Avoiding Incarceration for White Collar Crimes in Florida
Although Florida takes white-collar crimes seriously, these offenses are almost always completely non-violent. In some cases, these crimes are also “victimless.” Based on these factors, it may seem unreasonable to face incarceration alongside some of the Sunshine State’s most violent criminals. With assistance from a Fort Myers criminal defense attorney, defendants may avoid incarceration with various strategies.
What Constitutes a White-Collar Crime in Florida?
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), white-collar crimes typically involve financial activities that profit unlawfully through government organizations, health care institutions, investment activities, real estate, and many other areas. The FBI stresses that white-collar crimes are typically non-violent. Here are a few examples of the most common white-collar crimes in Florida:
- Money laundering
- Health care fraud
- Insider trading
- Tax violations
- Securities fraud
- Wire fraud
- Intellectual property theft
Will I Go to Prison for White-Collar Crimes in Florida?
It is certainly possible to face incarceration for white-collar crimes in Florida, although the outcome of each case depends entirely on its unique factors. For example, many entrepreneurs may avoid direct consequences by shifting criminal charges onto corporate structures rather than any single individual. In this case, the penalties mostly consist of financial fines. Even in this situation, however, it is important to implement effective defense strategies to limit losses.
Fraud is especially problematic for entrepreneurs and businesspeople in Florida. The penalties for this offense increase depending on the value of the amount that was misappropriated, embezzled, or taken. If the amount is over $50,000, it is possible to face a first-degree felony and a prison sentence of 30 years. Cryptocurrency schemes and related financial activities can easily result in fraud charges, and this was made clear by recent scandals involving FTX, Coinbase, and many other organizations.
Strategies to Avoid Incarceration for White-Collar Crimes in Florida
One of the most obvious strategies to avoid incarceration for white-collar crimes is to enter a guilty plea. Also known as a “plea deal,” this involves admitting wrongdoing and hoping for more lenient treatment from the courts. Defense attorneys can help defendants negotiate these plea deals, and this strategy can potentially help avoid incarceration.
Another strategy is to push for alternative sentencing options. Many white-collar crimes involve financial losses rather than physical harm. By offering to pay the money back to affected individuals, defendants can show the court that they are willing to make amends. Often, these financial penalties and restitution payments can encourage the court to be lenient. Other alternative sentencing options include community service, house arrest, probation, and much more.
Find a Qualified, Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Myers
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Fort Myers criminal defense attorney, look no further than the Foley & Wilson Law Firm. Over the years, we have defended Florida residents, entrepreneurs, and businesspeople who have been accused of various white-collar crimes. To discuss personalized defense strategies in more detail, book a consultation today.
Sources:
bi.gov/investigate/white-collar-crime
justice.gov/opa/pr/ftx-founder-indicted-fraud-money-laundering-and-campaign-finance-offenses
