White Collar Criminal Defense
Florida state white collar charges, fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and related financial crimes routinely carry exposure beyond the state courtroom. Dan Eckhart is a white collar criminal defense attorney based in Orlando, Florida with 23 years of federal government service as a federal agent, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and lead forfeiture prosecutor. He handles white collar cases nationwide, with a focus on state-filed financial crimes where federal escalation or asset forfeiture is present or likely.
What White Collar Crime Charges Are in Florida
White collar crime charges in Florida are financially motivated offenses prosecuted under state statute: fraud, theft by deception, money laundering, and embezzlement among them. What separates these cases from other state felonies is how often they attract parallel federal interest.
A state-filed financial crime becomes a federal matter when the conduct involves a financial institution, federal program, interstate wire transfer, or federal agency. At that point, two separate sovereigns have overlapping jurisdiction and the consequences, criminal exposure, asset forfeiture, and professional licensing, compound accordingly.
Common White-Collar Crimes Handled by Dan Eckhart Law
Dan Eckhart Law handles Florida state and federal white collar charges across the categories below. State cases are accepted selectively, where federal implications, parallel proceedings, or forfeiture risk are present.
Fraud
Wire fraud (up to 20 years federal), bank fraud (up to 30 years when a financial institution is affected), loan fraud, SBA and PPP loan fraud, mortgage fraud, health care fraud, insurance fraud, and fraud on a federal program.
Financial Crimes
Money laundering under Florida statute and 18 U.S.C. § 1956 (up to 20 years federal), embezzlement, bribery, and theft by deception involving business accounts or institutional funds.
Tax and Securities Violations
Federal tax fraud, tax evasion, false claims, securities violations referred for criminal prosecution, and matters involving the Securities and Exchange Commission where conduct has triggered criminal enforcement.
Identity and Forgery
Identity theft, forgery, and access device fraud where the conduct is part of a broader financial scheme.
Cases involving Foreign Corrupt Practices Act charges or matters requiring national firm infrastructure across multiple international jurisdictions are referred to appropriate counsel.
When a White-Collar Criminal Case Becomes Federal
The federal government does not need to wait for the state to finish its case. Federal agencies and state prosecutors frequently investigate the same conduct simultaneously, and a state-filed white collar charge can become a federal criminal indictment at any point in the proceeding.
The presence of any of the following reliably signals federal government investigation:
- A federally insured financial institution (bank, credit union, SBA lender)
- A federal program or federal benefit (Medicare, Medicaid, PPP, SBA loan, SNAP)
- Interstate wire transfers or interstate commerce
- A federal agency as a victim or investigator (IRS-CI, FBI, HSI, HHS-OIG, Secret Service)
- A grand jury subpoena directed at financial records rather than conduct
When federal interest enters a state white collar case, criminal exposure increases under federal sentencing guidelines and the government's forfeiture authority expands. Identifying these signals before the government's posture becomes public is the window where defense strategy has the most influence on outcome.
For a full overview of how federal cases escalate from investigation to indictment, see How Federal Cases Escalate.
Asset Forfeiture Runs Parallel to Criminal Charges
Asset forfeiture does not wait for a conviction. The government can freeze accounts, restrain real property, and seize business assets before a single charge is filed, making this a civil and criminal matter from the outset.
The assets most commonly targeted in white collar proceedings include:
- Bank accounts, both personal and business
- Real estate, including primary residences and investment properties
- Business assets, accounts receivable, and operating funds
- Investment and retirement accounts
- Vehicles, boats, and aircraft
- Cryptocurrency holdings
- Cash and safety deposit box contents
- Interests in closely held businesses
Substitute asset provisions extend this further: when the government cannot locate the alleged proceeds directly, it can pursue other assets of equivalent value. Accounts and property with no connection to the alleged criminal activity can become targets.
The Pre-Indictment Window
Pre-indictment restraining orders under 21 U.S.C. § 853(e) are available to the government when probable cause supports an eventual criminal forfeiture claim. These restraining orders can be challenged through hearings where experienced defense counsel can contest probable cause and seek release of funds for legitimate operating expenses and legal fees. CAFRA sets short windows for contesting administrative seizures, missing them can forfeit the right to challenge on the merits.
Civil and Criminal Forfeiture Run Simultaneously
Dan Eckhart Law handles both civil and criminal forfeiture proceedings as integrated components of a white collar defense engagement. Statements made in a civil forfeiture claim can be used in a parallel criminal case. Silence in forfeiture proceedings can result in losing assets by default. Both tracks require coordination from day one.
Protecting Legitimate Assets Early
The government will often negotiate release of funds for operating expenses, payroll, and legal fees, but only when the request is supported by documentation showing the lawful source and use of those funds. Identifying which assets are clean and essential to ongoing operations is time-sensitive work. Acting in the first days after a seizure or freeze is materially better than acting weeks later.
