Recent Blog Posts

Real estate fraud is a persistent problem in Florida and especially in Tampa Bay’s real estate market. Local law enforcement and the FBI report over $6.2 million in losses in 2021 due to real estate fraud in the overall Tampa market – and say that dollar figure is on the conservative end. An explosion of […]

“White collar crime” is a term used to describe crimes that are mainly financial in nature, usually involving some type of fraud. Some white collar crimes also involve a person’s involvement in some broader scheme with intent to deceive or defraud others. State and local law enforcement officers, along with federal agents are always on […]

What is racketeering and RICO? The “Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act” (known everywhere as RICO) was designed originally as a tool to prosecute and punish those involved in organized crime. RICO was passed into law in 1970 as a response to Congressional hearings and widespread attention on mafia activities. Since that time, RICO has […]

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, one of your first questions will be: what comes next? This is one of the most stressful, upsetting, and uncertain challenges a person can face in their lives. A defendant wants their day in court and wants to prove their innocence as soon as possible. […]

“White collar crime” is a catch-all term generally referring to financial misdeeds committed by business or government professionals. Tax crimes, fraud, bribery, embezzlement, tech-related crimes, illegal pyramid schemes and kickbacks – among other activities – all fall under the white collar crime umbrella. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Middle […]

In Florida, “theft” is a broad category covering a wide range of potential crimes. It is easy to get this confused with crimes like robbery or burglary, but the crimes and potential penalties can vary dramatically based on what the prosecution charges. It is important for those facing any of these potential charges to know […]

For anyone even vaguely familiar with the criminal trial process, the word “hearsay” will seem familiar. It is one of the most important and frequently cited rules in a criminal trial, as it involves statements that can be incriminating or prejudicial to a defendant. The definition of hearsay under Florida’s Evidence Code is an out-of-court […]

When faced with any type of criminal charge, a defendant’s goal is to be acquitted or have charges dropped. Alternatively, they may seek a favorable plea agreement that is less harmful than a conviction. Sometimes, despite all efforts by the defendant and their legal team, they find themselves convicted of a crime. The question, then, […]

The rapid growth of technology and the ease of communication online has had many benefits, but has also led to a growth in criminal activity and online fraud. One way that Florida protects against widespread fraud is through Florida’s Organized Fraud statute. Under Florida Statutes, Sec. 817.034, anyone who “engages in a scheme to defraud […]

Health care fraud is an increasingly scrutinized criminal activity that invites constant attention from Federal and State prosecutors and regulatory agencies. When health care fraud makes the news, it is often in a big way, with defendants charged for collecting tens of millions in fraudulent profits and kickbacks. In 2007, the FBI established a Health […]