Gainesville White Collar Crime Attorney 

Legal Help When Your Reputation & Future Are On The Line

Being told that you are under investigation for a financial or business offense, or learning that charges have been filed against you, can turn your life upside down. White collar accusations threaten more than your record. They can affect your career, professional license, finances, and standing in the community. In this situation, you need clear guidance and a steady, experienced team on your side.

At Barbarette & Quirk, we represent people facing serious criminal allegations in Gainesville and across North Central Florida. With more than 40 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys take the time to understand what is at stake for you and your family, then work to build a focused defense strategy. We prepare every case carefully and are ready to advocate in court when that is the best path forward.

If you are searching for a white collar crime attorney Gainesville who will treat your case with the urgency and attention it deserves, our firm offers free, confidential consultations so you can talk through your situation and your options.

To speak with our experienced Gainesville white collar crime lawyers, call us at (352) 356-4999 or contact us online today. 

Why Work With Our Gainesville Defense Team On White Collar Charges

White collar investigations and prosecutions are often complex and highly personal. You may be dealing with years of business records, digital communications, and financial data, all while worrying about your job and your reputation. You need a defense team that has experience with serious criminal cases and understands how courts in this region handle these matters.

Our attorneys, Michael Barbarette and Kevin Quirk, bring more than four decades of combined courtroom and negotiation experience to each case. We have practiced in the Gainesville area for many years and are widely respected by local judges and prosecutors. This local insight helps us anticipate how a case may be charged, how certain issues are likely to be viewed, and what options may realistically be available.

When you work with us, you work directly with our attorneys. We collaborate closely on our files and prepare each matter as if it could proceed to trial. Our goal is to position you as strongly as possible, whether the case is resolved through negotiations, pretrial motions, or a contested hearing. Clients also appreciate our client-centered approach, which includes open communication, clear explanations, and 24/7 availability for those we represent.

Our firm has earned an A rating from the Better Business Bureau, and clients frequently commend our dedication, careful preparation, and respectful treatment during very difficult times in their lives. When you hire a white collar criminal defense attorney Gainesville from our firm, you receive more than representation. You receive a team that understands how much your future matters.

What To Do If You Are Under White Collar Investigation Or Charged

For many people, the first sign of a white collar case is not an arrest. It may be a call from a law enforcement agent, a subpoena, an internal inquiry from an employer, or a letter from a state or federal agency. How you respond in these early moments can significantly affect the direction of your case.

If you suspect that you are under investigation or you have already been charged, there are several practical steps you can take to protect yourself.

Key steps to protect your rights as early as possible:

• Limit what you say without counsel. It is usually safer not to answer questions from investigators, auditors, or company representatives about the facts of the situation until you have spoken with a lawyer. Even well-intended statements can be misinterpreted or used against you later.
• Do not destroy or alter records. Deleting emails, changing files, or discarding documents can create additional legal problems and may be viewed as obstruction. Preserving information and bringing it to your attorney is typically the better course.
• Gather key documents. If you can safely do so, collect copies of any letters, subpoenas, emails, or personnel notices you have received, along with any charging documents or court papers. These materials help us quickly understand the status of your case.
• Make a written timeline. Write down dates, names, and events while they are still fresh in your mind. A private, written summary can be very helpful when you speak with your lawyer for the first time.
• Contact a lawyer promptly. Consulting with a white collar crime lawyer Gainesville early in the process allows us to advise you about communications, help you avoid missteps, and begin formulating a defense strategy.

We offer free initial consultations, so you can discuss what has happened, ask questions, and decide whether our team is the right fit for you. We keep these conversations confidential and focused on giving you practical information about what to expect next.

Types Of White Collar Cases We Handle & What Is At Stake

White collar cases involve a wide range of alleged conduct, but they share two common features. The charges are usually based on claims of deception or misuse of trust, and the consequences often reach far beyond the criminal courtroom. We work with clients facing many different types of financial and business-related accusations.

