White Collar Crime

A crime that is related largely to financial matters are often called a white collar crime and is usually committed by a business person or public official. Evidence in a white collar crime usually involves a paper trail that investigators use to prosecute the case. Possible penalties for white collar crime include fines, prison sentences, and criminal forfeiture. Being charged of a white collar crime puts a person's professional or business integrity at stake, thus increasing the importance of having an experienced criminal defense attorney.

A person may be under investigation for a white collar crime and not know it because of the complex nature of the investigation. As soon as you suspect you are being investigated, it is crucial to immediately contact a experienced white collar crime defense attorney.

Omar Johansson & Associates specialize in federal white collar and RICO crimes. Omar Johansson has personally represented over 500 federal defendants and is a member of the Federal, Florida, and Texas Supreme Court Bars. With experience as a Former Florida State Prosecutor and Assistant Federal Public Defender, he has the qualifying knowledge that can lead to a successful outcome.

Call Omar Johansson at 954-745-7517 for a free consultation. It will always be personal and confidential.

Omar Johansson Can Help:

• Deal with law enforcement on your behalf
• Create an effective defense strategy
• Assist you BEFORE white collar crime charges are filed
• Make every effort to resolve your case without a trial
• Find alternatives to serving prison time, where legally possible

Because many white collar criminal defendants have had their cases damaged by something they said or did in the early stages of an investigation, a criminal defense attorney should be consulted before any meeting with law enforcement investigators, no matter how innocuous it may seem.

Types of White Collar Crime

Embezzlement - taking property by a person with whom it is entrusted.

Bribery - taking or giving a bribe.

Larceny - taking property without paying for or returning it.

Extortion - blackmail.

Fraud - includes healthcare fraud, tax, business fraud, internet fraud and Identity fraud.

Price Fixing - an agreement between two parties to set prices for a product, violating free market operations.

Racketeering - extortion of money by force or criminal activity committed to further the interests of a criminal syndicate.

Computer Fraud - using a computer to commit a crime.

Obstruction of Justice - interfering with the criminal process by impeding an investigation.

Perjury - lying while under oath in a judicial proceeding.

Securities and Commodities Law Violations - insider trading and other exchange violations.

Environmental Law Violations - violation of EPA mandated laws

For more information please see the case descriptions for white collar crimes.

Cybercrime and High-Tech crime is a subcategory of white collar crime that deserves special attention. See our special Internet crime section for current information and helpful resources.

Penalties for White Collar Crime

The penalties for white collar crimes vary widely and can be quite severe.

These may include:
A monetary fine
A prison sentence
A combination of the two

Other consequences for a felony conviction may include:
Loss of voting privileges
Loss of right to possess a firearmLoss of the right to practice your profession

Although maximum penalties are seldom imposed and most defendants receive a lesser sentence, there are certain sentencing guidelines meant to ensure that criminal sentences are uniform. Such guidelines take into account the crime for which the defendant has been convicted, and any prior criminal record of the defendant. In some cases, the court may consider factors that will allow it to depart, or impose a sentence different, from the sentence required by the guidelines. Omar Johannson will be able to advise you regarding the likely sentence in your particular case. Call 954-745-7517 for a free consultation.

If you are searched or your property is confiscated, it is vital not to give any statement to law enforcement until you speak to an qualified criminal lawyer. Florida white collar criminal defense attorney, Omar Johansson specializes in the defense of persons accused in White Collar and RICO cases. He has prosecuted and defended over 1000 cases. Call us at (954) 745-7517 immediately for a free consultation. A consultation with Omar Johansson is always personal and confidentialtoday for a confidential consultation.

Civil Consequences and Liability of White Collar Crime

In addition to criminal prosecution, white collar crime may also lead to civil lawsuits, brought either by the federal or state government, or by the victims of the offense. Any civil liability imposed as a result of these suits is in addition to, and not a substitute for, the penalties imposed in the criminal case. Unlike a criminal case, a civil case does not have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The standard for a civil case is a lower one - in most states, the courts require a civil case to be proven by a "preponderance of the evidence."

A civil action brought by the government or victims of white collar crimes might result in:

• Turning over to the government any profits made because of the crime
• Restitution or repayment to the victims of the offense
• Other damages that may be provided by law
• Asset forfeiture - anything purchased with the proceeds of the offense would be seized by the government, and sold at auction.