White Collar Crimes Attorney in Lakeland

Fighting to Defend Our Clients Against Life-Changing Criminal Charges

We have all heard the term “white-collar crime” in the news during major events like the Enron scandal and the Bernie Madoff trial. However, white-collar crime allegations do not always make international news.

Unfortunately, good people are accused of white-collar offenses nearly every day. In many cases, these individuals are victims of false allegations or have had their rights violated. Regardless of the alleged white-collar crimes an individual may be accused of, the penalties they face could result in life-changing consequences. Sadly, in many white-collar crime cases, the charges are proven to be false, but the damage has already been done to their professional and personal standing in the community.

At DeMichael Law, we have seen what can happen when serious charges are levied against a person. In far too many instances, these cases are resolved to the benefit of police and prosecutors. Nevertheless, this does not necessarily mean justice has been served.

Therefore, anyone charged with white-collar crimes must hire an experienced Lakeland white-collar crime lawyer who will fight to protect their freedom and reputation.

If you are accused of extortion, counterfeiting, fraudulent activity, or other white-collar crimes, you must have strong legal representation who will advocate for your best interests. At DeMichael Law, we are passionately committed to helping clients safeguard their legal rights and fight to help them obtain favorable outcomes.

. Contact our Lakeland, FL, law firm to schedule a free consultation so that we may determine your legal options.

What Is a White Collar Crime?

Sometimes, individuals may not even realize their actions could result in being accused of white-collar crime charges. Because definitions of white-collar offenses can vary significantly, many are stunned to learn that their conduct could result in being charged with criminal offenses.

However, the most typical definition includes non-violent offenses involving concealment or deceit to garner economic benefits or advantages on a personal or business level. If the definition of white-collar crime sounds broad, that is because it is. In fact, all the following criminal allegations can fall into this category:

Commodities fraud
Embezzlement
Medicaid fraud
Forgery
Credit card fraud
Identity theft
Corporate fraud
Insider trading
Internet fraud
Racketeering
Securities fraud
Tax evasion
Mortgage fraud

Although this is an extensive list, it is very far from exhaustive. Individuals have faced white-collar charges due to intellectual property theft, blackmail, bank fraud, and various other actions. White-collar allegations can result in state or federal criminal charges, and in some cases, even both. Being charged in state and federal court could lead to a defendant being tried multiple times for the same accusation, which is typically unheard of in the criminal justice system.

Due to the legal intricacies involved, having a Lakeland white-collar crime attorney on your side is essential. At DeMichael Law, we will review your case during an initial consultation and help you determine your next move.

What Are the Penalties for a White Collar Offense?

No internet resource can tell you the specific penalties you may face for a white-collar criminal conviction. Unfortunately, there are too many variables to consider in white-collar crimes to make an accurate determination. For example, penalties could vary significantly depending on whether a person faces federal or state charges. Additionally, there could be aggravating factors that affect potential sentences. For instance, healthcare fraud that steals money from hundreds of seniors could easily result in a more severe sentence than a single act of Medicaid fraud that wrongfully reimburses a physician.

The critical thing to remember is that prosecutors often want to make an example of those they charge with white-collar crimes. We have seen sentences in excess of 800 years handed down to defendants who have been convicted of white-collar offenses. Additionally, many consequences occur outside the legal realm. An accusation that leads to no conviction or a short probationary stint can ruin a company’s reputation or drag an individual through the proverbial media mud.

Due to the complexities of white-collar defense strategies, you should never try to take on the legal system alone. Contact DeMichael Law today to schedule a free confide

Should I Accept a Plea Deal in My White Collar Criminal Case?

If you have been accused of a white-collar crime, you have no doubt been informed of the seriousness of the charges. Most defendants are terrified in these situations, making them more likely to accept a plea deal from prosecutors, which is completely understandable. When someone says, “You can plead guilty and go to jail for a year, or we can go to trial, and you’ll face 20 years,” accepting a plea deal sounds like a pretty good option. However, you must speak with a Lakeland white-collar criminal defense lawyer before making any decisions.

In many instances, plea deals are offered because prosecutors are still trying to determine if they can prove their case. Hiring a skilled attorney who will act as your legal liaison with the prosecutor may result in charges being dropped rather than a criminal conviction.

However, it is not always possible to avoid a conviction. In such instances, having an attorney on your side is still a wise legal decision. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help negotiate a fair plea agreement on your behalf, perhaps down to probation.

If prosecutors refuse to treat you fairly, a skilled white-collar defense attorney in Lakeland can represent you at trial and fight to protect your freedom. Therefore, never make assumptions about your case or agree to any plea deal before speaking with a lawyer from DeMichael Law who will gladly evaluate your case.

Why Should I Trust My Future to Your Lakeland White Collar Crime Lawyer?

White-collar crimes are taken very seriously on both state and federal levels. In countless instances, individuals convicted of white-collar offenses such as money laundering or wire fraud have faced sentences longer than those convicted of murder. A white-collar crime conviction can result in stiff penalties and life-changing legal implications for defendants. The severity of the penalties is only one of the many reasons that hiring a criminal defense attorney is essential once charges have been levied against you or even before formal allegations have been filed. You need a strong legal advocate on your side who is dedicated to securing a favorable outcome on your behalf.

When you come to DeMichael Law for help, we will work tirelessly to build a strong defense through innovative legal strategies customized to your specific circumstances. Our legal practice has comprehensive experience dealing with issues ranging from bankruptcy fraud and bribery to violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

The important thing to remember is that your case is unlike any other. Instead, our law firm recognizes that your white-collar crime case requires an in-depth examination by an attorney and a defense strategy catered to its unique circumstances. Unlike other Lakeland criminal defense attorneys who often tell clients what they want to hear, we provide honest evaluations, so you always know what to expect.

Allow our highly trained white-collar crimes lawyer to review your case and help you decide the best path forward. Contact DeMichael Law at our Polk County law offices today by calling (863) 216-1831 and ask to schedule a free initial consultation so that we may determine your legal options.