White-collar crimes are usually non-violent offenses, but convictions result in severe penalties—especially on the federal level. If you’re facing fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, or another financially motivated charge, your freedom and reputation are on the line. White-collar charges are high-stakes cases that demand an experienced, strategic defense.
The Morris Firm defends professionals, business owners, public officials, and individuals against state or federal white-collar crime charges. Whether your case involves complex financial transactions, corporate records, or digital communications, we challenge the government’s case and fight to protect your rights.
Investigations move quickly. If you’ve been contacted by law enforcement or suspect you may be under investigation, don’t wait. The earlier you hire skilled legal counsel, the better your chances of minimizing or avoiding charges.
Our Pensacola-based team offers the knowledge, discretion, and experience needed to guide you through the process. Reach out today to find out how we can fight for your future.
Understanding White-Collar Crimes in Florida
White-collar crimes are non-violent, financially motivated offenses. White-collar crimes are typically committed in business, government, and financial contexts. Unlike street-level offenses, white collar evidence usually includes emails, financial records, and other documentation.
Corporate executives, accountants, attorneys, and public officials are commonly associated with these charges. However, anyone can face white collar charges. People connected to business dealings, financial institutions, or regulated industries are more likely to face charges.
State and Federal Jurisdiction
White-collar crimes may be prosecuted under state or federal law, or both. State charges often originate from agencies like the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), while federal charges may involve the FBI, IRS, SEC, or U.S. Attorney’s Office.
In many cases, an investigation begins quietly. You may learn it’s underway through a subpoena, audit, or whistleblower complaint. If you receive a grand jury summons or notice of investigation, contact a white-collar crimes lawyer immediately.
Florida’s White Collar Crime Victim Protection Act increases potential penalties when cases involve multiple victims or elderly targets. This statute allows for longer prison terms and reclassification of offenses under specific conditions.
If you are facing charges or suspect you’re under investigation, you need an experienced white-collar crimes defense team on your side. The Morris Firm can help you understand your rights and build a strong defense from the outset.
Types of White-Collar Crimes We Handle
The Morris Firm defends people facing white-collar charges in state or federal court. Our team is ready to challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s case, from investigative methods to evidentiary foundations. Here are some of the most common charges we handle:
Fraud
Fraud is criminal deception used for financial gain. There are many types of fraud, including:
- Bank fraud: Bank fraud involves any scheme to defraud a financial institution or obtain funds through false representations. This federal offense is often charged alongside wire fraud or conspiracy. Convictions carry penalties of up to 30 years in prison per count and substantial fines.
- Insurance fraud: Insurance fraud includes submitting false claims, inflating damages, or misrepresenting facts to receive a policy benefit. These charges are common in personal injury, property damage, and health insurance contexts. Florida penalties range from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies, depending on the dollar amount and number of acts involved.
- Tax fraud: Federal tax fraud covers a broad range of offenses. This includes failure to file, underreporting income, and false deductions. These charges often begin with an IRS audit. If evidence of fraud is found, the audit may escalate into criminal proceedings. Convictions often lead to imprisonment, fines, and asset seizure.
- Wire fraud: Wire fraud includes schemes involving electronic communications like email, text messages, or internet-based platforms. Because the statute is so broad, it’s frequently used in federal indictments with multiple counts. Each communication can represent a separate charge.
- Mail fraud: Mail fraud applies to schemes involving the U.S. Postal Service or private carriers like FedEx or UPS. Like wire fraud, it’s often coupled with conspiracy charges. Each use of the mail service tied to the scheme can trigger its own count.
The Morris Firm challenges the evidence and the prosecution’s narrative, including whether you had the criminal intent necessary for conviction.
Embezzlement and Misappropriation of Funds
Embezzlement is the unauthorized use or theft of funds that were lawfully entrusted to someone. It is common in roles with access to organizational finances—such as bookkeepers, treasurers, and public officials. Both the federal and Florida governments have embezzlement statutes.
Common embezzlement accusations we defend include:
- Skimming cash from business accounts
- Falsifying accounting records or expense reports
- Personal use of corporate credit cards
- Redirecting nonprofit or campaign contributions
We work with forensic accountants and financial experts to analyze financial records and build a strong defense.
