Florida White Collar Crime Lawyers
White collar crime has been defined as “a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his or her occupation”.
White collar crime, therefore, overlaps with corporate crime because the opportunity for fraud, bribery, insider trading, embezzlement, computer crime, copyright infringement, money laundering, identity theft, and forgery are more available to so-called white collar employees.
While other types of crime are often blamed on psychological, societal, and childhood factors, white collar criminals are often considered opportunists who over time learn that they can take advantage of their circumstances to accumulate financial gain. Law enforcement and prosecutors view these types of crimes as being committed by educated, intelligent, often affluent, confident individuals, who were qualified enough to get a job which allows them the unmonitored access to often large sums of money. They, therefore, sometimes feel that these types of crimes are more aggravated and act aggressively toward them.
These types of crimes often include grand theft, schemes to defraud, consumer fraud, insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, and embezzlement among other crimes. Organized crime, also referred to as RICO, is included in this category. Check fraud or check kiting is also considered a business crime.
Larry Sandefer, throughout his career, has handled scores cases of this type. These have included charges alleging fraud in major construction projects, fraud on the elderly, contractor fraud, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, RICO and organized fraud charges, interstate schemes to defraud, identity fraud, as well as many other types of so called white-collar crime.
Not only the value of items allegedly taken but also the items themselves can affect the degree of crime charged and the potential consequences. White-collar crimes, thefts, frauds, and computer crimes can carry penalties from a third-degree felony to a first-degree felony punishable up to life in prison.
If you been arrested for any offense involving theft, fraud, embezzlement, or a scheme to take property it is important to contact an experienced Clearwater theft crimes attorney to discuss your case. If you have been suspected or accused of any theft offense including employee theft or embezzlement or a scheme to defraud contact us before you talk to the police to discuss what actions you should take prior to being questioned or contacted by law enforcement. Trying to out talk the authorities seldom works. We have handled many cases before an arrest where our advice and help led directly to someone not being charged.. Larry Sandefer is experienced in theft crimes defenses and options.
It is important to consult with and retain an experienced attorney early in any investigation by law enforcement. It is sometime more critical in this type of charge than in other types. Often the tendency is for the accused person to try to explain what he or she was doing and why it was not improper. Trying to defend oneself is not recommended. Intervention by an experienced attorney can be critical in these types of accusations, and often can be of benefit in possibly preventing charges, minimizing charges, and assisting with media attention, as well as assisting in preparing an aggressive defense and mitigation if appropriate. You can contact Sandefer law firm by e-mail or telephone and set up a consultation. Sandefer law firm represents people in the Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Pasco County, and Tampa Bay area, as well as the state of Florida.