What needs to be proven in a civil claim for compensation?

In civil litigation, a plaintiff generally needs to prove that they have been wronged through the negligence, misconduct, or wrongdoing of the defendant and that they suffered legally recognizable damages. Because certain situations, such as theft claims and RICO Act violations, allow for the recovery of treble (triple) damages under Florida law, you need to establish that the case meets this criteria to pursue these damages. You need to carefully document the full scope of your damages, as well. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may need to provide clear and convincing evidence of your claims or establish your arguments by a preponderance of the evidence. Either way, this standard is lower than that required in the civil legal process. A criminal conviction for fraud, money laundering, or theft is not required for you to move forward with civil litigation.

What does a prosecutor need to prove to convict you of white-collar crime?

In a white-collar crime case, the burden of proof is on the prosecutor. The government must establish all elements of the specific crime of which you are accused through evidence and solid legal arguments and must prove these different elements beyond a reasonable doubt. In matters pertaining to fraud, elements that a prosecutor must prove typically include a knowing deception carried out with the intention of defrauding someone for some sort of personal or financial gain or to harm them, as well as the victim’s reliance on this deception and suffering of actual damages as a result. For certain types of fraud, such as offenses targeting certain types of victims (such as financial institutions in the case of bank fraud) or conducted using certain means (such as mail or wire fraud), the prosecutor must also establish that the circumstances align with these specific elements. At Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., I force the government to do its job by challenging assumptions, highlighting inaccuracies, and exposing improper procedures that can lead to the suppression of unlawfully obtained evidence.

How early do I need to get an attorney involved in my legal issue?

The sooner you can bring on the guidance and support of a dedicated attorney, the better. Early intervention is valuable in both civil and criminal matters, paving the way for the strongest and most effective legal strategies possible in your unique situation. The earlier I am involved in your case, the sooner I can begin advising you on what steps you can take to strengthen your case and avoid common mistakes. I can also launch an investigation, gathering evidence in your favor before it is discarded or disappears. In criminal matters, I can provide guidance and support throughout an investigation and potentially even begin working toward a resolution before charges are formally filed against you.

What happens during a consultation with Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A.?

I begin each consultation with an effort to gain a thorough understanding of your unique situation. By listening carefully to your story and asking the right questions, I can determine your specific legal needs and how I may be able to help. I will provide an objective evaluation of your case and initial feedback about a possible course of action you could pursue. Although there’s no obligation to move forward with retaining my services, I’m prepared to provide background information about myself, my law firm, and how I may be able to assist you. If you are interested in retaining my services, I can typically provide you with a decision regarding whether I can assist you on the same day as your initial consultation and can begin working on your case within hours of our first meeting.

West Palm Beach Civil and Criminal Lawyer | Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense Attorney West Palm Beach FL

Knowledgeable Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL

Legal issues can change everything, but with the guidance of a West Palm Beach civil and criminal lawyer at Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., you’re prepared for the challenges. I assist clients in skillfully building effective claims for compensation, strategically defending against serious criminal charges, and more.

Having a trusted civil litigation and criminal defense attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, on your side is more than just retaining representation. It’s investing in your peace of mind during a turbulent time, the support you need to manage the legal process, and the outcome that most benefits your future.

Every case begins with a confidential consultation. Contact my law firm today for help understanding your rights.

Types of Cases Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., Handles in West Palm Beach

While civil and criminal legal matters are separate actions, they can impact one another in cases that involve components of both types of issues. The advantage of retaining a West Palm Beach civil and criminal lawyer is having full-service support for every concern: civil, criminal, and more.

Civil Claims for Monetary Damages

As an experienced West Palm Beach complex civil litigation attorney, I routinely assist clients with matters such as:

West Palm Beach parallel legal proceedings: Cases in which separate legal actions are progressing in different courts or jurisdictions, sometimes involving petitions for anti‑suit injunctions to stop a legal action from moving forward
West Palm Beach international litigation: Legal issues in which parties are located in different jurisdictions or countries, giving rise to a combination of different regulations and procedures
West Palm Beach civil fraud claims: Lawsuits through which a fraud victim can pursue financial compensation
West Palm Beach civil theft cases: Claims that allow a victim of theft to recover compensation from the thief for triple the amount of actual damages arising out of the crime under Florida law
West Palm Beach civil RICO and business fraud lawsuits: Civil cases pursued by alleged victims of racketeering or fraudulent business schemes as separate legal actions from criminal RICO violation charges

Business Dispute Representation

In West Palm Beach business disputes, the outcome can impact everything from your finances to your business’s future. I help clients with the following issues:

West Palm Beach breach of contract lawsuits: Cases through which you can hold another party accountable when they break legally enforceable business agreements
West Palm Beach tortious interference cases: Claims against third parties whose actions cause someone else to violate the terms of a contract or who intentionally interfere with established business relationships
West Palm Beach defamation and disparagement claims: Lawsuits against someone who made untrue and harmful statements about your business, costing you earnings, opportunities, business relationships, or your reputation with the public
West Palm Beach business partnership disputes: Matters in which business partners need outside counsel to resolve agreements, whether through negotiations, in court, or under the dissolution of the partnership

Criminal Defense Services

An important part of my legal practice is West Palm Beach criminal defense services. I primarily focus on defending clients against charges of West Palm Beach white‑collar crimes, including:

West Palm Beach bank fraud charges: Allegations of carrying out deceptive schemes targeting financial institutions or the money under their control, including credit card fraud, check fraud, and loan fraud
West Palm Beach tax fraud charges: Accusations of evading, underpaying, or failing to pay taxes owed to the federal or state government through fraudulent means
West Palm Beach healthcare fraud charges: Allegations of seeking unauthorized benefits, services, or payments from a health benefit program through misleading statements, fraudulent billing, or other types of deception
West Palm Beach wire fraud charges: Accusations of using telecommunications systems such as the internet, phone networks, or radio or television broadcasts to execute a fraudulent scheme
West Palm Beach money laundering charges: Allegations of trying to hide the true source of funds acquired through illegal activities by making a series of financial transactions deliberately designed to confuse
West Palm Beach conspiracy charges: Accusations of entering into a knowing agreement with others to break the law

I defend clients against both state and federal charges, with extensive knowledge of legal process and procedures in courts at both levels.

