What to Do if You Are Facing Charges for White Collar Crime

“White collar crime” refers to any financially-motivated or nonviolent crime committed by an individual, business, or government entity that most commonly involves an aspect of theft or fraud. 

If you are accused of committing one of these crimes, it is crucial to enlist the help of a leading criminal defense attorney in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan, P.A.

Types of White Collar Crimes

Some of the most common examples of white collar crime as reported by the FBI include: 

  • Corporate Fraud
  • Scheme to Defraud
  • Sales Tax Fraud
  • First Degree Grand Theft
  • Securities and Commodities Fraud
  • Unlicensed Sale of Securities
  • Money Laundering
  • Mail or Wire Fraud
  • Mortgage and Financial Institution Fraud
  • Intellectual Property Theft/Piracy

Potential Penalties for White Collar Crimes

If you are facing charges for white collar crime, it is important to understand the penalties that may be imposed. These penalties depend on the nature of the crime, and often involve fines and prison time, as well as restitution for any monetary losses that the victims incurred. 

The maximum potential penalties for a white collar criminal offense will vary depending on the classification of the accusation. For example, a third degree felony grand theft will have lesser exposure than a 1st degree felony grand theft. The classification of the alleged crime is often directly tethered to the amount of money in dispute.

These financial crimes are serious and require careful attention to detail. Our criminal defense team will carefully review the discovery to determine which course of action is in the best interests of the client. In some cases, our office is able to negotiate with the prosecutor to seek a dismissal of the charge, a reduction of the charge, or a non-incarcerative sentence. By hiring an experienced defense attorney in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan P.A., you can better understand the specifics of your crime and the potential penalties you may face. 

As our team of attorneys is highly familiar with the legal system, prosecutors, and judges here in Pinellas County, we are prepared to help you avoid severe penalties and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Protect Your Lawful Assets

Since asset forfeiture or the freezing of assets is often used to prevent a party who is under investigation from liquidating or disposing of assets, it is crucial to know your rights. If your assets are forfeited or frozen, you have the right to petition the courts and regain control over your assets. However, this must be done through a trained criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, as white collar crime investigations where a seizure order is entered can be quite complex and overwhelming. 

At Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan P.A., each of our clients receives our undivided attention, meaning your cases are never passed off. You can have confidence in knowing that we will work to protect you and your assets to the fullest extent in a court of law.

Contact a Top Defense Attorney in Clearwater

If you have been accused of a white collar crime, whether as an individual or part of a larger entity, it is crucial to understand how to best protect your lawful assets, as well as the penalties that you could face if you do not enlist the help of a defense attorney in Clearwater

Our team of top rated white collar crime attorneys is prepared to fight for your rights. Give us a call today at 727.578.0303 or complete our contact request form for a free consultation so that we may discuss the facts of your case. 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.