White-Collar Crime Attorney in St. Petersburg

A Former Statewide Prosecutor Now Fighting for You

White-collar charges may not involve physical violence, but they carry consequences just as serious: felony convictions, years in prison, millions in fines, and permanent damage to your career and reputation. Pinellas County prosecutors treat financial crimes as high-priority cases, and investigations often involve coordination between local law enforcement and federal agencies like the FBI, IRS, and SEC. Whether you’re under investigation or already facing charges, early representation can affect the trajectory of your case.

At Bastos Defense, we represent individuals and businesses charged with white-collar offenses throughout Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area. Attorney María Bastos previously served as a statewide prosecutor for the Florida Attorney General, handling complex, multi-county felony cases across circuits that included Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. That background, which included white-collar offenses, drug trafficking, and racketeering, gives our firm direct knowledge of how investigators build these cases from the inside. We’re also admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, so we can represent clients whether state or federal prosecutors are involved.

White-collar investigations involve extensive paper trails, forensic financial analysis, and digital evidence. Law enforcement may obtain search warrants and begin collecting records long before you know you’re a target. Our familiarity with Florida statutes, federal law, and the specific procedures of the Sixth Judicial Circuit allows us to anticipate prosecutorial tactics and respond to them at every stage, before and after charges are filed.

If you are being investigated or have been charged with a white-collar offense in St. Petersburg, contact us online or call (727) 800-0529 for a consultation.

White-Collar Charges We Handle in Pinellas County

You don’t have to be a career criminal to face a white-collar charge. A financial misstep, a misunderstanding, or simply being connected to the wrong transaction can trigger an investigation. Many people don’t realize they’re under scrutiny until law enforcement is already at the door. These charges span a wide range of conduct, but they share one thing: the stakes are high.

Common offenses our clients have been accused of include:

• Fraud – Misrepresenting information to gain financial benefit, including insurance fraud, credit card fraud, and 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 and Mail Fraud – Using electronic or postal communications to commit fraud.
• Tax Evasion – Failing to report income or avoiding taxes through deceptive practices.
• Cyber Crimes – Hacking, phishing, data breaches, and digital fraud schemes targeting information or money.

Florida state prosecutors and federal agencies including the FBI, IRS, and SEC can pursue these charges independently or together. Attorney Bastos’s prosecution background included cases involving search warrant applications, wiretaps, computer encryption, and cybercrimes, and our firm holds National Cyber Crime defense training. That hands-on experience with the investigative side directly shapes how we challenge digital and financial evidence on your behalf.

Investigations often involve search warrants, subpoenas for financial documents, and interviews with multiple witnesses. In Pinellas County, law enforcement may coordinate with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other agencies to build both digital and physical evidence. Many defendants receive little warning that they’re being investigated. We work to clarify each phase so you understand what’s happening and what your options are as the case unfolds.

What a White-Collar Conviction Can Cost You

A conviction isn’t simply about paying a fine and moving on. It can upend every part of your life. Depending on the charges, you could face:

• Prison Time – White-collar felonies can carry years or even decades behind bars.
• Massive Fines – Financial penalties can reach millions of dollars, creating long-term debt.
• Restitution – Courts may order you to repay alleged losses, even if you no longer have the funds.
• Criminal Record – A felony conviction can end your career, affect professional licenses, and permanently damage your reputation.
• Frozen Assets – Authorities can seize money, property, or bank accounts during an investigation.
• Federal Charges – If the alleged offense involves banks, securities, or interstate transactions, federal prosecutors can take over, making federal criminal defense important.

The Sixth Judicial Circuit weighs victim impact and restitution heavily in sentencing, and Florida law allows enhanced penalties for schemes involving multiple victims or abuse of trust. Even after a sentence is served, a felony record can make it difficult to find work, secure housing, or seek to restore a professional license. A defense built from day one, with a clear understanding of local penalty enhancements and mitigation options, can help address these long-term risks.

Florida Law and Sixth Judicial Circuit Procedures for White-Collar Cases

Florida prosecutes white-collar crimes under several statutes, most commonly Chapter 812 (Theft, Robbery, and Related Crimes) and Chapter 817 (Fraudulent Practices). Depending on case details, prosecutors may pursue state charges, federal charges, or both. Cases involving large sums, multiple victims, or interstate activity may escalate to federal jurisdiction, where penalties are often more severe and investigations more complex.

The Sixth Judicial Circuit handles white-collar cases in Pinellas County, with proceedings conducted across multiple courthouse facilities. These include arraignments, bond hearings, and pretrial motions. In many cases, law enforcement may have already obtained search warrants and begun collecting financial records before the accused learns an investigation is underway.

Our familiarity with the Pinellas County Justice Center and Sixth Judicial Circuit procedures helps us avoid the procedural missteps that cost defendants time and leverage. If you’ve received a notice to appear or discovered that your assets have been frozen, acting quickly matters. The earlier we get involved, the more options may be available to shape your defense.