White Collar Crimes in Pasco County
For white collar crimes that arise in Pasco County, the crime might be prosecuted at the state or federal level. At the State Attorney’s Office for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pasco County, white collar crimes are often classified as “economic crimes.”
The most common examples of white collar crimes prosecuted in Pasco County, FL, include:
- Computer crimes;
- Cyber crimes;
- Grand Theft
- Embezzlement
- Exploitation of the elderly;
- Forgery
- Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards
- Internet crimes;
- Insurance Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Money Laundering
- Mortgage fraud
- Scheme to defraud
- Unemployment Compensation Fraud
- Unlicensed contracting.
Detectives in the Economic Crimes Unit of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office investigate a wide range of white collar crimes. In Pasco County, economic crimes are rising in number and complexity and often cause the loss of thousands of dollars to victims.
When the crimes cover numerous counties in Florida, the State Attorney General’s office is often involved in the prosecution.
At the federal level, economic crimes are investigated by agents with the Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspector, FBI, ATF, and the State Fire Marshal.
Attorney for White Collar Crimes in Pasco County, FL
If you were accused of committing any type of economic crime, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for Pasco County, FL, at Sammis Law Firm.
We understand the requirements of Section 775.0844, F.S., the White Collar Crime Victims Protection Act. This article explains the way aggravated white collar crimes are prosecuted at the courthouse in Dade City and New Port Richey, FL.
We can help you fight the charges at the earliest stages of the case. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss the allegations being made against you and the best ways to fight the case.
Call 813-250-0500.
White Collar Crime Victims Protection Act
Under Section 775.0844(5), F.S., of the White Collar Crime Victims Protection Act, a white collar crime is enhanced to an aggravated white collar crime when the crime results in attaining or attempting to obtain $50,000 or more from:
- 10 or more elderly persons;
- 20 or more persons; or
- The state, a state agency, a political subdivision of the state, or an agency of a political subdivision of the state.
The term “white collar crime” as used in the act is defined to include:
- The commission of, or a conspiracy to commit, a felony offense included in various chapter laws related to fraud, theft, financial crime, abuse, and neglect;
- A felony offense that is committed with intent to defraud or that involves a conspiracy to defraud;
- A felony offense committed with intent to temporarily or permanently deprive a person of property or a conspiracy to do so; or
- A felony offense involving or resulting in the commission of fraud or deceit on a person or a conspiracy to do so.
The chapter laws referenced in the Act include:
- Chapter 560 (Money Transmitters’ Code);
- Chapter 812 (theft, robbery, and related crimes);
- Chapter 815 (computer-related crimes);
- Chapter 817 (fraudulent practices);
- Chapter 825 (abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elderly persons and disabled adults);
- Chapter 831 (forgery and counterfeiting);
- Chapter 832 (issuance of worthless checks and drafts); 838 (bribery and misuse of public office);
- Chapter 839 (offenses by public officers and employees; 895 (offenses concerning racketeering and illegal debts); and
- Chapter 896 (offenses related to financial transactions).
- Crimes listed in these chapter laws are classified at various levels based on the offense, ranging from first degree misdemeanors to first degree felonies.
Penalties for Aggravated White Collar Crimes in Florida
An aggravated white collar crime is punishable as a first degree felony, which carries up to 5 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine, and is ranked within the offense severity ranking chart at offense severity level 9.
A person convicted of an aggravated white collar crime may be required to pay an additional fine of up to the greater of a $500,000 fine or double the value of the pecuniary gain or loss; all court costs; and restitution to each victim, payable as a condition of probation.
Additional Resources
Detectives with the Economic Crimes Unit of PSO – Visit the website of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office to learn more about the investigations conducted by Detectives with the Economic Crimes Unit of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.
This article was last updated on Friday, November 29, 2019.
