Nationally Recognized.
Results-Oriented.

Proven Fraud And White Collar Crime Defense

Last updated on February 24, 2026

Non-violent acts involving deception, typically known as white collar crimes, are commonly committed by a public official or person of business. It’s the profile of these regular offenders that helped coin the term “white collar,” as opposed to blue collar. Signs of a white collar crime normally involve a trail of evidence known as a “paper trail” that investigators use for prosecution of the case. These include bank statements and other forms of documentation. If you’ve been accused of one of the following crimes, contact the Tallahassee white collar crime lawyers at Jansen & Davis, P.A.

What Are White Collar Crimes?

White collar crimes are nonviolent, financially motivated offenses that involve deceit, fraud or abuse of trust. These crimes occur in professional or business settings and can be prosecuted at the state and federal levels. Common types of white collar crimes include:.

There are many different types of white collar crimes we can assist you with, including:

Bribery – occurs when someone gives or takes a bribe
Embezzlement – the taking of someone’s property by a person with whom it is entrusted
Extortion – also known as blackmail
Fraud – involved with intentional deception, usually financially motivated
Larceny – involves taking someone’s property without paying for or returning it
Price fixing – a violation of free market policies wherein two parties agree to set a price for a certain product or service for the purposes of mutual gain
Racketeering – the extortion of money by force or a pattern of criminal activity committed to further interests of a criminal syndicate

Due to their complexity, these cases involve detailed financial records, digital evidence and lengthy investigations. Working with a knowledgeable white collar crime lawyer in Tallahassee is essential to help ensure the proper handling of evidence and to protect the accused’s rights at every stage of the case.

What Makes Jansen & Davis, P.A., Qualified To Handle White Collar Crime Cases?

Founded in 1994, Jansen & Davis, P.A., has built a strong reputation for defending clients in high-stakes criminal cases across Florida. Lead attorney Timothy Jansen and the firm’s team bring over 70 years of combined experience to every case. Our qualifications include:

Aggressive defense strategies designed to counter complex prosecution tactics
High-profile case experience involving government and corporate investigations
Federal and state court expertise for trial and appellate representation
Over 25,000 cases handled, demonstrating depth and consistency in results

When you work with a Florida white collar crime lawyer from our firm, you receive strategic representation backed by decades of proven success and a https://www.jansenlawoffice.com/commitment to protecting your reputation and freedom.

What Is Embezzlement, And How Is It Prosecuted?

Embezzlement is when someone entrusted with managing another’s money or assets unlawfully takes or misuses those resources for personal gain. This offense occurs in corporate, banking, or government settings and prosecution depends on the amount involved and the evidence of intent.

Florida law distinguishes embezzlement offenses by value:

Under $750: Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000.
$750 to $20,000: Third-degree felony, up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
$20,000 to $100,000: Second-degree felony, up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Over $100,000: First-degree felony, up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Because embezzlement often involves extensive paper trails, embezzlement defense attorneys assist in reviewing records, challenging allegations of intent and uncovering accounting or procedural errors that may weaken the prosecution’s case.

What Are The Penalties For White Collar Crimes In Florida?

Florida imposes severe penalties for white collar offenses, especially when the crimes involve significant financial loss, vulnerable victims or organized schemes. The consequences may include:

Fines: Up to $10,000 for state charges and up to $250,000 or more for federal convictions.
Restitution: Mandatory repayment to victims, often accompanied by forfeiture of assets.
Probation or imprisonment: Sentences range from one year for misdemeanors to 30 years for first-degree felonies.
Professional repercussions: Revocation of licenses, permanent criminal records and damaged business reputations.
Enhanced charges: Under Florida’s White Collar Crime Victim Protection Act, those convicted of engaging in an aggravated white collar crime can face up to 30 years in prison and mandatory restitution for all victims involved.
Federal sentencing enhancements: When the offense involves multiple victims, public institutions or large-scale financial losses, federal courts may apply sentencing enhancements that increase prison terms and fines under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

These penalties reflect the serious nature of such offenses and underscore the importance of retaining an experienced white collar crime attorney in Tallahassee who understands the legal and financial aspects of defense.

What Defense Strategies Can Help In White Collar Crime Cases?

Each white collar case presents unique circumstances that demand tailored defense strategies. At Jansen & Davis, P.A., we focus on building strong, evidence-based defenses that protect our clients’ interests. Common defense strategies include:

Lack of intent: Demonstrating that the accused did not knowingly or willfully commit fraud or theft.
Insufficient evidence: Challenging the accuracy of financial records or investigative findings.
Authorization or consent: Showing that actions taken were within approved or lawful authority.
Procedural violations: Exposing unlawful searches, seized communications or due process errors.

These defenses can help reduce or dismiss charges when effectively presented by a skilled Florida criminal defense lawyer who understands state and federal court processes.

Why Is Early Legal Representation Critical In White Collar Crime Cases?

White collar crime investigations begin quietly, long before an arrest or indictment occurs. Law enforcement agencies collect documents, review financial records and may even question witnesses months in advance.

Hiring a white collar crime lawyer in Tallahassee early in the process provides critical protection against self-incrimination and helps preserve key evidence. Early legal intervention allows for:

Reviewing subpoenas or warrants to prevent improper disclosure
Negotiating with investigators before formal charges are filed
Preparing a proactive defense that challenges the foundation of the case
Protecting your professional and financial interests from unnecessary exposure

Prompt representation from us helps ensure your rights are protected from the start. With extensive experience in state and federal white collar defense, we work swiftly to minimize risks and secure the strongest possible outcome for every client.

Theft, Regulatory Offenses, And Public Administration Crimes In Florida

White collar crimes can be further broken down into three typologies: theft crimes, crimes against public administration, and regulatory offenses. White collar crime is considered a form of theft when it involves things like embezzlement, which is stealing a business’ money for one’s own purposes.

White collar crime can be a regulatory offense, say, when a broker violates a securities law that results in investors losing money, such as unfair trade practices. White collar crime can also be a crime against public administration when they fall under the umbrella of perjury or offering bribes.

If you’ve been charged with a white collar crime in Florida, contact the Tallahassee criminal defense lawyers at Jansen & Davis, P.A. for a free consultation. Call 850-641-8739 to speak to a member of our team.