Although the term “white-collar crime” covers a wide range of offenses, each of them has the potential to bring serious consequences if you are convicted. These financial crimes can result in years behind bars, especially if large amounts of money were allegedly involved.
If you have been accused of a white-collar crime, our dedicated criminal defense attorneys are here to help. Whether you are facing state or federal charges, it’s important that you rely on the support of a Fort Lauderdale white collar crimes lawyer.
Types of White Collar Crimes
White collar crimes usually involve financial gain or abuse of trust rather than physical harm, but that doesn’t make them any less serious. There are many different types of offenses that fall into this category, but our Fort Lauderdale white collar crimes attorneys could defend you against the following allegations.
Fraud
Fraud encompasses a wide range of conduct in which someone is accused of intentionally misleading another person for financial gain. Prosecutors must prove that you knowingly misrepresented a material fact, and the alleged victim must have relied on your representation.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement involves taking money or property that was entrusted to you, often in a workplace setting. For example, an employee accused of diverting company funds for personal use may face embezzlement charges.
Identity Theft
Identity theft charges arise when someone is accused of using another person’s personal information without permission. This may involve opening accounts, making purchases, or accessing financial resources.
Money Laundering
Money laundering involves trying to hide the source of illegally obtained money. Most of the time, this means taking illegally-obtained proceeds and funneling them through a legitimate business. This allows the money to be used without the government asking questions about where the funds came from.
Bribery
Bribery occurs when someone offers, gives, or receives something of value to influence a decision or action. These cases generally involve attempts to influence the actions of government officials who have some kind of decision-making power. You could be convicted of bribery simply for making an offer to pay, even if the transaction is never completed.
Insider Trading
Insider trading involves buying or selling securities based on non-public, material information. Investigators will look closely at communication records and timing of trades to determine if you relied on any inside information.
Do I Need an Attorney?
White collar charges can feel less urgent because they do not involve violence, but the consequences can be just as serious. In fact, the penalties related to high-end white-collar offenses can include decades in prison depending on the circumstances. When you defend yourself without the help of an attorney, you risk making an avoidable error that could cost you any shot at freedom.
The support of a Fort Lauderdale white collar crime attorney is vital from the very beginning. Our team can step in during the investigation phase, communicate with law enforcement on your behalf, and help you avoid making statements that could be used against you. If you haven’t been charged yet, we can work with prosecutors to highlight the weakness of the case against you, potentially avoiding an arrest at all.
Talk to a Fort Lauderdale White Collar Crimes Attorney Today
White-collar crimes have to be taken seriously, as a guilty verdict could result in steep fines and prison time. Before you assume the case against you is airtight and accept a plea offer, discuss your options with a Fort Lauderdale white collar crimes lawyer first. Reach out as soon as possible for a confidential consultation with our team.