Orlando White Collar Crime Lawyer
White-collar crime offenses are committed to produce financial gain using some form of deception. White-collar crimes usually involve individuals who misuse their access to large amounts of other people’s money.
Fraud is a common type of white-collar crime covered by Chapter 817 of the Florida Annotated Statutes. Any person who gains control over an object or service by deliberately misleading another party is guilty of fraud.
Many people assume that because their charge is a non-violent matter, the penalties will not be harsh. White-collar offenses in Florida are very serious and some white-collar allegations can carry a mandatory minimum prison sentence upon conviction.
White-collar offenses are complex and often involve allegations of theft or other property crimes. They can also involve voluminous discovery. White-collar allegations may also include:
- Bribery
- Computer-related offenses
- Consumer fraud
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity or credit card theft
- Internet fraud
- Mail fraud
- Money laundering
- Theft
- Tax fraud
- Racketeering
Many so-called white-collar allegations arise out of misunderstandings or are the product of cover-up and deflection of other people’s wrongdoings. Many people can and do get charged with these alleged offenses because of innocent mistakes from filling out complicated and confusing documents. If you’ve been falsely accused, speak with an Orlando white-collar crime attorney today.
White Collar Crimes Penalties
The penalties for white-collar crimes in Florida vary depending on the crime. The variables involved will determine if the crime is considered one of the following misdemeanor or felony charges:
- Anyone charged with a first-degree misdemeanor could face up to $1,000 and one year in prison.
- A second-degree misdemeanor can bring up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail.
- Third-degree felonies yield up to $5,000 in fines and five years in prison.
- Second-degree felony charges can carry a jail term of up to 15 years and a $10,000 fine.
- A first-degree felony conviction carries a fine of up to $10,000 and a sentence of up to 30 years to life in prison.
If a white collar crime offender commits two or more offenses that are related for a gain of $50,000 or more, they can be charged with a first-degree felony with extended penalties of a $30,000 fine and 30 years in jail.
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
White-collar crimes also encompass international businesses covered under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The FCPA prevents American companies from making payments to government administrators to obtain business in foreign countries. The FCPA also prohibits third-party payments, including joint-venture partnerships.
If you’re concerned about the FCPA or feel that you’ve been wrongfully accused of a white-collar crime in Orlando, contact Parikh Law for a no-hassle, free consultation.
Orlando White-Collar Crime Attorney
Many white-collar crimes are investigated and prosecuted by federal authorities. Your defense attorney will need the experience, courage, and knowledge to go up against the government. The right Florida white-collar crime attorney can help you build the proper defense and help reduce your penalties or have your case dismissed altogether.
White-Collar Crime Defense
When building a criminal defense strategy for white-collar crimes, it is imperative to examine the prosecution’s evidence. Each element of the crime and evidence should be examined for soft spots. Evidence can be construed differently, so all of the evidence in your case must be used to support you.
The documentation involved in the accounting and management of a business’ resources can go on forever. It may be up to you and your legal team to decipher all of your documentation to prove that your business has been following the law.
Sometimes the government is mistaken about how a business acquired its resources. This could lead to the FPAC bringing charges against your business for illegally obtaining its money. In this case, it’s up to you and your defense team to prove where the money comes from.
It can be completely legitimate for your defense team to build the case around human error. Not every costly mistake is made with evil intent, and sometimes mitigating the charges brought against you could be as simple as admitting a mistake. No matter what your defense is, Parikh Law, PA can help you gather the necessary documentation to protect your case.
What to Do When You Are Accused of a White Collar Crime
If you are charged with a white-collar offense, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Orlando to represent you right away. A conviction can result in job loss, imprisonment, seizing of your assets, heavy fines, and a damaged reputation.
Parikh Law can provide the level of quality white-collar crime defense representation that you need for your Orlando case. Our federal criminal defense lawyers have a history of success with both state and federal criminal cases, and we use this experience for your benefit.
White-collar crime law can be complex and overwhelming, and prosecutors work aggressively to secure convictions by leveraging confusion and complexity. Working side by side with an experienced trial lawyer can offer you the support you rightfully deserve.