Pensacola White-Collar Crimes Lawyer

Defending Against White-Collar Crimes in Florida

White-collar crimes in Florida cover a diverse range of non-violent offenses that are often committed by professionals, businesspeople, and public officials. They can involve accountants, bookkeepers, investment counselors, government workers, and more. These crimes are generally motivated by financial gain and are usually committed through deception, manipulation, or abuses of trust. 

In Florida, the penalties for these crimes can be quite severe, with defendants facing imprisonment, fines, and restitution. Furthermore, in cases where large groups of people have been financially impacted, they may be charged at the federal level, bringing defendants notoriety and social stigma as well as more severe criminal penalties. 

In any case where you have been accused of a white-collar crime, it is vital that you seek experienced criminal defense representation, preferably from someone who has proven results in these types of cases.

At Crawford Law, you can work with an attorney who has a deep understanding of the complex nature of white-collar crimes, which often involve extensive paper trails, technical and forensic documentation, and other evidence. We know how to analyze such evidence and use it to build a strong defense. Chris Crawford has focused on these crimes for many past clients and has a solid track record of criminal defense wins.

Types of White-Collar Crimes

Many types of crimes can fall under the umbrella term of “white collar.” 

These can include but are not limited to:

• Bribery
• Embezzlement
• Fraud
• Money laundering
• Tax evasion
• Larceny/theft
• Forgery
• Bid rigging
• Bid tampering
• Copyright infringement
• Antitrust violations
• Computer crimes
• Credit card fraud
• Identity theft
• Racketeering
• Securities fraud, including insider trading or false reporting
• Counterfeiting
• Public corruption
• Insurance fraud
• Wire fraud
• Mail fraud
• Healthcare fraud
• Ponzi schemes
• Bribery

What are the Penalties for White-Collar Crimes in Florida?

The penalties for white-collar crimes can be very severe. Because they often involve large sums of money, their penalties are usually associated with the extent of the financial loss that alleged victims sustained. These penalties can include large fines, prison sentences, restitution, and probation. In some cases, the penalties can include forfeiture of property. For example, a person convicted of a first-degree felony can face up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. 

Furthermore, if prosecuted in federal courts, these crimes may have been extensively investigated by agencies such as the FBI that spend months or even years meticulously gathering evidence. In these cases, you will need an attorney who is licensed to practice at the federal level and is extremely familiar with how this court system works. Federal cases are often very complex, and you may be subject to harsh federal sentencing guidelines. 

Defenses Against White-Collar Crime Allegations

Various possible defenses may be available for those accused of white-collar crimes, depending on the circumstances.

Examples can include:

• Lack of intent: If you did not intend to commit a crime, you may have a valid defense. This means that you did not act knowingly, intentionally, or willfully.
• Duress: This defense applies when you are forced to commit a crime due to threats or coercion.
• Lack of knowledge: If you were unaware of the fact that your actions were illegal, it could result in not being held responsible.

Corporate vs. White-Collar Crime

Corporate crime and white-collar crime are often confused. The main difference between the two is that corporate crime involves illegal activities committed by a corporation, while white-collar crime is committed by individuals. 

Examples of corporate crime include environmental violations, unfair labor practices, and fraud. White-collar crimes are often committed by “white-collar” professionals (as opposed to “blue-collar” workers), such as lawyers, accountants, and executives who abuse their positions of trust and authority.

Book your consultation with our Pensacola white-collar crimes attorney today. Call Crawford Law at (850) 220-2098 or get in touch online to get started.