White collar crime is a nonviolent, money-related type of crime usually committed by business professionals or government officials who are financially motivated to find a way to gain control of assets, typically those that are not theirs to begin with. One notable Florida case involves housing developer, Lloyd Boggio, who was charged in a $34 million dollar fraud case in Miami that impacted low-income families. Rather than to face a jury of his peers, Boggio pled guilty in his case. Boggio and his co-conspirators inappropriately used U.S. tax credits and received monetary benefit from 14 different government housing developments. By taking the plea bargain, Boggio is now serving 54 months in prison rather than the possible lifetime behind bars that he could have faced after a trial.
White collar crimes may include:
- Medicaid Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Money Laundering
- Credit Card Fraud
- Insurance Fraud
- Forgery of Any Kind
- Securities Fraud or Insider Trading
- Tax Evasion
What Happens When You Commit A White Collar Crime
In the state of Florida, the penalties for white collar crime can range from a small misdemeanor charge to a high stake felony charge depending on the amount of money involved. A first-degree misdemeanor can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a year in prison, while a second-degree misdemeanor can be charged to pay a $500 fine and serve 60 days in jail. As for felonies, the prison time can range anywhere from 15 years to 30 years to life in prison with fines reaching up to $10,000. As more crimes are committed resulting in a higher financial gain, the terms become more harsh with higher punishments.
If you or a loved one have been arrested on charges related to a white collar crime, seeking out the help of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is your best option. Russell Spatz has over four decades of experience in these types of cases and is here to help. Give him a call at 305-442-0200.
References:
Kktherealdeal-Com. (2016, September 13). Former Carlisle CEO pleads guilty to $36M affordable housing fraud scheme. Retrieved from https://therealdeal.com/miami/2016/09/13/former-affordable-housing-ceo-pleads-guilty-to-36m-fraud-scheme/