Fort Myers White Collar Crime Defense Lawyers
At Foley & Wilson Law Firm, our distinguished legal team, led by former prosecutors with over 45 years of experience in the criminal justice system, excels in defending clients against white collar crime allegations. Our criminal defense law practice is built on a foundation of professionalism, respect, and a deep understanding of the law, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of representation.
Convictions for white collar can be costly in terms of fines, financial penalties, restitution, the loss of a professional license or inability to work in certain occupations, and lengthy prison sentences as well. Get the best legal advice and representation you can find to minimize negative consequences and achieve a favorable outcome given the charges you are facing. Contact our experienced Fort Myers white collar crime defense lawyers today.
Understanding White Collar Crime
White collar crime refers to financially motivated, nonviolent offenses usually committed by business professionals or public officials. These crimes are characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust and are not dependent on the application or threat of physical force. They encompass a wide range of fraudulent activities, typically involving complex financial transactions. Below is a look at some specific white collar offenses under Florida law.
Credit Card Fraud (Florida Statutes 817.61)
Credit Card Fraud occurs when a person uses a stolen or forged credit card to obtain goods or services fraudulently. This offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the goods or services fraudulently obtained.
Embezzlement (Florida Statutes 812.014)
Embezzlement involves unlawfully taking or using someone else’s property, usually funds, entrusted to the offender’s care. It can range from a misdemeanor to a felony based on the property’s value and the circumstances of the offense.
Extortion (Florida Statutes 836.05)
Extortion is the act of obtaining property, money, or services through coercion, often involving threats of physical harm or abuse of authority. This crime is generally classified as a felony in Florida.
Forgery (Florida Statutes 831.01)
Forgery involves altering, creating, or using a false written document with the intent to defraud others. This can include signing another person’s name to a check or creating fake legal documents, typically classified as a felony.
Identity Theft (Florida Statutes 817.568)
Identity theft is the unauthorized use of another person’s personal identifying information for fraudulent purposes. The severity of the charge, misdemeanor or felony, depends on the extent of the harm or intended harm.
Insurance Fraud (Florida Statutes 817.234)
This crime involves submitting false claims or providing misleading information to an insurance company for financial gain. Depending on the fraud’s scope and monetary value, Insurance Fraud can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
Knowingly Using Worthless Checks (Florida Statutes 832.05)
Issuing or passing a check while knowing there are insufficient funds in the account is a crime in Florida. The charge’s severity, from misdemeanor to felony, depends on the check’s amount and the circumstances of the offense.
Mortgage Fraud (Florida Statutes 817.545)
Mortgage Fraud includes any misrepresentation or omission relating to a mortgage application or contract. This is typically considered a felony, especially when involving significant amounts or multiple properties.
Scheme to Defraud (Florida Statutes 817.034)
A scheme to defraud, often known as a “Florida Communications Fraud Act” violation, involves using communication technology to defraud others. The classification of this crime ranges from misdemeanor to felony, based on the scheme’s scale and impact.
Common Defenses to White Collar Crimes
In white collar crime cases, several defenses can be effective, including lack of intent to commit a crime, entrapment, insufficient evidence, or mistake of fact. At Foley & Wilson Law Firm, our approach is to meticulously analyze the specifics of each case, employing strategies tailored to our client’s unique situation. We leverage our extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system, ensuring that our clients’ rights are vigorously defended.
Contact Foley & Wilson Law Firm for Help With White Collar Criminal Defense in Fort Myers
For those facing white collar crime allegations in Fort Myers, Foley & Wilson Law Firm offers unparalleled legal expertise, treating each client with dignity and respect while working diligently to obtain a successful outcome. Our commitment to excellence in legal representation is unwavering, as we navigate the complexities of your case to seek the best possible result. Contact us today for a free consultation and experience the highest standard of criminal defense.