We represent clients facing allegations such as:

• Fraud offenses. These may include claims of insurance fraud, healthcare fraud, credit card fraud, loan or mortgage fraud, or other schemes that prosecutors say were designed to obtain money or property through dishonest means.
• Embezzlement and employee theft. Employees, bookkeepers, officers, or others with access to company funds are sometimes accused of diverting money or property for personal use.
• Forgery and check offenses. Allegations can involve altering checks, creating false documents, or signing another person’s name without permission in order to obtain financial benefit.
• Public corruption and misuse of office. Public employees or officials may face investigations related to how they used their positions, including claims of accepting unlawful benefits or misdirecting funds.
• Other financial crimes. Cases involving wire transfers, online activity, or complex business structures can all lead to charges under Florida criminal statutes.

Under Florida law, many white collar crimes are charged as felonies. Depending on the specific statute and the amount of alleged loss, potential penalties can include incarceration, probation, restitution, and substantial fines. Courts often look at factors such as the alleged victim’s identity, the amount of money involved, and whether the conduct is claimed to have occurred over an extended period.

Beyond the courtroom, the stakes can be just as serious. A conviction or even a pending charge may affect your professional license, your current employment, and your ability to work in certain fields in the future. Some clients must also consider immigration consequences or contractual obligations. Our attorneys understand how important these issues are and work to develop strategies that take into account your career, your business relationships, and your long-term goals.

How Our White Collar Criminal Defense Gainesville Team Builds Your Case

When you come to us for help with a white collar allegation, we know you are trusting us with your future. Our process is designed to be thorough, transparent, and responsive to the specific facts of your case. We focus on careful preparation, because in our experience, preparation often influences both negotiations and trial outcomes.

The work typically begins with an in-depth consultation where we listen to your account of what has happened and review any documents you bring. We discuss the current status of the case, including whether you are under investigation, have been formally charged, or are anticipating charges. From there, we work to obtain and review the government’s evidence whenever possible, including financial records, emails, recorded statements, and reports.

Once we have a clearer picture, we evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s theory and identify legal and factual issues. This can include questions about intent, reliability of records, the accuracy of loss calculations, or whether investigators followed proper procedures. Our attorneys consider a range of options, such as pre-charge discussions, filing motions to challenge certain evidence, and engaging in plea negotiations when that aligns with your goals.

Throughout this process, we prepare as though your case could ultimately be presented in a courtroom. We work on organizing documents, developing themes that explain your side of the story, and anticipating the arguments that may be raised against you. Our goal is to give you clear information, honest feedback, and guidance so that you can make informed decisions at each step, whether that involves pursuing a negotiated resolution or proceeding to hearings and trial.

When you hire a white collar criminal attorney Gainesville through our firm, you can expect that our attorneys will be directly involved in these decisions and will keep you updated as your case moves forward.

Local Insight: Defending White Collar Cases In Gainesville Courts

Facing criminal charges in a court that you have never visited before can feel intimidating. Many white collar matters that arise in this part of Florida are heard at the Alachua County Criminal Courthouse, which is part of Florida’s Eighth Judicial Circuit and is located in Gainesville. Other cases may proceed in nearby North Central Florida counties, each with its own scheduling practices and courtroom procedures.

Our firm is based in Gainesville, and we have spent years working within these local courts. We have appeared before many of the judges who will handle preliminary hearings, motion calendars, and trial dockets. We also regularly interact with the prosecutors who make charging and plea decisions in this area. While no lawyer controls how a case is resolved, understanding how local decision makers typically approach issues can help us give you more grounded advice about your options.

We guide clients through each stage of the process, from first appearances and arraignments through motion hearings and, when necessary, trial. We explain where you need to be, what will likely happen at each court date, and how you can prepare. For clients who live outside the city but are required to appear in Gainesville, we help plan ahead so that court obligations are as manageable as possible.

If your case arises in another county in this part of North Central Florida, we work to adapt our approach to that court’s procedures while drawing on the same preparation and advocacy that we provide here at home.

To speak with our experienced Gainesville white collar crime lawyers, call us at (352) 356-4999 or contact us online today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Talk To Investigators Before I Hire A Lawyer?

