White collar crime is a broad description of generally nonviolent financial or business offenses. It is not a separate criminal charge, and a person’s job title or income does not decide whether a crime occurred.
Examples
The FBI includes public corruption, health care fraud, mortgage fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering among white collar matters. Depending on the facts, investigations may also concern embezzlement, bribery, identity theft, forgery, or tax offenses. Each has its own legal elements. A contract dispute, accounting mistake, or business loss is not automatically criminal fraud.
State and federal proceedings
Florida and federal agencies may investigate different statutes and may pursue criminal charges, civil actions, or regulatory remedies. The SEC’s enforcement division conducts civil investigations and actions concerning possible securities violations; criminal prosecution is a separate process. Penalties can include fines, restitution, supervision, or imprisonment if the applicable law and facts support them.
Asset forfeiture can be sought through specific civil, criminal, or administrative processes; property is not automatically forfeited simply because a person is accused. Preserve relevant records and seek advice before responding to an investigation. Roy J. Kahn, P.A. handles Miami white collar criminal defense matters. No result is guaranteed.
This is general information, not legal advice.
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