If you are being investigated for an alleged white-collar crime, getting committed legal representation should be your top priority. These cases are often investigated at both the state and federal levels, so you need to work with a legal team that has experience defending these specific types of charges.
A Winter Garden white-collar crimes lawyer could provide representation to individuals and corporations facing these serious legal investigations. A legal representative with intricate knowledge of federal and state laws governing these cases could evaluate evidence for faults or procedural errors. A determined criminal attorney could negotiate with prosecutors and leverage various defense tactics to refute or reduce your charges.
White-collar crimes often involve acts of deceit or concealment perpetrated in the interest of financial benefit. The alleged victims in these cases may be one or multiple individuals, institutions, or corporations. The alleged perpetrators in white-collar criminal investigations are typically in a position of trust, like business owners, politicians, financial workers, and other professionals.
One example of a common white-collar crime is insider trading, which is when an individual uses non-public and material information to trade stocks or other securities. Counterfeiting (making a fake document such as a contract or identification card) and forgery (falsifying a genuine document) are both white-collar crimes. Other examples of commonly charged white-collar crimes include:
A lawyer who defends clients accused of white-collar crimes in Winter Garden could help you navigate the complex legal landscape these charges present. An attorney with extensive trial experience at both the state and federal level could provide a knowledgeable defense while making sure you understand your best legal options at every stage of your case.
White-collar criminal investigations are highly complex and often involve both state and federal authorities working together to build a case. If you have been informed that you are the target of a white-collar criminal investigation but have not been formally charged, you still need to secure legal representation from a dedicated Winter Garden attorney without delay.
White-collar crimes charged at the state level can range from misdemeanor to felony offenses, which carry different financial penalties and prison sentences. For example, a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida carries a prison term of up to 12 months, plus a financial penalty of up to $1,000.
The lowest level of felony charges in Florida are third-degree felonies, but these still carry a prison term of up to five years, plus fines, in the event of a conviction. A second-degree felony conviction can lead to up to 15 years in prison, while first-degree felonies carry a prison term of up to 30 years.
Besides financial penalties and jail time, restitution and other long-term legal consequences can apply to those convicted of white-collar crimes. The value of the alleged financial crimes in question, how many alleged victims there are, and whether you have a criminal background could aggravate the potential penalties you face. Federal white-collar crimes carry much higher penalties and jail sentences.
A lawyer could begin working on your case immediately and determine what defenses or other mitigation strategies are available to you. Illegally obtained evidence and entrapment are possible defenses your counsel may use in a white-collar criminal investigation. Lack of intent, illegal searches and seizures, or coercion defenses may also apply to certain white-collar criminal charges.
While white-collar crimes are nonviolent offenses, these charges often involve extremely harsh sentencing guidelines. Financially motivated crimes often carry lengthy prison terms and serious fines, along with other long-term consequences that can permanently change the trajectory of your future.
A Winter Garden white-collar crimes lawyer understands the legal nuances of these cases and could evaluate all possible outcomes. Legal counsel from The Umansky Law Firm could protect your interests and leverage the strongest available defense strategies.
Contact our office today to speak with a skilled white-collar crimes attorney in a one-on-one legal consultation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
