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Miami White Collar Crime Defense Attorney
A federal white-collar investigation is one of the most frightening experiences a professional or business owner can face — and often, by the time you learn about it, the government has been building its case for months or even years. Federal agents do not move quickly. They subpoena bank records, monitor accounts, interview your associates, and assemble a paper trail long before you ever receive a target letter. The decisions you make in the earliest days of that investigation can determine whether you are ever charged at all.
That is the moment to call a lawyer who has spent his entire career in the courtroom. Brian Kirlew has personally tried 65 jury cases and handled more than 5,000 federal, white-collar, and state criminal matters. He began his career as an Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade and was later elected President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Miami Chapter. He represents clients in federal investigations, grand jury proceedings, and indictments across multiple federal districts — and the focus never changes: protecting your freedom, your livelihood, and your reputation.
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Results in White Collar and Federal Fraud Cases
Every case turns on its own facts, but the firm’s record in white-collar and federal fraud matters reflects a consistent approach: intervene early, prepare relentlessly, and fight for the best possible outcome.
- Charges never filed. The firm represented several clients who learned they were under federal investigation. Through early intervention with prosecutors — before any indictment — Brian persuaded the government not to bring charges at all.
- Federal PPP and wire fraud — four months against a four-year guideline. A client charged in a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan and wire fraud case faced a sentencing guideline range of nearly 4 years in prison. The result was a sentence of four months.
- Federal fraud resolved with probation. A business owner facing federal charges was sentenced to probation — with no time in federal prison — despite his guideline range calling for 18-24 months.
Results depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. Past outcomes do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future matter.
What Is a White Collar Crime?
White collar crimes are non-violent offenses, usually motivated by financial gain, that often involve complex documentary and financial evidence. In Miami, these cases are frequently investigated and prosecuted by federal authorities — which means higher stakes, longer potential sentences, and the full investigative resources of the federal government arrayed
This form of white-collar crime is increasingly common as more people use computers, phones, and other internet-enabled devices to commit acts of fraud, hacking, extortion, and theft.
Thieves take personal information to access banking and financial accounts, make purchases, utility accounts, or steal tax refunds. In some cases, an identity thief may even use a false identity during an arrest.
This white-collar crime occurs when a thrift utilizes a stolen credit card or other information from that account to make unauthorized purchases. In some cases, they may use the stolen information to take out cash advances against the account.
The illicit selling of fake goods or services over the phone. Many phone scams are framed as a giveaway, or free offer in exchange for sensitive information, like access to banking or credit card accounts.
Often paired with another form of fraud, bankruptcy fraud can be the concealment of assets to prevent forfeiting them, filing incomplete or false forms, filing multiple times in different locations using fake or forged documents, and bribing of court-appointed trustees.
Largely committed by organized crime groups, this form of fraud includes performing unnecessary procedures to bill an insurance company, billing for services that were never rendered, and billing every step of one procedure as if they were individual procedures.
Environmental law makes actions like the illegal disposal of waste, improper storage of hazardous materials, or failure to comply with EPA and state regulations illegal.
An act committed to defraud an insurance company is considered a white-collar crime. This could include attempting to obtain benefits or advantages that an individual is not entitled to or when an insurer denies benefits that someone is due.
One of the most common forms of fraud, mail fraud is when the USPS or private carrier is used to commit a crime of deceit. This could be to obtain money or to sell and distribute illicit goods.
These forms of fraud start with a scheme to steal or obtain financial information by using false representation or promises of goods and services in return.
Crimes committed through extortion and coercion are considered racketeering. Generally, a racketeer obtains money or goods from someone using intimidation tactics or force.
Largely connected to federal government contracting or federally-funded programs, government fraud might involve public housing, agricultural programs, corporate subsidies, and bribery.
This form of white-collar crime is the deliberate failure to pay your taxes or the underpayment of the taxes you owe. It can be underreporting of income, overreporting of deductions, or improperly claiming tax credits and exemptions.
Also called investment fraud, securities fraud involves misrepresenting the information that investors use to make financial decisions.
This is the trading of the stock or securities of a public company that is based on non-public information about the company. This is the profiteering of information based on a company’s assets.
