Fraud, Identity Theft, and Other White Collar Crimes in Sarasota, FL

Many crimes fall under the broad umbrella of white-collar crimes, including fraud, money laundering, and racketeering. White-collar crimes are nonviolent, economic in nature, and usually committed by professionals, executives, businesspeople, or politicians. People often have a misconception that these crimes are not punished as severely as others. However, these crimes carry harsh penalties imposed by Florida’s White Collar Victim Protection Act. If you or someone you know has been charged with a white-collar crime, seek out an aggressive Sarasota fraud criminal defense attorney.

The White Collar Victim Protection Act was created to crack down on the frequency of fraud related crimes and to protect elderly victims of these crimes. The legislation seeks to “enhance the sanctions imposed for nonviolent frauds and swindles, protect the public’s property, and assist in prosecuting white collar criminals.” FL Stat § 775.0844

The following felony offenses are classified as white-collar crimes, including the conspiracy to commit or the commission of the crime itself. These include: theft and robbery, insurance fraud, exploitation of elderly persons and disabled adults, forgery and counterfeiting, issuing of worthless checks, bribery and misuse of public office, tax evasion, identity theft, and racketeering. If you have been charged with a similar crime, act now. At Pallegar Law, P.A., our team of experienced Sarasota fraud criminal attorneys can help you investigate all possible defenses.

The term “white collar” implies that those wearing a suit and tie most often commit these crimes, but in reality they are committed by all kinds of people. Identity theft is one of the most common types of fraud that can fall into the category of white-collar crime. Under Florida law, there are several different kinds of identity theft. These include:

1. Criminal use or possession of personal identification information, like name, address, social security number, credit card information, etc. The crime is committed when you use or possess this information fraudulently or without consent.
2. Possession or use of a deceased person’s information.
3. Obtaining property by false personation
4. Use of personal information to harass
5. Possession or use of fictitious personal information
6. Guardian use of personal identification information for personal gain

The crime of using or possessing someone’s personal identification information (1) is classified as a third-degree felony. Committing a felony while using someone else’s identity is classified as a second-degree felony. The crime of false personation is classified as a third-degree felony. However, committing a felony while impersonating a law enforcement official is classified as a second-degree felony. If any injury or death is caused while impersonating a law enforcement official, the charge is a first-degree felony. Because the penalties for these crimes are so severe, it is important that you contact an aggressive Sarasota fraud attorney who can help you. Our team at Pallegar Law, P.A. is made up of experienced Sarasota fraud lawyers who will help you fight the charges.

Aggravated white-collar crimes are classified as first-degree felonies. These occur when, during the course of the crime, the defendant attempts to obtain $50,000 or more or victimizes 10 or more elderly people, 20 or more people, the state of Florida, or any state agency.

With over ten years of experience prosecuting and now defending individuals charged with crimes, Pallegar Law, P.A. has the resources necessary to formulate a strong defense in your particular criminal case. Call Pallegar Law, P.A. at 813-444-3912 (Tampa) or 941-893-5816 (Sarasota) to be connected with an aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney today.