White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes are typically those that do not involve violence, but are financially motivated. Often occurring in corporate settings, these business or economic crimes may be charged at the state or federal level, or both. The criminal penalties an individual may face may be extremely harsh, depending on the offense and other factors. At Adams, Luka, & Benton, we understand that there are many situations in which a person may not be aware he/she is involved in anything illegal. Our Orlando while collar crime lawyers are experienced, skilled, and dedicated to protecting your legal rights, freedom, and future.

Some examples of white collar crimes include, but are not limited to:

• Bribery
• Corporate Crimes
• Counterfeiting
• Embezzlement
• Extortion
• Forgery
• Government Fraud
• Healthcare Fraud
• Insurance Fraud
• Mail Fraud
• Money Laundering
• Mortgage Fraud
• Racketeering (RICO)
• Securities Fraud
• Tax Evasion

Individuals from any walk of life may be charged with a white collar crime in Florida, however it is not unusual for stock brokers, doctors, attorneys, and business professionals to be accused of healthcare fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and other serious offenses. Essentially, white collar crimes typically involve deceptive acts that are done intentionally to gain financially, or secure benefits, property, or assets that the individual accused of the crime would not have otherwise received except for his/her deception.

You may be under investigation but have not yet been charged, as white collar crimes are often complex in nature and take prosecutors weeks or even months to build their case. There are often enormous amounts of paperwork and financial transactions to sift through. Regardless, it is important to take steps to protect your legal rights and freedom early on, before you are arrested or charged. Your Orlando criminal defense lawyer can begin work on your case immediately.

In order for a defendant to be convicted of any crime, the prosecutor must prove certain elements beyond a reasonable doubt. For example, if you were charged with embezzlement or money laundering, the state must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly and intentionally (purposely) committed the offense you are charged with.

Common defenses to white collar crimes include discrediting the state's case by challenging and disproving the evidence, and entrapment. Entrapment occurs when an individual commits a crime he or she would not have committed had law enforcement agents not tempted or persuaded that individual to commit the offense.

White collar crimes prosecuted at the state level typically leave the defendant facing penalties that are more lenient than federal court punishment, however the penalties are still harsh. Florida judges generally sentence individuals who are convicted according to the state sentencing guidelines below:

• Second-degree misdemeanors may result in fines of up to $500, and/or a maximum of 60 days in jail
• First-degree misdemeanors may result in fines of up to $1,000, and/or a maximum of one (1) year in jail
• Third-degree felonies may result in fines of up to $5,000, and/or a maximum prison term of five (5) years
• Second-degree felonies may result in fines of up to $10,000, and/or a maximum prison term of fifteen (15) years.
• First-degree felonies may result in fines of up to $10,000, and/or a maximum prison term of thirty (30) years.

The criminal penalties an individual faces may depend on factors including criminal history, and whether the defendant is accused of the more serious aggravated white collar offense.

While white collar crimes do not generally involve violence, the penalties an individual faces if found guilty can be just as severe. Our Orlando white collar crime lawyers understand the stress you are under, and the uncertainty of not knowing what the future holds. Our goal is to obtain the best possible results, and help you avoid potentially life-changing criminal penalties. Call us immediately for a free consultation at (407) 872-0307 or (352) 787-2101.