For a full overview of how forfeiture proceedings are structured and defended, see Asset Forfeiture Defense.
Why a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Handles These Cases
State white collar cases with federal dimensions require a criminal defense attorney who understands how federal prosecutors select cases, structure forfeiture claims, and evaluate escalation risk, not just how the state case is charged. Dan Eckhart spent 23 years in federal government service as a federal agent, prosecutor, and lead forfeiture prosecutor before founding Dan Eckhart Law. He subsequently served as General Counsel and Head of Corporate Security for a Florida bank.
From the Prosecution Side
Eckhart has personally built financial crime cases from inside the government, evaluating targets, structuring forfeiture claims, and identifying evidence gaps. He has conducted proffer sessions, argued sentencing positions, and appeared in federal court alongside representatives from intelligence agencies. That perspective comes from having applied these methods, not from studying them.
Forfeiture Mechanics
As a lead forfeiture prosecutor, Eckhart pursued the same asset categories he now defends against. That direct experience informs how Dan Eckhart Law challenges seizures, negotiates release of operating funds, and separates tainted from legitimate assets in active proceedings.
Financial Institution Knowledge
As General Counsel and Head of Corporate Security for a Florida bank, Eckhart worked directly with how financial institutions respond to federal subpoenas, file suspicious activity reports, and cooperate with law enforcement. In bank fraud and money laundering cases, that knowledge changes how the defense reads the government's evidence.
For a full overview of how Eckhart's government background applies to defense strategy, see Former Federal Prosecutor Advantage.
Dan Eckhart's Background in White Collar Criminal Defense
These credentials apply directly to white collar crime defense and financial criminal matters.
Assistant U.S. Attorney
Federal prosecution of fraud and financial crimes from inside the government; direct experience in investigations and prosecutions across multiple districts.
Lead Forfeiture Prosecutor
Direct experience pursuing the same asset categories now defended against; specific knowledge of how forfeiture leverage is built and contested in civil and criminal proceedings.
Former Federal Agent — 23 Years Federal Government Service
Pre-indictment investigation experience; personally conducted proffer sessions; appeared in federal court alongside representatives from intelligence agencies.
Bank General Counsel / Head of Corporate Security
Direct working knowledge of how financial institutions respond to subpoenas, file SARs, and cooperate with law enforcement — applicable to every bank fraud and money laundering case.
1,500+ Federal Court Docketing Entries
Documented federal court history spanning financial crime, drug trafficking, and complex multi-jurisdictional criminal cases.
Admitted in Federal Courts Nationwide
Documented appearances include: Southern District of Georgia, Northern District of Illinois, District of the Virgin Islands, Southern District of Texas, District of Columbia, District of Maryland, Southern District of Iowa, and Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, among others.
Dan Eckhart Law is a solo practice. There are no associates, no support staff, and no intermediaries. All representation at every phase is delivered directly by Dan Eckhart, every corporate and individual client is represented by the same attorney from intake through resolution.
Ideal Client Fit for White-Collar Defense
Dan Eckhart Law accepts approximately 20 active cases at any given time. Case acceptance is selective.
The practice is suited for executives, business owners, physicians, financial services professionals, real estate principals, government contractors, licensed professionals in regulated industries, and technology and cryptocurrency operators who face criminal charges or federal investigation involving white collar crime. Good-fit clients engage counsel early, communicate candidly about uncomfortable facts, and follow a disciplined strategy when it requires patience.
The practice is not suited for clients seeking high-volume, low-cost representation; clients who need outcome guarantees; or clients who expect their primary contact to be a paralegal or junior associate.
What to Do If Your Business Is Under Government Investigation
The first 24 to 72 hours of a federal financial crime investigation often determine how much exposure expands or contracts.
Documents: Preserve everything, financial records, emails, contracts, invoices, bank statements, wire transfer records, billing records, and internal communications, exactly as they exist. Issue a litigation hold, but route it through counsel before sending. Do not reorganize files, delete emails, or shred paperwork. Suspend routine document destruction policies in writing.
Devices: Do not wipe, reset, or replace phones, laptops, or servers. Cloud backups, recovery files, and metadata are discoverable. Destruction after notice creates obstruction exposure that typically causes more damage than the underlying conduct.
Employees: Do not interview employees in any way that could be characterized as coaching testimony. Employees who may be witnesses should be advised through counsel that they are free to consult independent legal counsel. Where individual interests may diverge from the company's, separate counsel is appropriate.
Communications: Stop all internal discussion of the investigation outside privileged channels. External communications to vendors, customers, partners, lenders, and regulators should be coordinated through counsel before being sent.
The operative rule: change nothing about the evidence, change nothing about routine business operations beyond what is necessary, and route everything sensitive through counsel before acting.