A bribe is the giving or receiving of something of value in order to influence the actions of another person or group.
The major focus of the FBI, public corruption covers a variety of crimes, including the violation of federal law by public officials, fraud related to the procurement, contracts, and funding of federal programs, and other crimes that are related to local, state, and federal governments.
By withholding assets, funds, or goods from an employer or business partner, you are committing an act of embezzlement.
Generally sponsored by foreign entities or outside corporations, economic espionage can target the U.S. government, U.S. companies, or other establishments and institutions. Economic espionage is the unlawful obtaining of financial information.
Trade secrets are the information or assets that give a company an advantage over others in the market. The theft of these assets is when someone uses this information without consent of the business.
Federal white collar offenses are governed primarily by Titles 18 and 26 of the United States Code. A conviction can bring far more than prison time — it can mean seizure of bank accounts, forfeiture of your home and property, and the loss of professional licenses and accreditation.
Why Federal White Collar Cases Are Different
In nearly every federal white-collar investigation, agents work quietly for months — sometimes years — before making contact. They use wiretaps, subpoenaed financial records, surveillance, and cooperating witnesses. They frequently approach codefendants and coworkers first, offering leniency in exchange for testimony.
The government has effectively unlimited resources and enormous patience. Sometimes agents become so invested in an investigation that people who knew nothing about any wrongdoing are swept into a conspiracy. That is why the single most important decision you can make is to retain experienced counsel the moment you suspect you may be a target — not after charges are filed.
With the help of skilled investigators and forensic accountants, the firm can often reduce a client’s exposure dramatically — and, in the right circumstances, prevent charges from ever being brought.
How The Kirlew Law Firm Defends White Collar Cases
From the first conversation, Brian maintains open lines of communication with prosecutors throughout an investigation. That dialogue can lead to a favorable resolution — or a declination — before any arrest is made or charges are filed.
When a case does move forward, preparation is everything. The firm cross-examines witnesses, scrutinizes financial records and exhibits, and identifies the inconsistencies and weaknesses the government would rather you never find. For clients facing serious exposure, Brian builds a holistic defense — engaging expert investigators and mitigation specialists to present the strongest possible case at every stage.
And when a case must be tried, it is tried by a lawyer who has stood before 65 juries. Many white collar attorneys have never tried a case to verdict. Brian has built his entire career on it.
What Our Clients Say
★★★★★
“From the initial consultation and throughout the course of my situation, Brian displayed professionalism, prompt and straightforward communication. He does not sugar coat things and that’s what you need from an attorney. I can’t recommend him enough. If you want clear and concise communication from a law firm, look no further. Kateryn, his paralegal, works fast and communicates even faster. If you want to be represented by a knowledgeable attorney who effectively analyzes your situation and gives a no-BS assessment, he is your guy. My family and I thank you, Brian.”
John
★★★★★
“Mr. Kirlew stands out as one of the most empathetic and honest attorneys I have had the pleasure of knowing. He consistently goes above and beyond for his clients. His professionalism is unmatched — he is always on time, respectful, and fair. What sets him apart is his ability to navigate the complexities of government-related legal matters with integrity and a clear understanding of the industry’s inherent biases. His dedication to truly understanding his clients’ needs and fighting for them is remarkable. It’s rare to find an attorney who balances empathy with such strong advocacy. I highly recommend Mr. Kirlew to anyone seeking a principled and committed lawyer.”
Arielle M.
★★★★★
“I want to thank The Kirlew Law Firm for everything they’ve done for me and my family. These guys are the best to have in your corner during these tough times.”
William A.
Talk to a Miami White Collar Defense Attorney Today
If you believe you are under investigation — or you have already been charged — the sooner you have experienced counsel on your side, the more options you have. The Kirlew Law Firm offers a free, confidential phone consultation to learn about your situation and explain how we can help.
Call (866) 805-5934 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
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We’ll set up a phone consultation to get to know you and your circumstances.
Committed to aggressive, personalized legal representation for criminal defense, white collar, federal, and family law matters throughout Florida since 2012.
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888 S. Andrews Ave
Suite 201
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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