Gainesville White Collar Crime Lawyer
Generally speaking, white collar crime is any crime which is accomplished by means of deception as opposed to the threat or use of force. Throughout the state of Florida, a number of different types of white collar crimes have been zealously investigated and prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. These crimes are taken very seriously by law enforcement, and anyone arrested for white collar offenses should take them very seriously as well.It is extremely important that you contact a dedicated Gainesville white collar crime lawyer as soon as possible. Attorney Gil Schaffnit at the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit in Gainesville works diligently throughout the state of Florida to represent people accused of white collar criminal offenses, working with law enforcement and prosecutors to avoid prosecution of his clients, and providing effective advocacy at all stages of a criminal prosecution when necessary.
Help with Complex State and Federal Statutes
Convictions for white collar crimes often include not only prison terms but also steep fines, requirements for restitution, and asset forfeiture. Prosecutors can increase the possible penalties and charge aggravated offenses in a number of different ways, such as when there are multiple instances of offenses, the targeted victims are elderly, there are more than 20 victims of the crime, or the dollar value of the offense exceeds $50,000. At times it seems the interest of government agencies is simply to make an arrest or secure a conviction for the public and media attention, which can result in an innocent person being caught up in a prosecution and made a scapegoat. For instance, an employee may have signed off on a document not knowing it was an essential part of a conspiracy or fraudulent scheme, but this signature is enough to at least initiate a prosecution against the individual, while the real perpetrators go free.
Our firm represents persons charged in many different areas of white collar crime in Florida, including:
- Health Care Fraud
- Medicare Fraud
- Medicaid Fraud
- Computer Crimes
- Illegal Online pharmacies/Internet pharmacies
Like all crimes, the elements of a white collar crime are outlined in a state or federal statute. In the case of white collar crimes, however, these statutes are often incredibly long and complex, and so highly technical that even experts in the field disagree over what type of conduct may constitute a violation. For instance, the distinction between tax avoidance (legal) and tax evasion (illegal) or between a stockbroker’s active trading (legal) and excessive trading (illegal) can be extremely complicated.
Some state and federal agencies expend their resources on building cases over months or even years before any charges are brought. During this time, they may contact you for information. Whether you are a suspect, a witness or simply a person who may have information, be extremely careful when speaking with law enforcement. Police officers are trained in extracting incriminating or contradictory statements they can use against you, and making a false statement to a federal officer is a federal offense. Once armed with contradictory statements or a charge of making false statements, it is easy for the government to further pressure you into pleading guilty to a crime you may not be guilty of or have a strong, valid defense against. Don’t help the government build their case against you. Before you talk to the police, call the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit and speak with an attorney who has your best interests in mind.
When you contact our office before an arrest, we may be able to arrange the manner in which any future arrest is handled and control any media exposure. We may also be able to influence what charges are brought by speaking with the prosecutor, and perhaps avoid the imposition of charges altogether.
Seek Experienced Legal Representation in Florida White Collar Offenses
Remember that when you are charged with a crime, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty, which requires the prosecution to prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. You have constitutional protections in your favor, including the right to be represented by an attorney at all critical stages of a prosecution. In Florida, call the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit in Gainesville at 352-505-1799 for a free consultation with a knowledgeable and experienced Florida white collar crime lawyer dedicated to your success.
