White Collar Crimes

Defending your rights against white-collar crime accusations
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White Collar Crime Attorney In Brevard County, Florida

What Are White-Collar Crimes?

White-collar crimes are typically committed by business executives, public officials, or anyone else who is in a position of power. These types of crimes are financially-motivated and non-violent, as the goal is to gain a financial or business advantage. People charged with white-collar crimes can receive significant penalties and are punishable by both state and federal law. If you or a loved one have been charged with white-collar crime, seek a white-collar crime attorney immediately.


At Chang & Pyles, we work closely with clients to ensure we understand their situation. Then, we create a strong defense to be used in court so we can attempt to lower or eliminate the charges against them. The legal system in Brevard County can be intimidating, and many are unsuccessful in defending themselves without help. These types of criminal activities are serious, and if you’ve been charged, your goal should be to have legal representation to fight for your rights.

Contact Chang & Pyles to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today. 321-450-7740

The Different Forms of White-Collar Crime

White-collar crimes are intended to give someone a financial, personal, or business-related gain through illegal means. Most crimes of this nature are related to theft or fraud. In Florida, there are many different types of white-collar crimes people can be charged with, including:


  • False Impersonation. This occurs when someone pretends to be someone else or pretends to have authority that they don’t actually have. This is very similar to identity theft, which is done to steal money or property. People committing this type of crime do everything they can to appear like the person they’re impersonating, even going as far as to steal their social security number, credit cards, and more.
  • Embezzlement. Arguably the most common white-collar crime Floridians are charged with, embezzlement means someone stole property or money that was entrusted to them by their employer. For example, embezzlement occurs when someone takes customer checks intended for the company and deposits them into their own bank account instead.
  • Insurance Fraud. This occurs when someone willingly submits inaccurate or false information to an insurance company in an attempt to defraud them. Should someone lie intentionally on an insurance application to be eligible for benefits, this can result in the accused facing strict penalties.
  • Mortgage Fraud. If someone misrepresents information on a mortgage application, this is known as mortgage fraud. This also occurs if someone tries to apply with false information related to their employment or income.
  • Credit Card Fraud. Anyone who acquires money or goods through the use of a stolen credit or debit card is committing fraud, and this can lead to strict penalties depending on how much was stolen.
  • Receiving Stolen Property. This occurs when someone knowingly acquires property that was taken via embezzlement or theft. If the person receiving the property knows it was stolen at the time they received it, they can be charged with this form of white-collar crime.
  • Extortion. This type of crime involves stealing money through threats of violence. While violence doesn’t actually occur in this type of crime, the threat of it is there, and it is typically done by people in power. For example, if a business executive threatens violence against an employee if they don’t accept a bribe, this can be labeled as extortion.


These crimes differ from other violent crimes in that they are done more discreetly and are done to gain property or money. However, these crimes can result in severe penalties despite being non-violent.

The Penalties for White-Collar Crimes

No white-collar crime case is the same, and each comes with its own punishments. If you steal a minor amount of money through embezzlement, you may only receive a misdemeanor and be forced to pay a fine. However, if you commit mortgage fraud, you may be charged with a felony.


White-collar crimes are punishable in the following ways:


  • Second-degree misdemeanor. Punishable with a fine of up to $500 and up to sixty days in jail.
  • First-degree misdemeanor. The fine increases to $1,000 at most and up to a full year in jail.
  • Third-degree felony. The lowest type of felony charge—you may be forced to spend up to five years in jail and pay up to $5,000 in fines.
  • Second-degree felony. Your fines will increase to $10,000 at most while jail time increases to 15 years maximum.
  • First-degree felony. The most severe punishment there is—you could be required to spend $10,000 in fines and up to 30 years in jail.


Florida takes white-collar crimes very seriously, and the punishments can completely alter your future. For these reasons, it’s essential to hire a knowledgeable attorney who can help you lessen your charges or prove your innocence.


Why Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Many Floridians struggle to comprehend all of the details of the state’s legal system, and this results in them being unable to mitigate or eliminate their charges. If someone is accused of white-collar crime and receives a first-degree felony charge, this can be detrimental to the accused, especially if they’re innocent. If you’re charged with any white-collar crime, it’s crucial to talk to a criminal defense attorney immediately.


An attorney’s job will be to listen carefully to your case and determine how to proceed. Give them every detail you know about the situation, and be as clear as possible if your attorney asks a question. In doing so, an attorney can use a wide range of defenses to protect your rights and potentially drop your case.


For example, if you were coerced to commit the crime to avoid physical harm to yourself or a loved one, this can be used as a defense to have your charges dropped. Similarly, if you were intoxicated and committed the crime without fully understanding what you were doing, this may help reduce your charges.


It can seem daunting to sit in front of a judge and prosecution team who are ready to offer the highest punishment possible, but this doesn’t have to be the case. With a strong and knowledgeable attorney by your side, they can fight for you and achieve results you’ll be satisfied with. You may feel intimidated by prosecutors, but an attorney can fight back and defend your actions.

White Collar Crimes FAQs

  • What Qualifies as White-Collar Crime?

    White-collar crime consists of any non-violent crime that is used for financial or personal gain. For example, if you steal company checks and place them into your own bank account, this is considered a white-collar crime. These crimes are punishable with hefty fines and lengthy jail time, so be sure to speak with an attorney should you be faced with these charges.

  • What Is the Most Common Form of White-Collar Crime in Florida?

    Embezzlement is the most common type of white-collar crime in Florida and potentially in the entire nation. This crime involves taking money or property entrusted to you via an employer and taking it for yourself. Depending on how much you steal, you can face felony charges for your actions. If entrusted with company funds or assets, be sure to use them as directed to avoid any legal trouble.

  • What Is the Most Common Punishment for White-Collar Crime in FL?

    In any white-collar crime case, you can expect to be punished with jail time and fines. However, the amount for each depends on the severity of the crime and how much was stolen. For example, if you make minor purchases with a stolen credit card, you may only receive a misdemeanor and be forced to spend two months in jail alongside paying $500 in fines. However, if you commit mortgage fraud, both punishments increase significantly.

  • Who Defends White-Collar Crime?

    Criminal defense attorneys, more specifically white-collar crime attorneys, can defend those who have been accused of white-collar crimes. When seeking an attorney, be sure to consider if they have experience defending clients on both state and federal levels. Your attorney should also be focused on defending you in court, not on how much money they can take from you. Our attorney at Chang Law Firm has the experience and knowledge to defend those accused of white-collar crime.

Your Brevard County White-Collar Crime Law Firm

White-collar crime can be difficult to keep track of, yet the punishments can be intense. The last situation you want to be in is going about your life as usual, only to be coerced into embezzling funds. You may feel hopeless if you become accused of a white-collar crime, and many residents in Brevard County have previously failed to combat their charges. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate a complicated and intimidating legal system alone, as Chang & Pyles can help.


We have several years of experience in providing clients in Brevard County with the knowledge they need to defend themselves and have their charges dropped or lessened. We strive to be honest and diligent with all clients, as these cases are serious and can completely change their lives. If you’ve been accused of a white-collar crime in Brevard County, we hope to assist you immediately so your rights stay protected.


To schedule a consultation, contact us today.

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