Have you been accused of white-collar crimes? Although white crimes are non-violent, the consequences for victims can be life-altering. Therefore, federal and state courts aggressively prosecute white-collar crimes. At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, we fight to protect your reputation and your freedom. Call a Lakeland white-collar crimes lawyer at (863) 688-4606.
Attorney Thomas Grajek has more than 25 years of experience defending the accused. His vast knowledge of the criminal justice system and criminal law has resulted in a successful track record. Our legal team is dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights as we assist them in navigating the challenging situations they face.
Contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Lakeland white collar crimes lawyer today.
How Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law Can Help You With Charges of White Collar Crimes in Florida
There is no substitute for having an attorney with experience and skills on your side when facing charges for white collar crimes. The penalties for a white collar crime include prison and fines. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer with extensive experience handling white collar crimes can significantly affect your case’s outcome.
Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law is a trusted criminal defense law firm in Lakeland, FL. He has earned the designation of a Forensic Lawyer-Scientist by the American Chemical Society. We tackle the toughest cases in Lakeland and throughout the state of Florida.
When you hire our award-winning criminal defense attorney in Lakeland, you can expect us to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the criminal charges against you
- Send the prosecutor discovery requests to obtain the evidence they have against you, including exculpatory evidence that could prove your innocence.
- Analyze the evidence in your case and the relevant laws
- Work with leading experts as needed to strengthen your defense
- Pursue a plea agreement if that is in your best interest
- Aggressively advocate for you during all court hearings and at a trial
We have achieved top ratings and recognition from numerous legal organizations. Attorney Grajek appears on the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 list. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Florida Bar Criminal Law Section.
Call Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced Lakeland white collar crimes lawyer.
We Handle All Types of White Collar Criminal Cases in Lakeland, FL
The term “white collar crime” was first used in 1939. Today, white collar crime covers a wide variety of non-violent crimes committed for financial gain. The crimes often involve deceit, violations of trust, or concealment.
Generally, there are corresponding federal and state laws for many white collar crimes. Whether you are charged in federal or state court depends on the factors involved in your case.
At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, our legal team handles all types of white collar crimes including, but not limited to:
- Fraud
- Identity theft
- Money laundering
- Racketeering
- Computer-related crimes
- Embezzlement
- Misuse of public officials
- Counterfeiting or forgery
- Misappropriation or theft of trade secrets
- Use of a fraudulently obtained receipt
- Exploitation, neglect, or abuse of elderly or disabled adults
- Dealing in stolen property online
- Bribery of public officials
- Medical and healthcare fraud, including Medicaid and Medicare fraud
- Passing bad checks
- Insider trading
- Ponzi schemes
- Mortgage fraud
- Securities fraud
Numerous federal and state agencies investigate white collar crimes, including, but not limited to:
- The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Treasury Department
- And many more
An agency may begin an investigation and target someone without that person knowing they are under investigation. Contact our office immediately if a government agency contacts you with unusual questions or interest in your business ventures. You may be facing charges for white collar crimes.
Consequences of White Collar Criminal Investigations and White Collar Charges
Even before criminal charges are filed, an investigation of white collar crimes can impact your business and personal interests. Your business may suffer as you take time away from work to deal with the investigation and charges. An investigation and charges can permanently damage your and your company’s reputations, even if you are ultimately cleared of the charges.
Our legal team diligently works to resolve white collar investigations and criminal charges swiftly. If it is in your best interest, we guide you through the process of cooperating with the government to end the investigation. Likewise, our legal team aggressively protects your rights as we defend you against charges if they are filed.
What Are the Penalties for White Collar Convictions in Florida?
If you are charged under state law, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. A first-degree misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to one year and/or a $1,000 fine. A second-degree misdemeanor conviction results in 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
A third degree felony while collar conviction can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Convictions for second degree felonies can result in 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A first degree felony can put you behind bars for up to 30 years and cost you a $10,000 fine. The penalties increase based on your record, your charges, and the financial gain involved.
The punishments for federal white collar convictions can be more severe. The U.S. Sentencing Commission’s Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines often result in lengthy prison sentences. The penalty depends on the criminal charges, the amount of loss, the number of victims, and other factors. However, many federal white collar convictions result in decades in prison.
In addition to fines and jail time, the court may order other penalties for a conviction of a white collar crime. You may be required to pay restitution to the victims, serve probation, complete community service, and forfeit property.
What Are the Potential Defenses for White Collar Crimes?
Our legal team carefully analyzes all factors involved in your criminal case. We develop a defense strategy based on the evidence and factors. Potential defenses to white collar crimes include:
Entrapment
An entrapment defense may be available if the government induced, persuaded, or coerced you to commit a crime you would usually commit. You have the burden of proving entrapment by a preponderance of the evidence. You must establish that you only committed the crime because of the tactics used by the government. Had it not been for the government’s actions, you would not have committed the crime.
Lack of Intent
Intent is a legal element of white collar crimes. The government must prove that you were engaged in an illegal activity and knowingly intended to engage in the activity. In other words, you intended to do precisely what you were doing.
Insanity
A criminal defendant can argue the insanity defense by claiming a mental defect prevented them from understanding their actions. Even if you successfully use the insanity defense, you can still be found guilty and required to serve your sentence in a mental health facility.
Violations of Your Fourth Amendment Rights
The Fourth Amendment prohibits governments from conducting unreasonable searches and seizures. Alleging the government violated this right is a common defense in white collar criminal cases. If the judge finds the government violated your rights, any evidence recovered as a result of the violation would be inadmissible in court.
Intoxication
In some situations, involuntary intoxication can be used as a valid defense to white collar crimes. If you were involuntarily drugged, you would not be able to form the required intent to commit a white collar crime.
Statute of Limitations
The government has a set amount of time to file criminal charges. The statute of limitations may differ depending on the crime. If the government does not prosecute the case before the statute of limitations expires, the government cannot proceed with a criminal case.
What Should I Do if I’m Arrested for a White Collar Crime in Lakeland, FL?
If you are accused of a white collar crime in Florida, it is crucial that you remain calm. Staying calm may be difficult as you are being handcuffed and placed into custody. However, remaining calm helps you avoid making statements that could be used against you. It also helps you focus on protecting your rights.
Contact a Florida criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Do not answer questions or discuss your charges with law enforcement officers or prosecutors without legal representation.
Law enforcement agents may tell you that it will help if you cooperate. However, they are merely trying to obtain evidence the government can use against you for a conviction.
Learn as much as possible about the charges against you. An attorney can explain the nature of the charges, including what the government must prove for a conviction.
Make a list of all information, documents, and items the government took during your arrest. Work with your lawyer to gather evidence in your possession related to the charges, including a list of witnesses your attorney may want to interview.
Your attorney will explore numerous options, including cooperating with the government in exchange for reduced charges and sentences. The government may be willing to drop the most serious charges in exchange for a plea deal. Your lawyer can explain the pros and cons of each legal option and the potential for winning your case if you take the matter to trial.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Lakeland White Collar Crimes Lawyer
We use our decades of experience and resources to fight for your rights during a criminal case. Whether you are under investigation for a white-collar crime or have been arrested, you need seasoned legal counsel as soon as possible. Call Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, to schedule a free case review with our Lakeland white-collar crimes lawyer.
Visit Our Lakeland Criminal Defense Law Office
Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law
112 E Poinsettia St,
Lakeland, FL 33803
Open 24 hours