Miami, Florida White Collar Crimes Attorney

Trusted Lawyer Defending Against Fraud, Computer Crimes, and Other White Collar Offenses in Miami, FL

White collar crimes are complex offenses that often involve financial transactions, fraud, or deceptive practices. Even though these crimes are considered to be less serious than violent crimes or other offenses that could result in harm to others, they are still treated seriously by both state and federal law enforcement officials. Convictions can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, heavy fines, restitution, and long-term damage to a person's reputation.

If you have been accused of a white collar crime in Miami, it is essential to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At The Hoffman Firm, our criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the details of your case and develop a strong defense strategy. Many of these cases involve intricate financial records, digital evidence, and other complex issues, making it critical to work with a defense attorney who has experience defending against financial crimes and fraud-related offenses.

Credit Card Fraud

The unauthorized use of another person's credit or debit card information to make purchases or withdraw funds can lead to criminal charges. People charged with these offenses may be accused of using stolen card numbers, creating counterfeit cards, or engaging in fraudulent transactions.

Florida law treats credit card fraud as a serious offense, with penalties depending on the amount of money involved. Small-scale fraud may be charged as a misdemeanor, while larger fraudulent transactions can lead to felony charges.

Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud

A person may be charged with a federal crime if they are accused of using mail services, telephone lines, or electronic communications to commit fraud. To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove that the defendant intentionally used mail or electronic communication to further a fraudulent scheme. Penalties for a conviction may include sentences of up to 20 years in a federal prison and substantial fines.

Securities Fraud

Deceptive practices related to investments, stocks, or financial markets can lead to serious criminal charges. Examples of these offenses include insider trading, stock manipulation, and providing false information to investors. Both state and federal agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), investigate securities fraud cases. Felony charges will usually apply, and a person who is convicted could face a lengthy prison sentence and other penalties.

Mortgage Fraud

When false information is provided on loan applications, property appraisals, or real estate transactions to secure financial gain, a person may be charged with mortgage fraud. These offenses may involve fraudulent loan applications, misrepresenting income or assets, or falsifying property values. Florida has strict penalties for mortgage fraud, particularly when the amounts involved are substantial. If a person is accused of fraud related to a transaction with a loan value of more than $100,000, they may be charged with a second-degree felony.

Healthcare Fraud

Submitting false claims to insurance companies or government healthcare programs, such as Medicare or Medicaid, is considered healthcare fraud. Doctors or medical facilities may be accused of these offenses based on practices such as overbilling, billing for services not provided, or receiving kickbacks for patient referrals. These violations may lead to federal charges, and convictions can lead to lengthy sentences and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.

Identity Theft

Using another person's personal information, such as their Social Security number, bank details, or credit card data, without authorization can lead to accusations of identity theft. This is a serious offense that can lead to felony charges. These charges carry a minimum of a third-degree felony, but second-degree or first-degree felony charges may apply depending on the number of people affected or the amounts alleged obtained through fraud.

Forgery

Creating, altering, or using false documents with the intent to defraud is a felony offense in Florida. Forgery offenses may involve signing another person's name on checks, falsifying legal documents, or creating counterfeit bank bills or notes. While forgery is typically charged as a third-degree felony, increased charges may apply in certain situations.

Computer Crimes

As more and more people engage in digital transactions or store sensitive data on computer systems, computer crimes have become an area of focus for law enforcement. These offenses include hacking, phishing scams, unauthorized access to financial accounts, and online fraud. Accessing computers or networks without authorization, stealing data, or taking actions to damage or destroy computer systems can lead to criminal charges. While computer crimes are usually classified as third-degree felonies, second-degree felony charges may apply in cases involving fraud.

Money Laundering

Processing illegally obtained money through legitimate businesses or financial institutions to conceal its origin is known as money laundering. These charges are often connected to other criminal activities, such as drug trafficking or fraud. A person could face state or federal charges for money laundering, and a conviction may lead to a substantial prison sentence and large fines.

RICO Charges

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) is used to prosecute people or organizations who are accused of engaging in patterns of criminal activity. These charges are often associated with organized crime, fraud rings, or large-scale financial crimes. Prosecutors will need to demonstrate that a defendant participated in a criminal enterprise along with others and was involved in at least two qualifying crimes within 10 years. When these offenses are prosecuted at the federal level, convictions can lead to serious penalties including jail sentences and high fines.

Contact Our Miami White Collar Crimes Defense Lawyer

The consequences of a white collar crime conviction can be severe. At The Hoffman Firm, our experienced Miami white collar crimes attorney can evaluate your case, develop a strong defense, and work to protect your future. Contact our office at 305-249-0090 to arrange a free consultation and get the defense you need against these charges.