Where Dan Eckhart Law Handles Federal Criminal Cases
Dan Eckhart Law is based in Orlando and handles federal cases in any U.S. federal jurisdiction. The Middle District of Florida, covering Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, and Ocala, is the most frequent venue, with active practice across the Southern District (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach) and the Northern District (Tallahassee, Pensacola, Gainesville). There are no categorical limits on federal case types accepted outside Florida. State cases are accepted in Florida only.
For information on out-of-state and multi-jurisdictional federal representation, see Nationwide Federal Representation.
When to Call a White Collar Defense Lawyer
Contact Dan Eckhart Law immediately, before responding to any government contact, before producing documents, and before speaking to anyone other than counsel, if any of the following apply:
- Federal agents have appeared at your home, office, or business, with or without a warrant
- You have received a target letter, subject letter, or grand jury subpoena
- An account, vehicle, or other asset has been seized or frozen
- A search warrant has been executed at your home, office, or business
- An employee, partner, or vendor has told you they were contacted by federal investigators
- You have been asked to come in for an interview, even informally
- A civil investigative demand or regulatory subpoena has arrived
- You have learned, through any source, that your name has come up in a federal investigation
Schedule a direct consultation with Dan Eckhart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dan Eckhart Law represent both individual and corporate clients in white collar cases?
Yes. Dan Eckhart Law represents both individual and corporate clients facing white collar criminal charges, government investigations, and related regulatory matters. Engagements cover the full range of white collar defense and investigations, from pre-indictment through trial. Corporations and business owners accused of white collar crimes are evaluated under the same selective intake criteria as individual defendants.
What does it mean to be "charged with a white collar crime" under Florida law?
The term "white collar crime" describes financially motivated criminal offenses, fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, bribery, and related conduct that can be prosecuted under Florida law, federal law, or both simultaneously. Being charged with a crime of this type often triggers civil and criminal penalties in parallel, including asset forfeiture, regulatory sanctions, and professional license consequences. The civil or criminal nature of a proceeding does not change the urgency of retaining defense counsel.
What is an internal investigation, and when should a business conduct one?
An internal investigation is a structured review of company records, communications, and personnel conducted before or alongside a government inquiry. Businesses should conduct internal investigations when they receive a government subpoena, learn that an employee is a target of a criminal investigation, or identify potential misconduct involving financial transactions or regulatory compliance. Internal investigations must be designed carefully, statements made during the process can affect criminal and regulatory exposure if not properly structured through counsel.
How does a grand jury investigation work in a white collar case?
Grand jury investigations are the primary tool the Department of Justice uses to build federal white collar cases before filing charges. A grand jury can issue subpoenas for documents and testimony, operate in complete secrecy, and run for months or years without the target knowing the scope of the inquiry. Receiving a grand jury subpoena, whether directed at you or your business records, is a direct signal that a criminal investigation is active and that legal representation is immediately necessary.
What is the difference between a civil investigation and a criminal investigation in white collar cases?
Civil investigations are typically conducted by regulatory agencies, the SEC, FTC, or HHS, to determine whether conduct violated civil statutes, resulting in fines, disgorgement, or injunctions. Criminal investigations, led by the Department of Justice or U.S. Attorney's Office, pursue criminal charges and potential incarceration. The two tracks frequently run simultaneously: the same conduct can generate both a civil regulatory proceeding and a criminal indictment, and evidence gathered in one can be used in the other.
At what point does a business law dispute become a criminal matter?
A business law dispute becomes a criminal matter when the government determines that conduct involved intent to defraud, false statements, or violations of specific federal statutes, regardless of whether the underlying transaction started as a civil dispute. Common triggers include contract fraud, inflated billing to federal programs, or financial misrepresentations to lenders. Companies involved in high-stakes investigations should treat any government inquiry as a potential criminal matter until counsel has assessed the full scope.
Does Dan Eckhart Law handle cases that began as regulatory or administrative matters?
Yes. A significant portion of complex white collar cases originate as regulatory or administrative inquiries before escalating to criminal referral. Dan Eckhart Law's white-collar practice covers the full spectrum of investigations and regulatory proceedings, from the earliest administrative contact through criminal court proceedings. Early engagement is particularly valuable when a regulatory matter shows signs of criminal referral, because the record created during the civil phase directly affects the criminal defense.
What should a business do if it receives a subpoena to conduct internal investigations on behalf of the government?
A subpoena requiring a company to produce records or facilitate an investigation does not mean criminal charges are imminent, but it does mean a criminal investigation is active. The company should preserve all responsive documents, suspend routine destruction policies, and retain criminal defense counsel before producing any materials or making any statements. How a company responds to the first government contact in complex investigations often shapes the entire trajectory of the case.