North Port White Collar Crime Lawyer

North Port White Collar Crime Attorney

If you believe that you’re under investigation for violating North Port white-collar crime laws, or if you’ve already been charged – you are likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what steps to take next. These charges need to be defended by an experienced North Port white collar crime lawyer, as they are often aggressively investigated and prosecuted in Sarasota County.

Trusted Legal Counsel for Financial Crimes in North Port

At Ruhl Law, P.A., we understand everything that’s at stake when it comes to white-collar crime charges and investigations – from your bank account to your reputation to your future. As convictions can lead to restitution, prison, and a criminal record that follows you for life, we throw all of our resources behind your case to push for positive case outcomes – whether that means a minimal sentence or charges dropped completely.

Our founder, Richard Ruhl, has been fiercely defending people who have been accused of serious crimes in Sarasota County and across Southern Florida for over two decades. Richard is a native to the area who attended law school at Saint Thomas University School of Law in Miami and returned home to defend the rights and interests of his community.

Today, Ruhl Law, P.A. is focusing on criminal defense cases, including white-collar crimes, offering discreet, experienced, and smart defense tactics for individuals and business professionals alike when everything is on the line.

Understanding White-Collar Crime in North Port, Florida

Northport, Florida, is a quaint city of roughly 88,900 individuals located in Sarasota County. As the city is generally affluent and has higher property values, this can implicate residents in financial crimes. While white-collar crime data is not available for North Port, statistics for Sarasota County from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office help paint a clearer picture of the situation.

In 2023, there were 250 cases of credit card/ATM fraud, 173 cases of counterfeiting/forgery, and 41 cases of embezzlement. With roughly 500 white-collar crime cases being reported in one year alone, these numbers show just how seriously local authorities are treating these types of offenses. And, in cities like North Port, white-collar crimes may commonly be linked to small businesses, online transactions, and banking activity.

What Is Considered a White-Collar Crime? – How We Can Help

If you believe that you are under investigation for a white-collar crime, knowledge and legal representation are power. White-collar crimes are offenses of a non-violent nature that typically involve stealing, fraud, or deception with the end goal of financial gain. These types of crimes are typically prosecuted on the state or federal court level and could involve intricate evidence, such as emails, data logs, wire transfers, and financial statements.

Common white-collar charges our team can help you handle include:

• Credit card fraud. This means using another person’s credit or account information in an unauthorized manner to make purchases or transactions.
• Bank fraud. These charges can be brought forward when someone steals an individual’s bank account or ATM information to make unauthorized transactions.
• Counterfeiting and forgery. These charges may include evidence like fake or altered documents, signatures, identification cards, or checks for financial gain.
• Embezzlement. Embezzlement crimes commonly occur in government, corporate, or nonprofit settings, involving the misuse of funds that are entrusted to the offender’s care.
• Insurance fraud. This can involve filing exaggerated or completely false claims to try to obtain a payout.

Other white-collar crimes we can help defend against include wire fraud, mail fraud, identity theft, and tax fraud. As white-collar crimes heavily rely on digital evidence or paper trails, law enforcement could be watching the case for months before making an arrest. By contacting a North Port white-collar crime attorney early on, even if you suspect that you’re under investigation, you can build up a proactive defense and ensure your rights are respected.

Federal White-Collar Crime Charges

Many white-collar crime charges could fall under federal jurisdiction, particularly in cases where Medicare/Medicaid, government agencies, or banks are involved. Any fraudulent transaction that involves crossing state lines or even the use of the internet could be escalated to the federal level.

Investigations for federal white-collar crime charges could involve the FBI white-collar crime division, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Postal Inspection Service (for mail fraud), and the U.S. Secret Service. Prosecution for such crimes at the state level takes place at the Sarasota County Courthouse. For federal cases, it passes through the Middle District of Florida U.S. District Court.

FAQs About White Collar Crime Law in North Port,FL

Why Should I Hire a White-Collar Crime Lawyer?

If you have been charged or believe that you are under investigation for a white-collar crime in Florida, these cases are complex and involve the intricate review of procedural errors, timelines, and financial data. A white-collar crime attorney can help you leverage key defense tactics such as mistaken identity, lack of intent to defraud, a breach of due process, and questioning the accuracy of digital evidence.

What Should I Do If I’m Being Investigated for Fraud?

If you are being investigated for fraud, it is important not to speak to any investigator without having adequate legal representation. This is because any statements you make can potentially be used against you in a court of law. Get in contact with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and interests.

Will I Go to Jail for a White-Collar Crime in Florida?

Whether you will go to jail for a white-collar crime in Florida is dependent on various factors, including the amount of money involved in the alleged offense, your criminal history, and the nature of the charges. The crimes that are less serious could be eligible for probation or diversion programs, but felony level offenses may likely lead to serious white-collar crime penalties, such as prison time.

Can White-Collar Charges Be Dropped or Reduced?

Yes, it is possible to get white-collar crime charges dropped or reduced by working with an experienced legal representative. They can bring to light any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case or consider options, such as cooperation, that help get charges reduced or even dismissed. A white-collar crime conviction generally cannot be expunged, so it is crucial to fight your charges aggressively.

Contact a North Port White-Collar Crime Attorney Today

It can be isolating and frightening to face charges for financial crimes. We are here to make sure you do not have to face the situation alone. Contact Ruhl Law, P.A. for a free case evaluation. We are ready to fight for you.