Two Arrested For Aggravated White Collar Crimes In Florida

Polk County, FL detectives arrested a man and a woman hailing from Indiana as part of a bust that dates back to 2003 and involves multiple interstate white collar crimes. According to an April 19, 2018 report from Tampa’s ABC Action News WFTS, the pair had assumed the identities of individuals who later tipped off police when reporting that their personal information had been stolen. The charges against the duo include forgery, fraud, and making false statements, and a count for Aggravated White Collar Crime. While the term may bring to mind use of a weapon in commission of a violent crime, this offense is a serious felony for other reasons. If you are facing charges for Aggravated White Collar Crime in Florida, it is critical to retain an attorney that has specific experience in these types of cases.

What is an Aggravated White Collar Crime?

The general definition of white collar crime is any activity that involves some sort of fraud or deceit upon a person, with the intent to deprive him or her of money, property, or something of value. The aggravated version of this offense occurs when:

• An individual engages in two or more white collar crimes;
• These offenses relate to the same victims, purposes, accomplices, end results, or methodologies, or are otherwise related; and,
• There is a larger scheme of fraudulent activity, as opposed to an isolated event.

 Is Aggravated White Collar Crime a Felony?

In Florida, this offense is a First Degree Felony where:

• There are 20 or more victims, which could be human beings, corporations, partnerships, probate estates, or other entities that have legal status;
• There are 10 or more victims that are aged 60 years or older, who are suffering from physical or mental impairment; or,
• The State of Florida or a state agency is the subject of the crime.

The value of the money or other property is also a consideration, so the charges only apply when the Aggravated White Collar crime totals $50,000 or more.

How does Florida Punish Those Convicted of Aggravated White Collar Crimes?

As a First Degree Felony with an Offense Severity Level 9, a court may issue a sentence of:

• Incarceration up to 30 years;
• Up to 30 years on probation; and,
• A maximum fine of $10,000, plus court costs.

In addition, a judge may order restitution in an Aggravated White Collar crimes case. This means you must pay back each and every victim who was harmed by the fraud, forgery, false statements, or related criminal activity. Restitution is based upon your ability to pay the victims back, and a court will conduct a separate hearing on the matter.

Discuss White Collar Crimes with a Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer

You can expect harsh sentencing if convicted on any crime preceded by the word “aggravated,” so you will need experienced legal counsel to represent your interests. If you have questions or would like to know more about white collar crimes in Florida, please contact the Fort Lauderdale office of criminal defense attorney Kevin J. Kulik. We can a confidential consultation to discuss your options.

Resource:

abcactionnews.com/news/region-polk/fugitives-on-the-run-since-2003-arrested-in-polk-county