Best White Collar Crime Lawyers in Florida

About White Collar Crime Law in Florida, Argentina

White-collar crime refers to non-violent, financially motivated offenses committed by individuals, businesses or public officials. Common examples include fraud, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, market manipulation and document falsification. In Argentina these matters are handled under national criminal law and by specialized agencies that investigate financial and economic crimes. If you are located in Florida - the locality in Vicente López, Buenos Aires Province - investigations and prosecutions may involve provincial authorities as well as national bodies, depending on the facts and the law involved.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer when you are the subject of an investigation, when authorities request documents or testimony, or when you receive a formal charge. Other common reasons include asset freezes or seizures, raids on premises, administrative audits by tax or regulatory bodies, allegations of corporate wrongdoing, or cross-border inquiries involving foreign jurisdictions. A lawyer helps protect your rights, advises on how to respond to requests from prosecutors or regulators, negotiates with authorities, prepares defenses and represents you in court or in administrative proceedings.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal and institutional elements relevant to white-collar crime in Argentina include:

- Código Penal de la Nación - includes offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, bribery and other economic crimes. Penalties depend on the offense and aggravating factors.

- Law 25.246 and related regulations - anti-money laundering framework that imposes reporting obligations and criminalizes laundering proceeds of crime. The Unidad de Información Financiera - UIF - plays a central role in receiving and analyzing suspicious transaction reports.

- Law 27.401 - introduced rules on corporate criminal liability and incentives for compliance programs. It recognizes that legal entities can be sanctioned and that effective compliance measures may mitigate liability.

- AFIP - Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos - handles tax investigations and can initiate criminal referrals for tax evasion. Administrative audits by AFIP can lead to criminal proceedings.

- Comisión Nacional de Valores - CNV - regulates securities markets and pursues insider trading and market manipulation matters.

- Procedural rules - criminal investigations are conducted by the Ministerio Público Fiscal at national and provincial levels. Courts may order search and seizure, asset freezing and preventive measures. Many white-collar matters involve cooperation between prosecutors, regulatory agencies and financial intelligence units. Statutes of limitation and procedural timelines vary by offense and severity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly counts as white-collar crime?

White-collar crime generally means non-violent offenses motivated by financial gain. Examples include fraud, embezzlement, bribery, money laundering, tax evasion, insider trading and falsifying corporate or financial records. The specific legal definition depends on the relevant criminal statutes.

Can I be prosecuted for honest accounting mistakes?

Unintentional errors that lack fraudulent intent are treated differently from deliberate deception. Criminal liability usually requires intent or gross negligence depending on the offense. However, serious accounting failures that conceal funds or mislead authorities can trigger investigations. Consult a lawyer to assess the facts and to coordinate responses to regulators or auditors.

What penalties could I face if convicted?

Penalties vary by offense and may include imprisonment, fines, asset forfeiture, restitution, disqualification from holding public office or managing companies, and administrative sanctions. Corporations may face severe fines and other measures under corporate liability rules.

Can a company be criminally liable in Argentina?

Yes. Law 27.401 and related rules establish liability for legal entities in certain circumstances and encourage compliance programs. A company can face fines, enhanced supervision and other sanctions. Effective compliance measures can reduce or mitigate exposure.

What happens if authorities open an investigation?

Investigations can include document requests, subpoenas, searches and seizures, freezing of assets and interviews. The Unidad de Información Financiera and tax or regulatory bodies may issue reports or coordinate with the prosecutor. You have rights during an investigation, including the right to legal counsel and in many cases the right to remain silent. Seek legal advice immediately on how to respond.

Do I need a lawyer for an administrative audit by AFIP or CNV?

Yes. Administrative audits can lead to criminal referrals. A lawyer experienced in white-collar and tax or regulatory law can help protect your interests, prepare responses, negotiate payment or settlement options where available, and advise whether to disclose information voluntarily.

Can authorities use evidence from other countries?

Yes. Argentina cooperates with foreign jurisdictions through mutual legal assistance, evidence-sharing and, in some cases, extradition. Cross-border investigations add complexity and may involve international treaties or cooperation with agencies abroad. Specialized counsel can coordinate with foreign lawyers if needed.

Should I cooperate with investigators or remain silent?

Cooperation is a nuanced decision. You have the right to legal representation and in many cases the right to remain silent. Speaking without counsel can risk self-incrimination. A lawyer can advise whether limited cooperation, a negotiated statement or other strategies are appropriate based on the case and potential benefits such as reduced charges or leniency.

How long do white-collar cases typically take?

White-collar matters can take many months or several years, depending on complexity, scope of evidence, number of parties involved and whether there are parallel administrative or international proceedings. Early legal intervention can help manage timing and procedural risks.

How do I choose a white-collar defense lawyer in Florida, Argentina?

Look for a lawyer or firm with experience in financial crime, corporate investigations and the specific regulatory area involved - for example tax, securities or anti-money laundering. Check local credentials, membership in the provincial or national bar association, track record handling similar cases, language skills if cross-border issues exist, and client references. Consider whether you need counsel who can coordinate with forensic accountants and international counsel.

Additional Resources

- Unidad de Información Financiera - UIF - national financial intelligence body that receives suspicious transaction reports and cooperates in anti-money laundering investigations.

- Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos - AFIP - tax authority that conducts audits and can refer tax crimes for prosecution.

- Oficina Anticorrupción - national anti-corruption office involved in public integrity matters.

- Comisión Nacional de Valores - CNV - regulator for securities markets and related offenses.

- Ministerio Público Fiscal - public prosecutor offices at national and provincial levels that lead criminal investigations and prosecutions.

- Procuración General de la Nación - national public prosecutor leadership with oversight functions.

- Colegio de Abogados de la Provincia de Buenos Aires and local bar associations - for lawyer referrals and verification of credentials in the Vicente López and Greater Buenos Aires area.

- Defensoría Pública and provincial defensorías - public defense options for eligible persons in criminal matters.

- International standards bodies such as FATF - Financial Action Task Force - and multilateral mechanisms that influence cross-border cooperation.

Next Steps

- Preserve documents and evidence - keep originals and avoid deleting electronic records. Secure email, contracts, accounting files and communication logs.

- Do not speak to investigators or make written statements without legal advice. Ask for legal counsel and, if applicable, company counsel before responding.

- Arrange an initial consultation with a lawyer experienced in white-collar crime and local procedures - be ready to provide a clear timeline and relevant documents.

- Consider engaging forensic accountants or compliance specialists if the matter involves complex financial records or company-wide issues.

- If you represent a company, review and, if needed, implement or improve compliance programs. Under certain circumstances, voluntary disclosure or cooperation can reduce exposure.

- Keep a record of all contacts with authorities and follow your lawyer's guidance about communications, media statements and internal actions.

These steps will help protect your rights and position you to make informed decisions. This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. For a tailored assessment, contact a qualified lawyer in your area.