According to Florida Statute 775.0844, a white-collar crime is typically considered to be a non-violent crime commonly committed for financial gain. In North Port, a white-collar crime is taken very seriously and can leave a long-lasting negative impact on your life.
If you have been accused or convicted of a white-collar crime, then it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. At The Law Place, we have a highly skilled team of criminal defense lawyers who have over 75 years of combined experience in dealing with white-collar crimes and other related practice areas.
Our phone lines are open around the clock, so we can be on hand to offer support and guidance at any time of day. Call us today at (941) 444-4444 and receive a free consultation with a highly skilled criminal defense attorney.
What Is a White-Collar Crime?
In simple terms, a white-collar crime is usually a non-violent crime that typically involves the deception or cheating of another person or party, with the intent to gain access to their finances or property. Some examples of white-collar crimes include:
- Embezzlement – This is one of the most common white-collar crimes committed in Florida and relates to the illegal taking of money in secret. This money is usually taken from an employer or employing organization.
- Money laundering – This involves hiding money that has been gained by criminal activity so that it appears to have been gained through legal means.
- Fraud – This involves a person providing false information to gain money or assets. Fraud can apply to real estate, mortgages, banking, credit cards, and healthcare, such as Medicare and Medicaid, to name a few.
- Identity theft – This is the deliberate use of someone else’s identity, which is used to gain financial advantage.
- Forgery or counterfeiting – Forgery is the crime of producing or adapting objects or documents. Counterfeiting is the making or creating of an unauthorized imitation of a genuine item. Both forgery and counterfeiting are developed with the intent to defraud.
- Racketeering – This is when organized criminal activity forms a substantial part of a business or is used as a way to earn illegal money repeatedly.
Other white-collar crime could include computer-related crimes, bribery, tax evasion, and dealing in stolen property on the internet.
No matter the white-collar crime, here at The Law Place, our North Port criminal defense attorneys are here to support you throughout the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation and receive some no-obligation legal advice on the best way to proceed with your case.
Penalties for White Collar Crime in North Port
The classification for your crime will depend on the circumstances in which the crime was committed, as well as the amount of money that was involved. Such classifications could leave you with the following penalties:
Second Degree Misdemeanors
- Fine of up to $500.
- Up to 60 days in jail.
First Degree Misdemeanors
- Fine of up to $1000.
- Up to a year in jail.
Third Degree Felonies
- Fine of up to $5000.
- Up to 5 years in jail.
Second Degree Felonies
- Fine of up to $10,000.
- Up to 15 years in jail.
First Degree Felonies
- Fine of up to $10,000.
- Up to 30 years in jail.
Possible Defences Against White Collar Crime in North Port
Many white-collar crimes require a huge amount of evidence and paperwork for the prosecution to gain a successful conviction. In seeking the advice of a white-collar crime attorney, they will work to go through all of the evidence of the prosecution to ensure they understand what evidence is being brought against you. From this point, your white-collar crime attorney will work to develop a strong defense for your case.
It is important to remember that whilst you are facing these criminal charges, you are innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution must prove beyond any reasonable doubt that you are guilty before they can convict you of committing any white-collar crime offenses.
Contact The Law Place in North Port Today
If you have been accused of committing a white-collar crime, then we highly recommend you seek legal advice from a highly skilled white-collar crime attorney as soon as possible. At The Law Place, we have a team of experienced lawyers who have an abundance of experience in dealing with white-collar crime and other related practice areas.
We understand how daunting the legal process can seem, which is why we offer all our customers a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney. During the consultation, we will assess your case and offer some free, no-obligation legal advice on the best ways to proceed with your case.
At The Law Place in North Port, our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so our attorneys can be on hand to offer legal advice and support at any time of day. Call us at (941) 444-4444 and get started with your case today.