Tampa White Collar and Financial Crimes Defense Lawyer

Facing a White Collar Investigation or Charge?

Attorney Ron Frey represents individuals and organizations accused of financial crimes in Tampa. When you are facing allegations of white collar crime, what you do next matters. White collar charges carry serious consequences. You need to take action as soon as possible to help protect your rights and interests.

Contact a lawyer as early as possible so your rights are protected.

Are You Afraid You Will Be Investigated?

If you fear you could become the subject of an investigation and require a white collar crime attorney in Tampa, Florida, it is important to contact a lawyer early. Getting legal guidance early gives you more time to understand your options.

At The Frey Law Firm, LLC, in Tampa, Florida, Attorney Ron Frey, a criminal defense lawyer, represents businesses and individuals facing a variety of criminal charges, including:

• Bank fraud
• Conspiracy and RICO
• Corporate investigations
• Embezzlement
• Fraud and bribery
• Money laundering
• Mortgage fraud
• Public corruption
• Securities fraud
• Tax fraud

We take a comprehensive approach to countering white collar crime charges. Proactive defense is our focus. By conducting thorough investigations early, Attorney Ron Frey can review the case being built against you. Early intervention also gives us more time to consider how the case may affect your reputation.

Are You a First-time Offender?

First-time offenders often face some of the greatest challenges in the criminal justice system. First-timers believe they will be treated fairly if they speak freely and answer every question the police ask. Unfortunately, that is not how the system works. First-time offenders are often unfamiliar with investigators’ tactics and can be hurt by trusting the process.

At The Frey Law Firm, LLC, we represent criminal defendants of all types, but we focus especially on helping individuals who are in the criminal justice system for the first time. We know how investigators and prosecutors can approach first-time offenders, and we work to make sure your rights are protected.

White Collar and Financial Crimes Defense in Tampa Bay and the Middle District of Florida

Attorney Ron Frey defends individuals and businesses accused of white collar and financial crimes in Tampa, throughout Hillsborough County and Pinellas County, and across the Tampa Bay area. These cases often involve allegations of fraud, a scheme to defraud, theft by an employee, embezzlement, money laundering, or mortgage fraud. Some are prosecuted in Florida state court, and others are brought in federal court in the Middle District of Florida. White collar cases often turn on documents, bank records, emails, and the question of what a person knew and intended. If you or a friend or family member is under investigation or has been charged, it is important to get legal guidance early.

Common Florida White Collar Charges

Section 817.034, “Florida Communications Fraud Act,” covers organized schemes to defraud and communicating with intent to obtain property through a scheme to defraud. Section 817.545, “Mortgage fraud,” covers false statements and misrepresentations in the mortgage lending process. Section 812.014, “Theft,” is often the charge in employee theft and embezzlement cases, and the degree depends largely on the value alleged. Section 896.101, “Florida Money Laundering Act; definitions; penalties; injunctions; seizure warrants; immunity,” covers financial transactions involving proceeds of unlawful activity. Laws change, so contact Attorney Ron Frey to discuss your case and the current state of the law.

Target Letters, Investigations, and Your Rights at Every Stage

A white collar case may begin long before any arrest: a call or visit from an agent, a subpoena for records, a search warrant at a home or business, a seizure of bank accounts or devices, an inquiry from an employer or auditor, an investigation, an arrest, or a target letter from federal prosecutors. Any of these is a sign to act. You have rights at every stage. Contact a lawyer before answering questions, turning over documents, or agreeing to an interview. Speaking early without guidance can create problems that are hard to undo.

Licensed Professionals and White Collar Allegations

Attorney Ron Frey has represented many licensed professionals, including nurses, teachers, doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, real estate agents, and Series 7 holders. For licensed professionals, a fraud or financial allegation can bring reporting obligations, licensing board or regulator action, and employment consequences in addition to the criminal case. Read more about professional licensing concerns and options for first-time offenders.

