Get free answers to your White Collar Crime legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I'm facing criminal charges for scheme to defraud and grand theft filed by Skateworld. They made financial mistakes, filed an insurance claim for the loss, and were compensated but are still pressing charges against me in Polk County. The sheriff arrested me, and I haven't received clear... View More

answered on Jun 9, 2025
The fact that a "victim" has insurance coverage to cover a loss does not necessarily mean that the fact that a crime may have been committed. It will sometimes lessen the incentive for the victim to want to see the case go forward. Whether to proceed is a decision for the State Attorney... View More
My friend is facing 141 felony counts of scheme to defraud for stealing around $28,000 from work, grand theft, and use of a 2-way communication device in Florida. He has no prior record but was charged with possession of cannabis and attempted escape afterward. He is represented by a public... View More

answered on Mar 19, 2025
The basic answer is Yes. The more precise answer would be dependent on the scoresheet as calculated by the State Attorney's office. Different Judges and Jurisdictions may differ some, but I find it difficult to believe that such a high number of charges would not result in some jail/prison... View More
My friend is facing 141 felony counts of scheme to defraud for stealing around $28,000 from work, grand theft, and use of a 2-way communication device in Florida. He has no prior record but was charged with possession of cannabis and attempted escape afterward. He is represented by a public... View More

answered on Mar 19, 2025
Yes, he’s looking at jail or prison time. Actually, his maximum exposure exceeds 500 years. If he’s innocent, he could go to trial for the theft charges. But the escape and marijuana charges are likely not directly related to the thefts. Hence, he could get off the theft charges and still have... View More
I was involved in a legal case in Florida concerning a forged endorsement by an unauthorized employee on a promissory note. Despite the forgery, the court's decision was against us. I have new evidence and am looking to request a retrial. Could the presence of a forgery be grounds to dismiss... View More

answered on Mar 10, 2025
Your inquiry is a bit vague because you say that DESPITE the forgery, the court decision was against you, then say you have new evidence, not indicating whether that evidence is connected to proving the forgery, beyond the proof of the forgery you already presented. In any event, your first issue... View More
I was involved in a legal case in Florida concerning a forged endorsement by an unauthorized employee on a promissory note. Despite the forgery, the court's decision was against us. I have new evidence and am looking to request a retrial. Could the presence of a forgery be grounds to dismiss... View More

answered on Mar 10, 2025
It may, Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.530 allows for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence if it was discovered after the trial and could not have been discovered before the trial by the exercise of due diligence. However, you need to move quickly. The time limit for filing a motion... View More
I was involved in a legal case in Florida concerning a forged endorsement by an unauthorized employee on a promissory note. Despite the forgery, the court's decision was against us. I have new evidence and am looking to request a retrial. Could the presence of a forgery be grounds to dismiss... View More

answered on Mar 10, 2025
To add to my prior answer to this inquiry, I just noticed that you put "white collar crime" as one of your inquiry categories, but I had assumed you were talking about a civil case, not criminal - and I see that another lawyer assumed that as well. Everything I stated in my prior answer... View More
My lawyer, apparently did not have to credentials to practice where my case was moved. The judge asked for an amended summary, even gave an extension. My lawyer never replied. It was dropped without prejudiced. Finally getting a hold of my lawyer. He simply said he hadn’t had a case there in... View More

answered on Feb 27, 2024
I agree with Mr. Arrasmith. A dismissal without prejudice is NOT a "permanent" dismissal in the sense of being permanently barred from re-filing your case, unless the statute of limitations period has already expired. Also, in the event your claim would be permanently barred due to... View More
My lawyer, apparently did not have to credentials to practice where my case was moved. The judge asked for an amended summary, even gave an extension. My lawyer never replied. It was dropped without prejudiced. Finally getting a hold of my lawyer. He simply said he hadn’t had a case there in... View More

answered on Feb 25, 2024
If your case was dismissed without prejudice, you generally have the opportunity to refile it. A dismissal without prejudice means the court has closed the case, but your right to bring the matter before the court again is not barred. This is distinct from a dismissal with prejudice, which would... View More
First time ever being arrested. Was given 18months probation with adjudication with probation. I’m all completed with probation. Completed classes and all financial obligations. Went to court and was released off probation. When looking up my DC# I’m still on there with charges stating the... View More

answered on Feb 1, 2024
If you entered a plea to this case and was placed on probation "with adjudication", the information will never be removed from your record. If you entered into some type of diversion, you may be able to seek expungement or sealing if the case was dismissed. If the "dismissal"... View More
I solicited sexual services online and was contacted by individuals who seemed to be phishing me. They claimed to know my details and offered me grace if I paid $1400 and stayed off all dating sites, including the one where the solicitation occurred. They mentioned "financial officers"... View More

