Defense for All Types of White Collar Crimes.

How Our White Collar Crime Attorneys in Jacksonville Can Help.

It’s not uncommon for state and federal prosecutors to spend months or even years building a white collar crime case. And it is very possible for someone who is being investigated to be directly questioned at some point of the investigation. And having the guidance of our experienced white collar crime attorneys in Jacksonville to guide your cooperation without being accused of making false statements to authorities or helping them build or strengthen a potential case against you is essential.

In addition to helping you navigate any investigation or understand any charges that have been brought against you, our white collar crime attorneys in Jacksonville will be laser focused on your defense. The laws surrounding white collar crimes are very complex. So much so that these complexities can be an advantage to your defense when used properly by our experienced defense attorneys. Our white collar crime attorneys in Jacksonville can sometimes use technicalities of these laws to prevent prosecutors from proving beyond a reasonable doubt that you actually committed a crime.

If you are being investigated or have already been arrested and charged for a white collar crime, contact us and speak with our defense team, before your arraignment if possible. Our initial consultation is free and there is much to know about your rights and how to protect them.

What Are White Collar Crimes?

White collar crimes are generally non violent crimes of deception or fraud. Embezzling money from an organization or a company, identity theft, a fraudulent insurance claim are all examples of white collar crimes. Florida Statute 775.0844 states that a “white collar crime” means:

(a) The commission of, or a conspiracy to commit, any felony offense by way of money transmitter’s code, theft, robbery, and related crimes, computer related crimes, fraudulent practices, abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly and disabled adults, forgery and counterfeiting, issuing worthless checks, bribery and misuse of public office, offences relating to public officers and employees, offenses relating to racketeering and illegal debts, and offenses related to financial transactions.

(b) A felony offense that is committed with intent to defraud or that involves a conspiracy to defraud.

(c) A felony offense that is committed with intent to temporarily or permanently deprive a person of his or her property or that involves a conspiracy to temporarily or permanently deprive a person of his or her property.

(d) A felony offense that involves or results in the commission of fraud or deceit upon a person or that involves a conspiracy to commit fraud or deceit upon a person.

The Statute goes on to state that: “aggravated white collar crime means engaging in at least two white collar crimes that have the same or similar intents, results, accomplices, victims, or methods of commission, or that are otherwise interrelated by distinguishing characteristics and are not isolated incidents, provided that at least one of such crimes occurred after the effective date of the Statute”.

Now, imagine being on a jury and hearing a prosecutor attempt to explain these complicated laws and exactly how the defendant is guilty of violating them. And then hearing the defense attorneys explain how the prosecution has not proven that the defendant actually violated the laws as they are written, beyond a reasonable doubt. This is why prosecuting and winning a conviction for many white collar crimes can be difficult. And also why we are able to negotiate lesser charges and sometimes get charges dropped for our clients. If you have been accused or arrested for a white collar crime, contact our white collar crime attorneys in Jacksonville as soon as possible. Our guidance could be critical to your defense.

Effective Defense Strategies for Charges of White Collar Crimes.

There are numerous possible white collar crime defense strategies that we can use to negotiate with prosecutors and in court if your case goes to trial. Especially given the complexity of white collar crime laws, the technicalities and requirements that must be addresses by prosecutors and how all of this can be used to create uncertainty in a jury.

The key to an effective defense for a white collar crime is to have a very clear understanding of each area of the statute. And our knowledge of the white collar crimes statute allows us to challenge or discredit evidence presented by prosecutors. Another possible defense is to show or prove a lack of intent. The government must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intended to commit a crime. If prosecutors fail to do so, it is possible to win an acquittal. In a similar vein, another line of defense is to show that the defendant did not know, or was not capable of knowing, he or she was engaging in a crime. Finally, there may be evidence that the defendant was coerced into committing a white collar crime, a common defense in fraud and forgery cases.

At McGRATH GIBSON LAW our white collar crime attorneys in Jacksonville will carefully examine every detail of your case to identify and build the best possible defense. White collar crimes laws are some of the most complicated laws and can be difficult for prosecutors to effectively apply and prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We are well versed in using these technicalities to your advantage. But prior to any potential trial, our focus will be on gathering and analyzing evidence, speaking with witnesses, developing a solid defense strategy and negotiating with prosecutors. Our initial goal is to present prosecutors with enough of an argument to make them fear a loss in court. If you case does go to court, we will use every legal argument available to defend you and achieve the best possible outcome.