Money Laundering
Money laundering involves financial transactions designed to conceal the source of illegal proceeds. These charges often accompany fraud, drug trafficking, or RICO allegations. Prosecutors aim to prove that the defendant knowingly conducted financial transactions to disguise illicit funds. The federal and Florida governments both have their own money laundering statutes.
Our attorneys challenge procedural missteps and question the chain of financial evidence.
Asset Forfeiture
Government agencies may attempt to seize assets like cash, bank accounts, vehicles, and property through criminal or civil forfeiture. Civil forfeiture can proceed even without a conviction, which puts your assets at risk.
If you’ve been charged with one of these white-collar crimes or are not sure whether we can defend your case, reach out to The Morris Firm today for a consultation.
Federal White-Collar Investigations and Charges
Federal white-collar cases often begin quietly, and the legal process looks different than state-level prosecutions. Agencies often conduct months-long investigations before formal charges are filed. Each federal agency has its own focus and legal tools:
- The FBI investigates financial crimes involving fraud, embezzlement, bribery, or public corruption.
- The IRS CID targets tax evasion, unreported income, and illegal financial transactions.
- The SEC investigates violations of securities laws, including insider trading and accounting fraud. The SEC may pursue civil penalties or refer cases to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution.
Instead of local law enforcement making arrests and state prosecutors filing charges, federal charges typically use a grand jury. A federal grand jury is a panel of citizens that reviews evidence and determines whether probable cause exists to charge someone with a crime.
Prosecutors often use grand juries to issue subpoenas for testimony or documents. You may receive a target letter indicating you’re under investigation. Note that if you’re not charged yet, your words or documents can become evidence.
Many cases are resolved or significantly narrowed before charges are filed—which is why early legal intervention is so important.
Qualified legal counsel can:
- Negotiate the scope of subpoenas
- Advise you on whether to testify
- Challenge improper or overly broad requests
- Present mitigating information to prosecutors
The Morris Firm helps clients respond strategically to grand jury subpoenas and federal investigations. To find out how we can help, call (850) 503-2626.
Legal Defense Strategies for White-Collar Charges
White-collar cases often involve thousands of pages of financial documents, emails, contracts, and business records.
A skilled white-collar defense lawyer can:
- Conduct a forensic financial review to track transactions and test the government’s assumptions
- Scrutinize emails, contracts, and bank records for context, inconsistencies, or exculpatory evidence
- Identify overreach in subpoenas or search warrants, challenging improperly obtained material
Searches and seizures must follow strict constitutional guidelines. If the government violates these, the court may exclude critical evidence.
Every case is different, which is why The Morris Firm tailors each defense strategy to your specific circumstances. Depending on the facts, defenses may include:
- Lack of intent: Many white-collar crimes require proof of knowing wrongdoing. Honest mistakes are not criminal.
- Entrapment or coercion: If law enforcement encouraged you to commit the crime, the charges may be invalid.
- Mistake of fact: Misunderstandings in complex transactions can negate your criminal liability.
- Misapplication of financial rules: Accounting, tax, or securities regulations may be open to interpretation.
- Involuntary statements: Statements made under pressure and without proper warnings may be inadmissible.
Early legal involvement allows us to develop a solid strategy before charges are filed or the prosecution offers a plea.
Why Choose The Morris Firm for Your White-Collar Crime Defense?
When your career, reputation, and freedom are on the line, you need a defense attorney who knows how to fight and win. Lead attorney Brandon Morris has handled more than 4,000 criminal cases and built a strong record of success in complex, high-stakes matters—including white-collar charges. As a lifelong Pensacola resident with extensive trial experience, Brandon Morris understands both the local courts and the federal system. He uses proven defense strategies to challenge every element of the government’s case and push back against aggressive prosecution.
Our clients benefit from our affordable, experienced, and relentless representation. We’re available 24/7 to answer questions, review evidence, and support you through every stage of the process. When you’re facing a state charge or federal indictment, you can count on us to fight for your rights.
Call (850) 503-2626 to speak with a white-collar defense lawyer in Pensacola today.
Call a Pensacola White-Collar Crimes Lawyer Today
White collar criminal charges can destroy careers, finances, and reputations. Whether you are under investigation or already charged, we can provide a strategic, informed defense.
The Morris Firm serves clients facing state and federal white-collar crime allegations. We understand the stakes—and we know how to fight back. Contact us now for a confidential consultation with a white collar defense lawyer.
