Sandefer Law Firm - Consumer Fraud Defense Attorney

Larry Sandefer - Consumer Fraud Crimes Defense Lawyer
Serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay and the State of Florida

Consumer Fraud Crimes & White Collar Crimes

White collar crime has been defined as "a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation"

White collar crime, therefore, overlaps with corporate crime because the opportunity for fraud, bribery, insider trading, embezzlement, computer crime, copyright infringement, money laundering, identity theft, and forgery are more available to so-called white collar employees.

While other types of crime are often blamed on psychological, sociatal, and upbringing factors, white collar criminals are often considered opportunists, who over time learn they can take advantage of their circumstances to accumulate financial gain. Law enforcement views these types of crimes as being committed by educated, intelligent, often affluent, confident individuals, who were qualified enough to get a job which allows them the unmonitored access to often large sums of money.

These types of crimes often include grand theft, schemes to defraud, consumer fraud, insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, and embezzlement among other crimes. Organized crime, also referred to as RICO, is included in this category. Check fraud or check kiting is also considered a business crime.

Larry Sandefer, throughout his career, has handled cases of this type. These have included charges alleging fraud in major construction projects, fraud on the elderly, contractor fraud, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, RICO charges, as well as many other types of white-collar crime.

Not only the value of items allegedly taken but also the items themselves can affect the degree of crime charged and the potential consequences. White-collar crimes, thefts, frauds, and computer crimes can carry penalties from a third-degree felony to a first-degree felony punishable up to life in prison.

It is important to consult with and retain an experienced attorney early in any investigation by law enforcement. Intervention by an experienced attorney often can be of benefit in preventing charges, minimizing charges, and assisting with media attention, as well as assisting in preparing a defense or beneficial approach to any pending or potential charges.