West Palm Beach White Collar Crimes Attorney

• Credit card fraud: Generally, this offense involves unlawfully using an altered, forged, lost or stolen debit or credit card or using someone else’s credit card information without his or her consent. When charged as a federal crime, conviction penalties include up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. When charged in state court in Florida, the penalties depend on the value of the item obtained with the credit card or the number or times the credit card was used. Florida law classifies the offense as either a first-degree misdemeanor (punishments include up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines) or third-degree felony (penalties include up to 5 years in prison and/or up to $5,000 in fines).
• Grand Theft: Typically, this offense is committed when a person entrusted with business assets uses them for his or her own or another’s gain. At the federal level, the conviction penalties depend on the type of conduct engaged in. On the state level in Florida, the crime is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or up to $5,000 in fines.
• Insider trading: A person may be accused of this offense when he or she uses non-public, material information to influence decisions related to buying and selling stocks or other securities. The “insider” might use the information for his or her own gain or to “tip-off” someone else. The federal penalties include up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5 million.
• Counterfeiting: This offense occurs when a person fakes, forges, or alters instruments or uses such items knowing that they are not genuine. It is both a state and federal crime, with steep conviction penalties depending on the type of conduct involved.
• Identity theft: This crime involves unlawfully using or transferring another individual’s personal identifying information. The federal conviction penalties include up to 15 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine. Depending on the facts of the case, in Florida state court, the offense is either a first-, second-, or third-degree felony, and in certain cases may entail mandatory prison sentences
• Cyber crimes: This term refers to a broad range of offenses in which an individual or group uses or targets a computer, device, or network. The alleged offender might engage in such conduct to make money or to damage another person’s data. Examples of cyber crimes include ransomware attacks, phishing scams, identity theft scams, and cyberstalking.
• Money laundering: Criminal enterprises might engage in various transactions to conceal the source of ill-gotten gains. Using structuring, layering, and integration, the organization makes the funds appear legitimate and then uses them to further criminal conduct. As a federal offense, it’s penalized by a fine of up to $500,000 or imprisonment for up to 20 years.
• Pyramid schemes: In these scams, earlier members of a “business” recruit newer members who are required to pay fees. These payments are used to make it appear as if the company is generating profits, but they are actually being funneled up to top-level members. Crimes involving pyramid schemes are often charged as deceptive trade practices or fraud.
• Tax evasion: If a person knowingly avoids paying his or her taxes (whether in part or in full), he or she could be charged with this offense. There are several ways the crime can be committed, such as by underreporting income or overstating deductions. Federal penalties include imprisonment for up to 5 years and/or a fine of up to $100,000.

After thoroughly examining the facts of your case, our firm can seek to exploit weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments and provide the zealous advocacy you need. From negotiating with the prosecution for a reduced charge to fiercely litigating on your behalf at trial, we have what it takes to get results.

Defenses Available for White Collar Crime Charges

Defending against white collar crime charges requires a nuanced understanding of both the legal landscape and the specifics of the alleged crime. White collar crimes, often involving fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and money laundering, are complex and require a strategic approach to defense. Here are some common defenses used to challenge these charges:

• Lack of Intent: Many white collar crimes hinge on the intent to deceive or defraud. Demonstrating that the accused lacked the necessary intent can be a powerful defense. This might involve showing that the actions were due to negligence, misunderstanding, or an honest mistake, rather than a deliberate attempt to commit a crime.
• Insufficient Evidence: White collar crime cases often involve extensive documentation and intricate details. The prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If the defense can highlight gaps or inconsistencies in the evidence, or demonstrate that the evidence does not conclusively link the accused to the crime, this can significantly weaken the prosecution's case.
• Entrapment: This defense argues that the defendant was induced or coerced by law enforcement into committing a crime they would not have otherwise committed. To succeed, it must be shown that the idea of committing the crime originated with the government agents and that the defendant was not predisposed to engage in criminal conduct.
• Duress: In some cases, the defendant may argue that they committed the alleged crime under duress, meaning they were forced to act against their will due to threats of harm. This defense requires evidence that the defendant faced immediate danger and had no reasonable opportunity to avoid committing the crime.
• Statute of Limitations: Every crime has a statute of limitations, which sets a maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. If the charges are brought after the statute of limitations has expired, the case can be dismissed.

Building a robust defense against white collar crime charges necessitates a detailed examination of the facts, a thorough understanding of the law, and a strategic approach tailored to the specifics of each case.

Speak With our White Collar Crimes Lawyer Today

At the Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, P.A., our white collar crimes lawyer understands that good people can find themselves in difficult situations. If you’re being investigated or have been charged, we can work to keep your matter under control. No matter how serious or complex your situation may appear, we are ready to stand by your side.

The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help. Call (561) 902-1122 or fill out an online form today to schedule your confidential case review and get started on building your defense.