Last updated March 2026
Defending State and Federal Financial Crime Charges in South Florida
If you are accused of fraud, embezzlement, racketeering, or any other financial offense, early legal intervention is critical. Economic crime investigations move quickly, often involve multiple agencies, and can escalate from audit or subpoena to indictment with little warning — particularly when federal prosecutors become involved.
At Michael White, P.A., we defend individuals, executives, and businesses facing economic crime investigations and charges in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach County, and federal court throughout South Florida.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 to schedule a confidential consultation.
What Are Economic Crimes?
Economic crimes are non-violent offenses committed for financial gain. These cases are typically document-heavy, evidence-intensive, and aggressively prosecuted — especially when banks, government funds, or interstate transactions are involved.
While often described as white-collar crimes, “economic crimes” is the broader category encompassing financial, enterprise-based, and business-related prosecutions under both Florida and federal law.
Common allegations include:
Fraud (bank, wire, mail, insurance, mortgage, tax)
Embezzlement and misappropriation of funds
Racketeering (RICO)
Money laundering
Federal tax crimes
Healthcare and government program fraud
PPP and SBA loan investigations
Securities and corporate fraud
Public corruption and bribery
These cases frequently involve forensic accounting, digital evidence, subpoenas, and multi-agency coordination.
Major Categories of Economic Crime Defense
Rather than treating financial cases as one-size-fits-all, our firm focuses on the distinct legal frameworks that govern different types of prosecutions.
💼 White Collar Crime Defense
White collar prosecutions involve fraud-based or financial misconduct allegations often handled in federal court. These cases hinge on intent, financial interpretation, and loss calculations.
👉 Learn more about Florida White Collar Crime Charges.
💰 Money Laundering Charges
Money laundering cases focus on financial transactions alleged to conceal unlawful proceeds and frequently involve asset forfeiture.
👉 Explore Money Laundering Charges in Florida.
🧩 Racketeering (RICO) Defense
Racketeering cases aggregate multiple alleged acts into a single enterprise-based prosecution, dramatically increasing exposure and leverage.
👉 Learn more about Racketeering (RICO) Defense in Florida.
Each category involves different statutes, defenses, and procedural risks.
State vs. Federal Economic Crime Charges
Economic crimes may be prosecuted in Florida state court or federal court, depending on how the alleged conduct occurred and who was affected.
State cases are handled by local law enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office. Federal cases are investigated by agencies such as:
FBI
IRS Criminal Investigation
U.S. Secret Service
Department of Justice
Federal jurisdiction often applies when allegations involve:
Interstate transactions
Federally insured institutions
Government funds (PPP, Medicare, SBA)
Large alleged financial losses
Federal prosecutions typically carry higher sentencing exposure, mandatory restitution, and asset forfeiture risks.
👉 Learn more about the differences between state and federal criminal charges in Florida.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences
Economic crime convictions can result in:
Felony records
Multi-year or multi-decade prison sentences
Restitution orders
Heavy fines
Asset forfeiture
Professional license suspension or revocation
Long-term reputational damage
In many cases, the collateral consequences begin before charges are even filed.
Our Defense Approach
Economic crime cases are rarely resolved by waiting. Early intervention allows us to:
Analyze financial records before formal charges
Respond strategically to subpoenas or target letters
Challenge overbroad search warrants
Dispute loss calculations and financial assumptions
Negotiate pre-indictment or pre-filing resolutions
Prepare aggressively for trial when necessary
These cases are built on financial narratives. Our strategy focuses on dismantling those narratives before they solidify.
Speak With an Economic Crimes Defense Lawyer
Michael White is a former prosecutor who understands how complex financial crime cases are charged, structured, and negotiated. We provide discreet, strategic representation for individuals and businesses facing serious economic crime exposure.
📍 Serving Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach County, and federal courts in South Florida.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 to schedule a confidential consultation.