An accusation of a white collar crime can put your career, your reputation, and your freedom at risk. Perhaps the police have contacted you, or you have learned that you are under investigation for fraud, embezzlement, or a similar offense. Whatever your situation, you have the right to defend yourself, and the choices you make now can shape the rest of your life.
At The Umansky Law Firm, we understand how frightening these charges can be, and a criminal defense lawyer from our team could protect your rights at every step. Your Sanford white collar crimes lawyer could examine the evidence against you, challenge the state’s case, and work toward the best possible outcome.
White collar crimes are nonviolent offenses that typically involve deception or the misuse of a position of trust for financial gain. Prosecutors often build these cases on documents, financial records, and digital evidence gathered over months. Common financial crime charges include:
Many of these offenses fall under state fraud laws. For example, Florida Statutes § 817.034 makes it a crime to engage in a scheme to defraud, and the charge grows more serious as the amount of money involved increases. One of our attorneys in Sanford with experience in white collar crime can explain exactly what the state must prove in your case.
The state punishes white collar crimes based largely on the dollar amount involved, so a single case can range from a misdemeanor to a first-degree felony carrying decades in prison. The penalties climb even higher under Fla. Stat. § 775.0844, the White Collar Crime Victim Protection Act, which allows enhanced charges and a fine of up to $500,000, or double the amount gained or lost, for repeated or large-scale offenses.
In addition to prison, a conviction usually requires restitution to every victim, along with steep fines and court costs. Our Sanford attorneys could fight to reduce these penalties for financial misconduct or to keep a white collar crime charge off your record entirely.
The consequences of a conviction reach far beyond any prison sentence. A felony record can cost you a professional license as an accountant, broker, or other licensed professional, and it can make finding a job or housing more difficult. Noncitizens may face immigration consequences, including removal from the country.
One of our white collar criminal attorneys in Sanford could work to protect not only your freedom but also your future, from your finances and your career to your standing in the community. We look for every opportunity to resolve your case favorably, whether that means negotiating for reduced charges, pursuing a dismissal, or preparing a strong defense for trial.
The law presumes that you are innocent, and the state must prove every element of its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Most white collar crimes require proof that you acted with intent to defraud, which prosecutors often find hard to establish. Depending on the facts, we may raise defenses such as:
We examine every document, question how investigators gathered the evidence, and look for weaknesses in the state’s theory. A white collar crimes attorney at our firm in Sanford could build a defense around the facts of your case.
Facing a fraud charge can be difficult, but you do not have to go through it alone. A Sanford white collar crimes lawyer could help protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and explain your options so you can make informed decisions.
We bring decades of criminal defense experience to every case we handle and work to protect your future. Call The Umansky Law Firm today and let us start working on your defense.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys