White Collar Crime Lawyers in Hillsborough County
Defending Against White Collar Crime Charges
White collar crime investigations are often much different from those of other common offenses, such as assault or drug charges. White collar offenses frequently involve lengthy criminal investigations that can take several months or even years, and evidence that can include detailed financial records, extensive communication logs, and technical identifiers like IP addresses.
If you’re facing these types of charges, it’s critical to have an attorney on your side who understands how these cases are prosecuted and what’s at stake. At Osenton Law Group, P.A., we provide criminal defense representation to those accused of white-collar crimes. Call (813) 322-5958 today to get help.
What Is Considered a White Collar Crime in Florida?
The category of white-collar crime is broad. It can encompass everything from money laundering and bank fraud to identity theft and mail fraud. The term “white collar” is used to describe criminal offenses that are generally financially motivated in nature and non-violent. White collar crimes may include:
- All types of fraud, including wire fraud and actions involving insurance or public assistance fraud
- Embezzlement
- Identity theft and forgery
- Money laundering
White collar crimes can also include charges involving technology, such as cybercrimes and computer hacking.
Are White Collar Crimes Serious?
It’s not uncommon for defendants to be surprised by the potential penalties they face if convicted of white-collar crimes. They may think that because the offense isn’t violent, the criminal justice system will be more lenient. Unfortunately, that is often not the case. White collar crimes can carry significant prison sentences and high fines, as well as mandatory restitution, even if that means forfeiting assets. If the allegations involve fraud involving the mail or financial institutions, or actions that cross state lines, as is common in cybercrimes and identity theft, it could result in serious federal felony charges.
While collar crimes are often prosecuted heavily by both the state and federal court systems. Whether someone is likely to be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony generally depends on factors such as which institutions were involved, the amount of money involved, and whether the defendant has a prior criminal history.
In addition to criminal penalties such as fines and prison time, being convicted of a white-collar crime can result in the defendant losing their professional licenses. White collar crimes are often attributed to more affluent professions, such as accountants, who require a license to operate a business and see clients. When that license is revoked as a result of criminal proceedings, it’s generally the end of that person’s career and can mean starting completely over once the sentence is served.
If you are being accused of a white-collar crime, take the charges seriously and consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. They understand what happens when the government investigates white-collar crimes and what evidence and resources you could be up against. Getting your own legal representation involved as soon as possible can help you protect your rights and understand what defense strategies may be available.
What Is the Difference Between Criminal Charges in the State and Federal Courts?
White collar crimes can be charged in either state or federal court. At the state level, charges are prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, and Florida’s statutes govern the entire process, including the potential sentence the defendant could be facing.
At the federal level, the stakes are often higher. Federal white collar crimes charges frequently include allegations of criminal activity against or involving the government itself. Federal prosecutors come from the U.S. Attorney’s office, and federal sentencing guidelines apply. Being charged with a federal crime also means that the defendant is up against the full power of investigating agencies like the FBI and the IRS.
What Defense Strategies Work for Florida White Collar Crimes?
The right defense strategy depends on the type of white-collar criminal charge. For example, fraud crimes generally require that there be an intent to defraud for the defendant to be convicted, and an attorney can challenge whether this intent exists in court. Other strategies include demonstrating a lack of knowledge of what was happening, calling out procedural concerns such as how a search warrant was executed, and challenging the calculations of financial losses.
It’s important to remember that the defense’s job isn’t to prove that the client is innocent. It’s to poke holes in the prosecution’s case and introduce reasonable doubt to avoid a conviction. Many white collar crimes cases are also resolved through plea bargains, which your attorney may discuss with you depending on the circumstances.
Being accused of criminal conduct such as fraud or other white-collar crimes is extremely serious. It’s essential to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as you are aware that you are under investigation or have been arrested. At Osenton Law Group, P.A., our team has extensive experience fighting these types of charges, and we’re here to help. If you’ve been accused of criminal conduct, call our office at (813) 322-5958.
