Last updated November 2025
Defending State and Federal Financial Crime Charges in South Florida
f you are accused of fraud, embezzlement, or a federal financial crime, you need an experienced economic crimes lawyer in South Florida. White-collar investigations move quickly, involve multiple agencies, and often carry severe penalties. Don’t face complex financial allegations without a strategic advocate.
At Michael White, P.A., we defend individuals and businesses facing economic crime allegations in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach County, and federal court. Whether you’re being investigated or have already been charged, we act immediately to protect your rights, reputation, and future.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule your free consultation.
⚖️ What Are Economic Crimes in Florida and Federal Court?
Economic crimes (also called white-collar crimes) refer to non-violent offenses committed for financial gain. They’re often complex, paper-heavy, and aggressively prosecuted—especially when federal agencies like the FBI, IRS, or DOJ are involved.
Common charges include:
- Fraud (bank, mail, wire, insurance, mortgage, tax)
- Embezzlement
- Racketeering / RICO violations
- Identity theft or credit card fraud
- Money laundering
- Healthcare fraud
- PPP loan fraud / SBA violations
- Bribery and public corruption
- Corporate and securities fraud
- Forgery and check fraud
🧑⚖️ State vs. Federal Economic Crime Charges
We defend clients in both Florida state courts and federal courts. The key differences:
| State Charges | Federal Charges | |
|---|---|---|
| Investigated by | Local police or state agencies | FBI, IRS, DOJ, U.S. Secret Service |
| Prosecuted by | State Attorney’s Office | U.S. Attorney’s Office |
| Typical penalties | Jail, probation, fines | Lengthy prison sentences, heavy restitution |
| Common triggers | Theft, local fraud, business disputes | Cross-state schemes, bank fraud, Medicare/PPP fraud |
👉 Learn how federal crimes differ from state crimes in Florida
💼 Types of Cases We Defend
We represent clients charged with or under investigation for:
- PPP loan fraud and COVID-related financial misconduct
- Federal wire fraud and mail fraud
- Racketeering and RICO prosecutions
👉 Can racketeering charges be dropped in Florida? - Money laundering (state and federal)
👉 How a defense lawyer helps with money laundering charges in Florida - Tax fraud, bank fraud, and real estate fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid billing fraud
- Identity theft, credit card fraud, and check forgery
📉 What Are the Penalties for Economic Crimes?
Penalties vary based on the amount of financial loss, whether you’re charged in state or federal court, and your criminal history.
- Restitution in the tens or hundreds of thousands
- Felony convictions with lengthy prison terms
- Federal sentencing guidelines for white-collar crimes
- Asset seizure / forfeiture
- Loss of licenses, certifications, or professional status
🛡️ How We Defend Economic Crime Charges
Economic crime cases often involve:
- Complex investigations
- Forensic accounting
- Grand jury subpoenas
- Multi-agency investigations
We take a proactive, detail-oriented approach:
- Challenge the intent or knowledge element
- Push back on the paper trail and data interpretation
- Negotiate pre-trial diversion, non-criminal resolutions, or plea reductions
- Fight aggressively at trial if the State or Feds overreach
👉 Read how early legal intervention can change the course of your case
❓ Economic Crime FAQs – Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
What’s the difference between fraud and theft in Florida?
A: Theft (§ 812.014) is the unlawful taking of another’s property. Fraud involves intentional deception for financial gain and is prosecuted under statutes such as § 817.034 (fraudulent practices). Many cases overlap, and both can lead to felony charges.
Can I go to federal prison for a white-collar crime?
A: Yes. Federal financial crimes (mail/wire fraud, money laundering, tax fraud) often carry 5–20+ years in prison. Sentences are guided by federal sentencing guidelines, which factor in loss amount, number of victims, and your role. Mandatory restitution and asset forfeiture are also common.
How can I avoid a criminal conviction for fraud?
A: First-time offenders may qualify for pre-trial intervention (PTI), diversion programs, or reduced charges. Strong negotiation and proactive defense—before charges are filed—can sometimes avoid a conviction altogether.
What is RICO and how is it used in Florida?
A: RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) targets patterns of organized crime. Under Florida’s RICO statute (§ 895.02) and federal law, you can be charged even if you didn’t personally commit every underlying act, as long as prosecutors allege participation in a criminal enterprise.
How can a lawyer help with a money laundering charge?
A: A defense attorney can challenge whether the transactions meet the legal definition under § 896.101, argue lack of intent to conceal, and scrutinize the source-of-funds narrative. Many cases turn on forensic accounting and financial record interpretation.
What should I do if I receive a federal subpoena or target letter?
A: Contact a lawyer immediately. Do not speak to investigators or produce documents without legal counsel. An attorney can negotiate with prosecutors, protect you from self-incrimination, and sometimes resolve the matter before charges are filed.
👨⚖️ Get Experienced, Strategic White-Collar Defense Now
Attorney Michael White is a former prosecutor. He brings sharp strategy, discretion, and professionalism to every white-collar case.
We defend clients throughout:
📍 Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach County, and federal courts in South Florida
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or book your free, confidential consultation