While most white-collar crime is non-violent and deals with financial offenses, the associated penalties are often stringent in Florida. Part of the reason the state is so tough on these crimes is because of the level of victimization that often occurs when large sums of money are involved. However, extenuating circumstances surrounding these crimes typically make them more complex. This is one of the reasons it is imperative to choose effective legal representation.
Criminal defense attorney Brian P. Gabriel has defended numerous clients accused of crimes under this category. He can help you better understand the facts of your case and may be able to assist you in beating the charges.
What is White Collar Crime?
A white-collar crime is a criminal infraction that generally occurs in a commercial environment for the financial gain of the offender. This type of offense is considered non-violent or non-directly violent and can be challenging to identify given the intricate means by which offenders sometimes orchestrate the fraud.
White-collar crime is typically committed by those operating in the business sector who use their proximity to corporate resources or the benefits of a specific position to gain access to large amounts of money.
Most Common White Collar Crimes in Florida
Numerous infractions fall under the umbrella category of white-collar crime. Some of the most common forms include:
- Embezzlement: This crime is characterized by the fraudulent conversion of shared or company funds for personal use or gain.
- Real estate fraud: This white-collar crime involves fraudulent activity involving real estate transactions.
- Credit card fraud: Credit card fraud occurs when a person uses a card or card number that has been obtained through identity theft or another unlawful process.
- Money laundering: Laundering money is defined as masking funds obtained through illegal means to make it appear to have been gained by lawful methods.
There are numerous other crimes in this category, including mail fraud, healthcare fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, and more. Because of the complex nature of this offense type, it can sometimes take years even to discover that a crime is happening where white collar offenses are concerned.
Penalties in Florida for White Collar Crime
White-collar crimes punished at the state level have, at times, resulted in more lenient penalties than offenders would face at the federal level. However, Florida is tough on white-collar criminals to discourage offenders. Mandatory sentencing guidelines create a situation where many of these crimes come with steep fines and significant jail time.
For instance, money laundering involving transactions ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Real estate fraud is a third-degree felony in Florida and is punishable by up to five years in jail and up to $5,000 in fines.
Consult a Florida White Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Despite common misconceptions to the contrary, Florida is tough on white-collar criminals especially when the crimes in question are egregious. Understanding penalties for white-collar crime in the Sunshine State helps to manage your expectations for working with an experienced Florida white-collar criminal defense lawyer to resolve your case successfully. Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel has spent over 30 years helping clients resolve white-collar cases successfully. He will handle your case using all the knowledge and skill developed over the span of his career.
Reach out to The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel today at (561) 622-5575. You can also complete an online contact form to schedule a free consultation.