It is usually safer to speak with a lawyer before answering detailed questions from investigators or regulators. Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, statements you make can be misunderstood or taken out of context, especially in a complex white collar setting. Once you talk to us, we can help you decide whether it makes sense to provide information, and if so, how to do that in a way that protects your rights. In some situations, we may communicate directly with investigators on your behalf or attend any interviews with you. Our goal is to help you avoid unintended harm while still considering all strategic options.

What Penalties Could I Face For A White Collar Crime In Florida?

Potential penalties vary widely depending on the specific charge, the amount of alleged loss, and your prior record, if any. Many white collar offenses in Florida are felonies, which can carry the possibility of incarceration, probation, restitution, and significant fines. Courts often consider whether the alleged victim was an individual, a business, a government agency, or a vulnerable person when determining an appropriate sentence. In addition to criminal penalties, you may face professional discipline, employment consequences, and other long-term effects. During your consultation, we can review the charges you are facing and discuss the range of outcomes that courts in this area commonly consider for similar cases.

Will My Employer Or Professional Board Find Out About My Case?

Whether an employer or licensing board learns about a white collar matter often depends on how the case arises and what reporting rules apply in your field. If the allegation involves your workplace or your role in a business, your employer may already be aware of the investigation. Some licensing boards require self-reporting of certain charges or convictions within specific timeframes. We talk with clients about these issues so that they can make careful decisions about if, when, and how to communicate with employers or boards. Our attorneys can also help you understand how public records and court filings in Gainesville might affect your privacy and professional status.

How Will Your Attorneys Be Involved In My White Collar Case?

At Barbarette & Quirk, your case is handled directly by our attorneys, not passed off entirely to staff. Attorneys Michael Barbarette and Kevin Quirk review the evidence, develop strategy, and appear with you in court. We meet with you to discuss the facts, answer your questions, and explain your options at key points in the case. While our team may assist with organizing documents and scheduling, our attorneys remain closely involved from the first consultation through resolution. This collaborative approach allows us to tailor our work to your specific needs and to keep you informed about each important decision.

How Quickly Should I Contact A Lawyer After Learning I Am Under Investigation?

Contacting a lawyer as soon as you suspect that you are under investigation is often one of the most important steps you can take. Early legal guidance can help you avoid missteps in conversations with investigators, employers, or others involved. In some cases, there may be opportunities to address issues before formal charges are filed, or to influence how a case is presented. The sooner we learn about your situation, the more options we may have to consider. We offer free initial consultations and work to speak with potential clients promptly, so you can get answers to your questions without delay.

Can You Help If My Case Is In Another North Central Florida County?

Yes, we represent clients in Gainesville and in courts across North Central Florida. The specific courthouse and procedures will depend on where the alleged conduct occurred and where prosecutors file the case. While each county may handle scheduling and local rules a bit differently, our experience in this region helps us adapt to those differences. During your consultation, we can confirm where your case is likely to be heard and talk about how we would handle appearances and communication with that court.

What Should I Bring To My First Consultation About A White Collar Charge?

Bringing key documents to your first consultation can make our discussion more productive. It is helpful to have any charging papers, notices of investigation, subpoenas, letters from agencies or employers, and any court documents you have received. If you have been contacted by law enforcement, email or written records of that contact can also be useful. A brief written timeline of events and a list of questions you want to ask can help ensure we cover what matters most to you. We will review what you bring and let you know what additional information might be needed as we move forward.

Talk With Our Gainesville White Collar Defense Team

If you are facing a white collar investigation or criminal charge, you do not have to navigate this alone. Our attorneys have more than 40 years of combined experience, a strong reputation in the local courts, and a track record of preparing cases carefully for negotiations and trial. We focus on understanding your unique circumstances and working to protect what matters most to you, including your freedom, your career, and your reputation.

We offer free, confidential consultations and are available around the clock for clients under our care. When you contact us, you can speak with an attorney about what has happened, what to expect next, and how a white collar criminal defense attorney Gainesville can assist you. Taking this first step can give you clarity and a plan in a situation that may otherwise feel out of control.

To speak with our experienced Gainesville white collar crime lawyers, call us at (352) 356-4999 or contact us online today.