State or Federal Court, and What Happens Next

The same conduct can be charged in Florida state court or federal court. Federal cases commonly involve charges such as 18 U.S.C. § 1341 (mail fraud), 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (wire fraud), and 18 U.S.C. § 1956 (laundering of monetary instruments), and they follow the federal sentencing process. Next steps can include a first appearance, release conditions, review of the evidence and financial records, motions, negotiations, and trial. Every case is different. Deadlines, requirements, obligations, and strategies are unique to each case, and information on a website can’t simply be applied to your circumstances. Contact Attorney Ron Frey for a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, video, or in person. Call or text (813) 775-2276 to talk about your case or the case of a friend or family member. You can also contact us online.

How a Tampa Fraud or Financial Crime Case Usually Moves Forward

In Tampa, a financial crime case can come from many directions: a local police department or the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, a state agency, a bank or employer that reports a loss, or a federal agency working with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. State cases in Hillsborough County are reviewed by the Office of the State Attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, which decides what formal charges, if any, to file. Federal cases are filed in the federal courthouse in downtown Tampa.

These cases often build slowly. Investigators may collect bank records, emails, business files and witness interviews for months before anyone is contacted. By the time a person learns about the case, a large amount of paperwork may already exist. Attorney Ron Frey can review what investigators are looking at, help you understand where the case may be headed, and communicate with investigators and prosecutors for you.

If you or a friend or family member faces any stop, search, seizure, inquiry, investigation, arrest or target letter, contact a lawyer.

Florida White Collar Crime FAQ

What is the difference between a target letter and a subpoena?

A subpoena is a legal demand for documents or testimony. A target letter is a notice from federal prosecutors that a person is a target of a grand jury investigation. Both are important, and both are a reason to speak with a lawyer before responding.

Should I talk to an agent or investigator who contacts me about a financial matter?

You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Anything you say can be used in the case, even in a conversation that seems informal or friendly. It is generally wise to speak with a lawyer before answering questions. Attorney Ron Frey can communicate with investigators for you.

Can a fraud case be charged in both state and federal court?

The same conduct can lead to charges in Florida state court, federal court, or both, depending on the facts and the agencies involved. Federal cases in this area are heard in the Middle District of Florida, which includes Tampa.

Does paying money back make a fraud charge go away?

Not on its own. Repayment does not automatically end a criminal case. How it may matter depends on the facts and the stage of the case, so talk with a lawyer before offering or making any repayment.

I am a licensed professional. Does a financial crime allegation affect my license?

It can. Depending on the profession, a fraud or financial allegation may involve reporting obligations or licensing board action in addition to the criminal case. Attorney Ron Frey has represented many licensed professionals and can talk with you about both sides of the situation.

What does a financial crimes lawyer do?

A financial crimes lawyer defends people and businesses accused of, or under investigation for, offenses such as fraud, embezzlement or money laundering. Attorney Ron Frey reviews the documents, bank records and communications investigators rely on, communicates with investigators and prosecutors for you, and helps protect your rights at every stage. He has been practicing law for over two decades, in state and federal court.

How do I find a white collar crime lawyer in Tampa?

Look for a lawyer who handles white collar cases in both Florida state court and federal court, since the same conduct can be charged in either. The Frey Law Firm, LLC is at 625 E. Twiggs St., #101A, in downtown Tampa. Attorney Ron Frey defends clients in Hillsborough and Pinellas County courts and in the Middle District of Florida. Each case must be evaluated individually.

Is a consultation about a white collar investigation confidential?

Consultations are generally confidential between the attorney and a prospective client, subject to the attorney-client privilege and the rules that go with it. There can be exceptions, and Attorney Ron Frey will discuss them with you at the outset. Call or text (813) 775-2276 for a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, video or in person.

Related Resources

• Bank Fraud Charges in Florida
• Embezzlement Charges in Florida
• Money Laundering Charges in Florida
• Mortgage Fraud Charges in Florida
• Fraud and Bribery Charges in Florida
• Unlicensed Contractor Charges in Tampa and Across Florida
• RICO and Conspiracy Charges in Florida
• Federal Target Letters in Florida
• A Detective Called Me – What Should I Do?
• Federal Criminal Defense
• Professional Licensing
• Hillsborough County Criminal Defense Lawyer
• Pinellas County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Talk With Attorney Ron Frey

The right approach depends on the facts. Attorney Ron Frey offers a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, video or in person. Call or text (813) 775-2276.