White-Collar Crime Attorney in St. Petersburg

Relentless Advocacy from a St. Petersburg White-Collar Lawyer

White-collar crimes may not involve physical violence, but these charges often carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Prosecutors in Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area pursue these cases aggressively, often treating them as high-priority financial crimes. Whether you are under investigation or already facing charges, you need a strong white-collar crime lawyer in St. Petersburg to protect your rights and future.

At Bastos Defense, we represent individuals and businesses facing white-collar crime charges. A simple mistake, misunderstanding, or false accusation can quickly turn into a legal battle, and we are here to fight for the best possible outcome.

White-collar crime cases often involve complex laws and regulations that can be challenging to navigate without guidance. Throughout Pinellas County, law enforcement frequently partners with federal agencies to investigate financial offenses, meaning your case may cross local and federal jurisdictions. Because these investigations involve extensive paper trails and forensic accounting, having representation that understands the intricacies of both Florida statutes and federal law can make a substantial difference in the process and outcome. Our knowledge of criminal defense and local court procedures—including those unique to the Sixth Judicial Circuit—allows our St. Petersburg white-collar crime lawyer to anticipate common prosecutorial tactics and provide meaningful support at every stage of the process.

If you are being investigated or have been charged with a white-collar offense in St. Petersburg, contact us online or call (727) 353-6842 for a consultation.

Types of White-Collar Crimes We Represent in Pinellas County

Many people think white-collar crimes are only business mistakes or accounting errors, but in Florida, these charges can lead to serious legal consequences. You do not have to be a career criminal to be charged—a financial misstep, misunderstanding, or even being in the wrong place at the wrong time can trigger an investigation. White-collar crimes often involve fraud, financial deception, or business misconduct, and many individuals do not realize they are under investigation until it is too late.

Common offenses our clients have been accused of include:

• Fraud – Misrepresenting information to gain financial benefit (such as insurance fraud, credit card fraud, or mortgage fraud).
• Embezzlement – Using company or client funds for personal gain.
• Identity Theft – Using someone else’s personal information to open accounts, make purchases, or commit fraud.
• Money Laundering – Moving money through businesses or accounts to conceal illegal activity.
• Wire & Mail Fraud – Using email, phone, or postal services to commit fraud.
• Tax Evasion – Failing to report income or avoiding taxes through deceptive practices.
• Cyber Crimes – Engaging in online activities such as hacking, phishing, data breaches, or digital fraud to steal information or money.

Florida state prosecutors and federal agencies such as the FBI, IRS, or SEC can pursue these charges, and if convicted, you could face years in prison.

Investigations into white-collar offenses can involve search warrants, subpoenas for financial documents, and interviews with multiple witnesses. In Pinellas County, law enforcement officials may coordinate with agencies such as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local task forces to gather digital and physical evidence. The process can feel overwhelming; defendants often receive little notice that they are under investigation. We work to clarify each phase, helping you understand what happens as the case unfolds within the context of local and federal law. Our approach aims to minimize the impact these situations have on your life, business, and professional reputation.

The Consequences of a White-Collar Crime Conviction in St. Petersburg

A conviction is not simply about paying a fine and moving on—it can turn your life upside down. Depending on the charges, you could face:

• Prison Time – White-collar crimes can be felonies, leading to years or even life in prison.
• Massive Fines – Financial penalties can reach millions of dollars, resulting in lifelong debt.
• Restitution – The court may order you to repay lost or stolen money, even if you no longer have it.
• Criminal Record – A felony conviction can end your career, revoke business licenses, and ruin your reputation.
• Frozen Assets – Authorities can seize your money, property, or bank accounts during an investigation.
• Federal Charges – If the alleged crime involves banks, securities, or interstate transactions, federal prosecutors can take over the case.

Your entire future is at stake. Without a strong legal defense, a conviction can affect your life for years. A financial crime charge does not mean you are guilty, but waiting too long to act could cost you everything. 

Consequences for white-collar convictions differ by charge severity, the victim’s losses, and whether federal or Florida laws apply. Even after you serve a sentence, a felony conviction can make it difficult to find employment, obtain housing, or restore your reputation in the community. Building a legal strategy from the very beginning, with a deep understanding of local penalty enhancements and mitigation options, can help reduce long-term risks. Our white-collar crime attorney in St. Petersburg prepares every case with these broader impacts in mind, so you stay informed throughout the legal process.

Laws & Procedures for White-Collar Crimes in Pinellas County

Florida law defines white-collar crimes under a wide range of statutes, including theft, fraud, forgery, and money laundering. Many cases prosecuted in St. Petersburg fall under:

• Chapter 812 – Theft, Robbery, & Related Crimes
• Chapter 817 – Fraudulent Practices of the Florida Statutes

Prosecutors in Pinellas County may apply Florida law or federal statutes, depending on case details. Cases involving large financial sums, multiple victims, or interstate activity often escalate to federal jurisdiction, leading to harsher penalties and more complex investigations.

The Sixth Judicial Circuit, located at the Pinellas County Justice Center, oversees white-collar crime cases. These proceedings include arraignments, bond hearings, and preliminary motions. Law enforcement may:

• Obtain search warrants
• Issue subpoenas for financial records
• Begin investigations before the accused is even aware of them

If you receive a notice to appear or discover that your assets have been frozen, it’s critical to act quickly. Early legal support from a St. Petersburg white-collar crime attorney can help shape an effective defense strategy from the start. Knowing how Florida and federal statutes operate in Pinellas County helps you anticipate what to expect and respond strategically as your case progresses.