answered on Jun 17, 2025
This is a scam as it is always a scam, stay off those sites and ignore them entirely when they follow-up, change your number and or email address, and again, stay off those sites.
I am dealing with a case where I was charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, and fraudulent use of a credit card. However, the state failed to include the principle theory statute in the indictment. Despite this, the jury was instructed that I was a principal to all charges, including... View More

answered on Jun 11, 2025
You can challenge the indictment’s legal sufficiency by filing a motion to quash or dismiss for a “defective indictment” under your jurisdiction’s criminal procedure rules, arguing that the grand jury failed to allege the principal-actor statute necessary to support a murder or robbery... View More
I have discovered that my mother has been forging my signature to steal my paychecks bi-weekly for the past five years. I want to sue her for her actions, but I cannot confront her directly due to her abusive behavior and fear of the repercussions from both my parents. What evidence should I be... View More

answered on Jun 7, 2025
You’re in an incredibly tough position, and the betrayal from a parent, especially over such a long time, is heartbreaking. The first thing you should do is gather all possible documentation. This includes copies of the paychecks, bank records showing deposits you didn’t receive, and any... View More
My ex-spouse is failing to comply with the divorce agreement regarding our mortgage in Florida. Additionally, my signature and those of two witnesses were forged for a loan modification. I am worried about the financial and legal implications of these actions. What steps can I take to ensure the... View More

answered on May 18, 2025
You need to file a motion with the court expressing your concerns and asking for enforcement of the agreement. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.
I am accused of auto insurance fraud regarding a car crash. The insurance company claims I didn't have coverage on the crash date because I did not include roommates on my policy. There are pending legal proceedings, and they have scheduled an examination under oath. The company is requesting... View More

answered on May 17, 2025
While it would be best for a Florida attorney to advise, since there could be state-specific elements of insurance or criminal law in an insurance fraud matter, it could be worth considering a consult with an attorney. EUOs represent a major investment of time and resources on the part of your... View More
I recently inherited a commercial property from my father, which transferred to me after being filed recently. The property has professional squatters who have forged a lease and are preventing me from accessing the site. There was no lease or agreement made with these squatters. My father also... View More

answered on May 13, 2025
Hire a FL attorney to sue all occupants for possession only. You will not be able to do this yourself and may need to sue for Ejectment. Time is running against you. Title and Possession are two different things.
I have a resolved scheme to defraud charge and a charge for failure to redeliver a hired vehicle on my record. These are the only charges on my background, and I have completed all court-ordered requirements including probation. It has been challenging to find employment due to these charges. Is it... View More

answered on May 13, 2025
I would recommend speaking to a local attorney in your area. They will need to review the result of the plea you took to see if you qualify. If adjudication was withheld, you may qualify. If you were adjudicated guilty you probably will not. It will also impact you if the two charges were related... View More
I am concerned about a situation involving a friend, John, who has dual citizenship with the USA and another country. John discussed plans to kill someone in the other country (who is not a US citizen) with his friend Chris, who resides there. Chris has been blackmailing John for money, claiming he... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
Under 18 USC 956, which addresses the offense of conspiring to kill someone in a foreign country, John could face legal consequences if it is found that he made plans or attempts to carry out such an act. Even though the victim is not a U.S. citizen, the law covers U.S. citizens who plan or... View More
I suspect my son's ABA therapist has been falsifying my signature to claim fraudulent payments for services not rendered. The discrepancies between the therapist's reported visit times and my records suggest billing for times she wasn't present. For example, she claimed a three-hour... View More

answered on Apr 12, 2025
It’s essential to take immediate action if you suspect fraud, especially if it involves your child’s therapy. First, gather all your evidence, such as records of the discrepancies, any written communications with the therapist and the therapy company, and documents showing the actual times of... View More
I have been charged with one count of grand theft for property valued between $20,000 and $50,000, one count of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a crime, and one count of fraud-swindling to obtain property between $20,000 and $50,000 (141 counts in total). After these charges,... View More

answered on Mar 26, 2025
Without knowing more, I would have to say that your criminal punishment code score sheet is going to put you in the category of mandatory jail time. You should request a copy of your score sheet so you see where you score. If you are represented, this is something that your attorney should be able... View More
I discovered on December 8, 2024, that my stepdaughters forged my husband’s signature to secure power of attorney. My husband suffers from dementia and is unable to appoint a new power of attorney. They have since altered his Social Security benefits, making themselves the payees and removing my... View More

answered on Mar 16, 2025
To challenge a fraudulent power of attorney in Florida involving forgery and dementia, you must first file a petition in the probate or circuit court in the county where your husband resides. Clearly outline the forgery allegations and include the supporting documentation you possess, such as... View More
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