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Before an individual can be indicted for a federal crime in Florida, a criminal investigation must be conducted. If a credible allegation of a crime is reported, a federal law enforcement agency can launch an official investigation. You may be wondering what to do if you’re under a federal financial crime investigation in Florida. Whether you’ve been accused of money laundering in Miami or wire fraud in Fort Lauderdale, the Miami financial crime lawyer at Law Office of Ramon de la Cabada is here to fight for you.
Common Federal Financial Crimes You Could Be Investigated for in Florida
Federal financial crimes are some of the most serious charges an individual can face in Florida. These crimes typically involve some form of deceit for personal or financial gain. These crimes often cross state or federal lines and can involve federally regulated institutions such as banks. For these reasons, these cases tend to fall under federal jurisdiction and may involve several federal agencies, such as the FBI or the IRS. In Florida, the most common federal financial crimes include the following:
- Wire fraud
- Money laundering, which affects nearly $300 billion nationwide every year
- Tax evasion
- PPP loan fraud
- Securities fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Mail fraud
- Bank fraud
- Identity theft, which is reported at a rate of around 5.7 million cases a year
What to Do If You Are Being Investigated
Financial crime cases are typically investigated by agencies such as the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Secret Service, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and the FBI, and are prosecuted through the U.S. Attorney’s Office. If you find yourself under investigation, or simply the threat of possible investigation, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself against a federal financial crime charge. These steps include the following:
- Retain a lawyer. If you find yourself the target of a federal financial crime, then the first step you need to take is seeking the early intervention of a Miami federal criminal lawyer. Once you have hired an attorney, they can begin to develop a defense strategy on your behalf. Typically, individuals who retain a lawyer early in the investigation achieve better outcomes than those who wait to retain counsel.
- Remain silent. Second, it is crucial that you exercise your right to remain silent and do not speak with law enforcement personnel until your attorney is present. Do not try to handle the situation on your own, as anything you say can and will be used against you. Wait and answer any questions from enforcement personnel until your attorney is there to guide you.
- Don’t destroy evidence. Do not, under any circumstances, try to destroy evidence in a federal investigation. This is considered a crime, and you could face additional penalties and charges for altering any records or evidence or destroying any documentation pertinent to the case.
- Do not ignore a subpoena. If you receive a subpoena calling you to turn over certain documentation or devices, such as a laptop or phone, to law enforcement, you must do as the subpoena says. A subpoena is an official court order, and if you fail to comply, it may only make your charges more severe.
If you find yourself under federal investigation for a financial crime, you need to reach out to the Law Office of Ramon de la Cabada. It is understandable that you may be feeling uncertain about what steps to take next. Ramon de la Cabada is here to protect you from the beginning.
About the Law Office of Ramon de la Cabada
For over 34 years, Miami criminal defense attorney Ramon de la Cabada has been working in both the Florida state and federal legal systems. Fluent in Spanish, he is here to help those from all walks of life who are under investigation or fear investigation. As a former prosecutor, he knows how the legal system works and can use that knowledge to his clients’ advantage. He has years of experience handling federal-level cases, particularly in financial matters.
FAQs
How Can I Protect Myself During a Federal Investigation?
If you believe you are under federal investigation, there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself. First and foremost, it is crucial that you make yourself aware of your rights. These rights include that you are innocent until proven guilty, and you can stay silent when being asked questions by law enforcement. You also want to choose an attorney who has federal experience.
What Are the Potential Collateral Consequences of a Federal Conviction?
Being federally convicted can carry consequences beyond those of a legal standing. You could suffer damage to your reputation, lose your professional licenses, face consequences regarding any pending immigration, and lose out on several types of employment. In fact, individuals with a criminal record face a 30% unemployment rate across the U.S.
What Factors Affect Sentencing in a Federal Financial Crime Case?
In a federal financial criminal case, there are several different factors that can factor into your sentencing should you be convicted. These factors include the amount of financial loss suffered by the alleged victims, the number of victims affected, whether or not sophisticated means were used, whether you have a past criminal history, and whether or not you played a leadership role in the alleged crime.
Should I Consent to a Search in a Federal Investigation?
According to the Fourth Amendment, you have the right to keep all of your personal property private from any search led by law enforcement personnel unless the police have either obtained a search warrant for your property or you have consented to said search. Once you have offered consent, you cannot take it back. Remember that refusing consent is not an admission of guilt, and it is wise to listen to the counsel of your lawyer in this situation.
Hire a Federal Financial Crime Lawyer
It is common for individuals under federal criminal investigation to feel uncertain and not know where to turn. If you find yourself in this serious predicament, the first thing you need to do is hire a federal financial crime lawyer you can trust and who can protect your rights. At the Law Office of Ramon de la Cabada, our team is here to provide you with legal counsel and representation you can count on. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation.
