One bad decision regarding the handling of financial matters can put you in a position to defend yourself against white-collar criminal charges. Hiring a highly skilled, experienced South Florida white collar crime lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your criminal defense case. The Cochran Firm South Florida has represented many clients accused of white collar crimes, including:
If you or a member of your family is facing criminal charges for a financial crime, you can contact our white collar crime lawyers for immediate advice and effective defense strategies.
White collar crime refers to financially motivated, nonviolent crime committed by business and government professionals. According to the FBI, these crimes are characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust. They are not victimless; they can destroy companies, wipe out life savings, and cost investors billions.
In Florida, these offenses are often prosecuted under the White Collar Crime Victim Protection Act (F.S. 775.0844), which enhances penalties for crimes that involve:
For doctors, accountants, lawyers, and business owners, a criminal charge is more than a legal threat; it is a career-ender. A conviction, or even a formal accusation, can trigger immediate disciplinary action from the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Bar, or the Board of Accountancy.
Our defense strategy includes a focus on:
The consequences of a white-collar crime conviction in Florida are severe and extend far beyond financial penalties. While many assume these are "victimless" crimes with lesser sentences, state and federal prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively. A conviction can permanently alter your life and career.
The exact penalty depends on several factors, including:
Under the Florida White Collar Crime Victim Protection Act, penalties are enhanced for crimes involving multiple victims or large financial sums. Depending on the circumstances, potential penalties can include steep fines, restitution payments to victims, probation, home confinement, and significant prison sentences. For example, an aggravated white collar crime involving $50,000 or more is a first-degree felony, which can be punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Our Miami white collar crime attorneys work to build a defense aimed at avoiding these serious consequences.
White collar offenses are defined and governed by specific Florida Statutes. Understanding the legal framework is the first step in building a defense. While there are many offenses, most prosecutions fall under key chapters of state law. For example, F.S. 775.0844 establishes the "White Collar Crime Victim Protection Act," which allows for enhanced penalties and classifies ongoing criminal schemes as a first-degree felony. Other critical statutes include Chapter 812 (Theft), Chapter 815 (Computer Crimes), and Chapter 817 (Fraudulent Practices). Our attorneys have deep experience navigating these complex laws to defend clients throughout South Florida.
When your reputation, finances, and freedom are on the line, you need a law firm with a national reputation and local experience. The Cochran Firm South Florida is built on a legacy of fighting for our clients' rights. We provide a sophisticated defense focused on meticulous investigation and strategic action. Our team understands the complexities of financial documents, digital evidence, and witness testimony. We dedicate our firm's considerable resources to every case, ensuring you have a powerful advocate on your side from the initial investigation through the final resolution.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a white collar crime, contact The Cochran Firm South Florida today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your defense. Our team is available 24/7 at (954) 473-0011 or 1-800-THE-FIRM to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve. We have offices in Weston and Miami to serve you.
A white-collar crime is a non-violent, financially motivated offense committed by individuals, businesses, or government professionals. Common examples include fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and bribery. The key element is the use of deceit or concealment for financial gain, rather than physical force.
Yes. A conviction for a white-collar crime in Florida can absolutely lead to imprisonment. The length of the sentence depends on the severity of the offense, the financial amount involved, and the defendant's criminal history. First-degree felonies, such as aggravated white collar crime, can be punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
State charges are prosecuted by local or state authorities under Florida law. Federal charges are brought by the U.S. government for violations of federal statutes, often involving interstate commerce, government programs like Medicare, or federal financial institutions. Federal cases typically involve agencies like the FBI and carry stricter sentencing guidelines.
If you believe you are under investigation for a white collar crime, you should not speak to anyone, especially law enforcement, without a lawyer present. Immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Anything you say can be used against you, and an attorney can protect your constitutional rights while navigating the investigation.
An attorney can provide crucial guidance during the investigative phase. They can act as a barrier between you and investigators, conduct an independent review of the allegations, and work to present evidence or arguments that may convince prosecutors not to file charges at all. This is often the best opportunity to achieve a positive outcome.
The most critical window in a white-collar defense case opens before an indictment is ever unsealed. If you have received a Grand Jury subpoena, a visit from federal agents (FBI, IRS-CI, SEC), or a "Target Letter" from the Department of Justice, you must act immediately.
A Target Letter is a formal notification that the government has substantial evidence linking you to a federal crime and that an indictment is likely imminent. Do not wait for an arrest to seek counsel. By engaging The Cochran Firm South Florida during this pre-charge phase, we can intervene early to manage communication with investigators and negotiate directly with prosecutors—often preventing charges from being filed in the first place.
The most common defense is lack of intent. Unlike other crimes, prosecutors must prove you intended to deceive or defraud. Other defenses include "good faith" (you believed you were acting legally), entrapment by law enforcement, or insufficient evidence to prove the financial loss amount.
This statute (F.S. 775.0844) allows for enhanced penalties for "aggravated" white collar crimes. If you are accused of a scheme involving 10+ elderly victims, 20+ total victims, or losses over $50,000, you may face a first-degree felony charge punishable by up to 30 years in prison, regardless of the specific underlying fraud charge.
