How Is White Collar Crime Defined In Florida?

Federal and state law enforcement agencies are cracking down on white collar criminal offenses. These are some of the most complex, technical criminal charges. This raises an important question: What is the definition of a white collar crime? In Florida, there is actually a specific statutory definition of the term. Within this article, our Orlando white collar criminal defense attorney explains how white collar crimes are defended in Florida.

Florida Law: Understanding the Definition of White Collar Crimes

Broadly speaking, the term “white collar crime” is generally used to refer to cases in which a non-violent crime with a financial motive is alleged. Our state has its own more specific definition of the term. Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 775.0844), a white collar crime is defined as a felony violation involving any of the following eleven types of offenses:

• Money Transmitters’ Code violations;
• Certain felony theft/robbery offenses;
• Certain computer-related financial crimes;
• Fraudulent practices;
• Financial crimes involving exploitation of elderly persons or disabled adults
• Crimes related to forgery and counterfeiting;
• The issuing of worthless checks;
• Offenses involving the misuse of public office/public funds;
• Bribing of public officials;
• Racketeering activity; and
• Offenses related to financial transactions.

In Florida, it does matter whether or not a criminal charge is classified as a “white collar offense” for the purposes of the law. The reason is that Florida’s White Collar Crime Victim Protection Act applies to these offenses. The statute provides certain rights to the victims who allegedly suffered financial losses or other tangible harm due to a white collar offense. Beyond criminal liability, a defendant charged with a white collar offense may also face a civil legal claim in Florida. They could be held financially liable for the victims’ damages. 

A White Collar Crime May Be a Federal Charge 

It is not uncommon for white collar crimes to be charged at the federal level. Federal prosecutors can obtain jurisdiction in a white collar crime case in a number of different circumstances. If the mail system, telephone system, or the internet was used as part of the alleged white collar fraud, there may be federal charges filed. Federal prosecutors have immense resources available and are notoriously aggressive in pursuing charges. If you or your loved one was charged with a white collar federal crime, contact a qualified Florida criminal defense lawyer for immediate help. These are very serious cases. They must be handled with the proper care, skill, and personal attention.

Speak to Our Orlando, FL White Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando criminal defense attorney has the professional skills and financial expertise to handle the full range of complex white collar crimes charges. Contact us today to set up a completely confidential initial consultation with a defense attorney. From our Orlando law office, we provide white collar defense representation throughout Central Florida, including in Orange County, Seminole County, Lake County, Polk County, and Sumter County.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0775/Sections/0775.0844.html