White collar crime refers to non-violent, financially motivated crimes typically committed by individuals, businesses, or government professionals in positions of trust and authority. These crimes are characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust and are usually committed for the purpose of financial gain. White collar crimes often involve complex schemes and can have a significant impact on individuals, businesses, and the economy.
In Florida, as in other jurisdictions, white collar crimes encompass a variety of offenses. Some common examples include:
Fraud
This includes activities such as securities fraud, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, and other deceptive practices aimed at financial gain. For example, it would be fraud to inflate your assets to obtain favorable interest and insurance rates.
Embezzlement
The misappropriation or theft of funds entrusted to an individual for personal use. For example, it would be embezzlement for a partner to take company funds for personal use.
Forgery
Falsifying documents, signatures, or other items with the intent to deceive for financial gain. For example, it would be forgery to falsify a document or signature to obtain financial gain from another’s bank account.
Identity Theft
Illegally obtaining and using someone else’s personal information for fraudulent purposes. For example, it would be identity theft to obtain someone’s personal information and apply for a personal loan or open a bank account using someone else’s personal information.
Money Laundering
The process of making illegally-gained proceeds (i.e., “dirty money”) appear legal (i.e., “clean”). For example, a drug cartel depositing drug proceeds in a legitimate business that deposits or transfers the clean proceeds back to the drug cartel.
Insider Trading
Trading securities based on material, non-public information. For example, buying or selling securities based on material, non-public information obtained from a friend.
Bribery and Corruption
Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in a position of trust. For example, a red light camera company paying a county commissioner to create an ordinance allowing red light companies to install red light cameras in the county and collect a fee from anyone who fails to immediately stop at a red light.
Computer and Internet Crimes
Crimes involving computer systems, networks, and the internet, such as hacking, cyber fraud, and online scams. For example, when a hacker, pretending to work for Microsoft, sends an email notice to someone’s computer stating that the computer is infected with a virus and needs to be fixed by the hacker, who actually intends to install an application on the computer that will allow the hacker access to the computer and any banking information stored on or accessed by the computer.
Many white collar crimes are state crimes and prosecuted at the state level. However, some white collar crimes involve state and federal violations and can be prosecuted at the federal level. Some white collar crimes are only violations of federal law and are considered federal crimes. If you have been arrested for a white collar crime it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is proficient in both Florida and federal law.
Consult An Attorney
If you have been charged with a white collar crime you may hire an attorney to represent you in the matter. Contact a lawyer to discuss your situation and learn more about what to do about the problem. Contact a lawyer to discuss your options and any possible defenses to the charges. Consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney who can provide guidance based on the details of your situation.
If you have specific questions about white collar crime or are facing an investigation, it is advisable to consult with a qualified attorney who can provide guidance based on the latest Florida and federal laws and regulations.
