering, giving, or receiving something of value to influence someone else’s actions.
- Insider Trading – Insider trading happens when someone buys or sells securities using nonpublic information for financial gain.
- Environmental Crimes – This involves violating laws designed to protect natural resources, like illegal dumping or pollution.
- Deceptive Business Practices – This type of crime occurs when a business engages in false or misleading actions that harm consumers or competitors.
Who Investigates White Collar Crimes?
White collar crimes are investigated by agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.
In Florida, law enforcement can include the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), local police, and state prosecutors. Federal agencies may also be involved, depending on the specific accusations. The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) all have vast resources and an extremely high conviction rate.
Early legal intervention from George Law allows us to challenge improper investigative tactics and work to limit the scope of the charges against you. If you know that you’re under investigation, our criminal defense law firm may be able to prevent charges from being filed. Reach out to us today for your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
What Are the Penalties for White Collar Crimes in Florida?
Penalties for white collar crimes in Florida vary. Courts consider the type of crime, the amount of money involved, your prior criminal history, and other factors. The punishment also depends on whether the case is prosecuted in state or federal court. Many white collar offenses are charged as felonies under Florida law. If convicted, you could be sentenced to significant fines, restitution, probation, or prison time.
For example, grand theft can result in up to 30 years in prison if the value of stolen property exceeds $100,000. Communications fraud charges may also lead to felony convictions with heavy fines and decades-long prison sentences. Federal prosecutions can also result in decades in prison and substantial financial penalties.
Courts may consider mitigating factors such as character letters, participation in counseling or therapy, or efforts to make restitution. At George Law, we leverage these factors to show judges that our clients are taking significant steps toward accountability.
What Are Common Defenses for White Collar Crimes?
White collar crime cases are complicated, which means a generic defense won’t cut it. The sheer volume of evidence requires lawyers and expert witnesses who can investigate and distill the evidence to create a clear, persuasive defense.
However, there are still some common types of defenses to white collar charges, including the following:
- Lack of Intent – You didn’t knowingly commit a crime or intend to defraud anyone.
- Mistaken Identity – The prosecution can’t prove you were the person who committed the offense.
- Duress – You acted under immediate threat or coercion.
- Entrapment – Law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you otherwise would not have committed.
- Constitutional Violations – Evidence can be suppressed if it was discovered through unlawful searches or seizures. Similarly, incriminating statements may be thrown out if law enforcement failed to read your Miranda rights to you.
The Florida criminal attorneys at George Law can craft defense strategies tailored to your situation. By handling all aspects of your case personally, our lawyers can respond quickly to any new developments and present the most compelling arguments on your behalf. With our dedicated white collar crime attorneys on your side, you’ll have advocates who can navigate complex investigations and fight for the best possible outcome.
Contact a Florida White Collar Crime Lawyer Today
If you’re facing white collar crime charges, there’s no time to lose. George Law represents clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties with our personalized guidance and aggressive defense strategies.
Reach out to us today to find out how our white collar crime lawyers in Florida can make a difference. Your consultation is free and fully confidential.