Criminal Defense
Federal White Collar Crimes Defense
Respected Broward County Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Dedicated to Protecting the Rights of Clients at Every Opportunity
Federal white collar crime charges can result in surprisingly serious consequences that will almost certainly have a major impact on your career, reputation, and financial stability. However, being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted, and it’s the government’s job to prove every element of each crime beyond a reasonable doubt. And that’s where Lowry Legal comes in. At Lowry Legal, we understand the high stakes involved in these cases, and we are here to provide you with the dedicated defense you need. Our Broward County federal white collar crimes defense lawyer has decades of experience aggressively defending the rights of good people charged with serious crimes, and we’re ready to get started on your case today.
What Is a White Collar Crime?
White collar crimes are non-violent offenses that typically involve deceit, manipulation, or a breach of trust to obtain money or valuable assets. These crimes are often committed in professional or business settings. White collar crimes can range from fraud and embezzlement to tax evasion and insider trading, all of which involve violating federal or state laws for financial gain.
Unlike other criminal offenses, white collar crimes don’t usually involve physical harm but instead focus on financial or reputational harm to individuals, companies, or government agencies. Due to the nature of these crimes, white collar cases often involve complex financial records, electronic data, and other documentation that require a specialized approach to analyze and defend.
Types of Federal White Collar Crimes
There are several types of white collar crimes prosecuted at the federal level. Some of the most common federal white collar crimes include:
- Fraud: The term fraud covers many different crimes, such as wire fraud, mail fraud, healthcare fraud, and securities fraud. These crimes involve intentionally deceiving others to gain money, property, or services. Federal fraud cases often involve significant financial losses and complex investigations that can make defending against these charges especially challenging.
- Embezzlement: Embezzlement involves misappropriating or stealing funds entrusted to an individual by their employer or another party. This can include an employee diverting funds for personal use or a financial officer taking money from a company’s accounts.
- Tax Evasion: Tax evasion is the act of intentionally underreporting or concealing income to avoid paying federal taxes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other federal agencies investigate tax evasion cases, often leading to steep fines and potential jail time.
- Money Laundering: Money laundering involves concealing the origins of illegally obtained money, often by transferring it through a complex sequence of bank accounts or business transactions. Federal agencies monitor money laundering to prevent organized crime and terrorism financing.
- Bribery: Bribery occurs when someone offers or accepts something of value to influence a public official or decision. Bribery charges often involve public corruption cases, as federal law heavily penalizes efforts to influence government operations.
- RICO (“Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act”) Violations: RICO charges target individuals or groups involved in a pattern of criminal activity within an organization. Originally designed to combat organized crime, RICO has since expanded to cover a range of activities, including fraud, embezzlement, and other white collar crimes, when part of a larger, coordinated scheme.
- Conspiracy: Conspiracy charges apply when two or more individuals plan or agree to commit a crime, even if the act itself was not completed. Conspiracy is often used in federal white collar cases to link multiple defendants to an alleged criminal plan or enterprise, increasing potential penalties.
Each of these white collar crimes is serious, and a conviction can lead to a lengthy prison term, substantial fines, and other career-ending consequences. At Lowery Legal, we have the knowledge, dedication and experience you need to feel comfortable placing your case—and your future—in our hands.
Why Are Some White Collar Crimes Prosecuted in Federal Court?
White collar crimes are prosecuted at the federal level for several reasons. Federal prosecution typically applies when a crime crosses state lines, involves federal agencies or institutions, or falls under federal jurisdiction due to the nature of the offense. For instance, crimes like wire fraud and mail fraud are federal offenses because they often involve the use of interstate communication channels, such as telephones, the internet, or postal services.
Additionally, federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) often lead investigations into white collar crimes. These agencies have the resources and authority to handle large-scale cases that may involve significant financial harm or impact the national economy.
Federal white collar cases are known for their complexity and thorough investigative processes. Finally, federal white collar crimes can result in mandatory minimum sentences, and the federal sentencing guidelines often impose stricter penalties than those found in state courts.
How Our Broward County White Collar Defense Attorney Can Help Defend Your Case
If you’re facing federal white collar crime charges, having a strong defense is essential. At Lowry Legal, our federal white collar crime lawyer has specific experience handling these challenging cases. Below is a list of a few of the ways we can help you fight the charges you’re facing:
- Thorough Case Analysis: We examine every detail of your case, including financial records, witness statements, and electronic data, to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. This allows us to effectively challenge the allegations and protect your rights at every opportunity.
- Challenging Evidence: Federal white collar cases often rely on extensive documentation, including financial transactions and emails. We scrutinize the methods used to obtain evidence, ensuring law enforcement did not violate your rights during the investigation. Any unlawful collection of evidence can be grounds to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Exploring All Defense Options: Our defense approach includes exploring every available option, from negotiating plea agreements to challenging the charges in court. Potential defenses may include lack of intent, insufficient evidence, and procedural violations during the investigation.
- Minimizing Sentencing Risks: If a conviction is unavoidable, our team works to minimize the impact by advocating for reduced sentences or alternative penalties. While the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines are strict, there are ways to mitigate your exposure.
Speak with Our Federal White Collar Crime Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one is under investigation or facing charges for a federal white collar crime, don’t wait to contact a Broward County federal white collar crimes lawyer. At Lowry Legal, we are here to discuss your case, explore defense options, and provide you with the support you need to protect your rights and your future. Contact Lowry Legal today to schedule a consultation and begin building your defense. We are committed to standing by your side and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case. You can reach us at 954-908-6222 or through our secure online contact form. We proudly serve clients throughout Broward County including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, Lighthouse Point, Miramar, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Pompano Beach, and Sunrise.