The same investigative techniques I use in preparing defense strategies against white-collar criminal charges also apply to the West Palm Beach internal investigations I conduct. In this work, I help business leaders not only identify fraud within their companies but also proactively address misconduct to minimize consequences for the company.

In addition to representing clients during the legal process leading up to trial and throughout their time in court, I file appeals on behalf of people whose trials were unfairly impacted by legal, judicial, or procedural errors.

Civil Rights Litigation

In handling West Palm Beach civil rights litigation, I use Section 1983 claims and other forms of legal recourse to fight for clients who have been discriminated against in housing or employment, silenced by public officials, harmed by police excessive force, or otherwise had their rights violated.

Crisis Management & Communications

When legal issues in West Palm Beach leave individuals and small businesses fearing for their public image, I step in with both legal and communications strategies informed by the best practices of crisis management. I’m here to tell your story strategically and with the best interests of both your legal standing and your reputation in mind.

Areas Served in West Palm Beach, Florida

I represent clients who live, work, and travel throughout West Palm Beach, including the city’s numerous historic districts:

Bel Air Historic District
Central Park (Southern Boulevard)
El Cid
Flamingo Park
Grandview Heights
Mango Promenade
Northboro Park
Northwest
Old Northwest Historic District
Northwood Hills Historic District
Prospect Park
West Northwood Historic District

One of the factors that makes West Palm Beach unique is how many areas that are not technically within the city’s boundaries still have a West Palm Beach mailing address. Because I provide legal services in Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County, I also serve West Palm Beach’s census-designated places and neighborhoods in unincorporated areas of the county, including:

Westgate
Belvedere Homes
Lakeside Green
Century Village
Schall Circle
Lake Belvedere Estates
Plantation Mobile Homes
Golden Lakes
Boca Raton
Boynton Beach
Delray Beach
Wellington
Jupiter
Palm Beach Gardens
Greenacres
Royal Palm Beach
Lake Worth Beach
Riviera Beach
Palm Springs
North Palm Beach
Lantana
Palm Beach
Lake Clarke Shores
Loxahatchee
Atlantis
Haverhill
Mangonia Park

Wherever you need legal support in South Florida, count on a West Palm Beach civil and criminal lawyer at Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., to be your advocate.

Who Needs a Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL?

Professional legal guidance is always valuable when you’re dealing with any sort of legal issue, particularly when your freedom or your financial future is on the line. You should consider retaining a West Palm Beach civil and criminal lawyer if:

You sustained meaningful losses through fraud, theft, breach of business contracts, or other misconduct, and need the compensation available through the civil legal system to make you whole again
You have been charged with a serious criminal offense, especially one that involves sophisticated white-collar violations and the potential for serious penalties
Your business has been negatively impacted by the actions, untrue statements, or failures to meet contractual obligations of other parties
As a partner in a business, you are facing a significant disagreement with one or more other partners and aren’t sure how to move forward
You’re facing losses arising out of violations of your civil rights, which can range from lost opportunities to physical harm, financial losses, and other damages

Because I practice at the intersection of civil and criminal legal matters, I’m prepared to address the full range of legal issues that involve civil claims for damages, charges of violating state or federal laws, and complicated circumstances that combine both civil and criminal elements.

Why Choose Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., as Your West Palm Beach Civil and Criminal Lawyer?

For compassionate client service in the face of negative publicity and full support for both civil and criminal legal matters, turn to Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A.

Treating Clients With Compassion, Not as Commodities

I don’t view my clients as commodities or legal practice as just another industry. Just like the outcome of your case, my commitment to representing you is personal. I’m devoted to listening to every client I serve, approaching their case with care and compassion, and providing dedicated advocacy.

Representing Those in Need Despite Bad Press or Powerful Opposition

Many of the clients who most need my help are facing off against influential opponents, from government prosecutors to large corporations, or they are dealing with extremely negative media attention. I don’t shy away from taking on powerful opposing parties or from helping my clients fight back against unfair, one-sided media coverage.

Providing Comprehensive Services at the Intersection of Civil and Criminal Law

For all of your legal needs involving complex civil litigation, business disputes, and charges of sophisticated criminal offenses, I’m here to provide full-service legal support informed by knowledge of both civil and criminal law. Whether your case involves nuances of either type of law or elements of both combined in one complicated situation, you can count on my law firm to provide skilled representation.

About Civil and Criminal Legal Issues in West Palm Beach

With its tourism industry, shopping districts like CityPlace and Palm Beach Outlets, and numerous businesses based in or around West Palm Beach, it’s no surprise that many of the legal matters that arise here involve business operations. Whether you’re filing a civil claim for damages against a business, seeking to hold a party accountable for contractual breaches or defamatory statements that negatively affected your company, or facing charges of white-collar crime activities in connection with your work, it’s important to have legal counsel that understands the business and legal landscape of West Palm Beach.

Contact a West Palm Beach Civil and Criminal Lawyer at Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., Today for a Case Review

Don’t wait to bring on skilled professional assistance for every aspect of your legal issue. I offer confidential consultations and am ready to quickly begin working to prepare your legal strategy, often within hours of our initial meeting. Through swift, dedicated legal services, I assist my clients in building effective cases.

For help from a civil litigation and criminal defense attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, contact Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., online or call 786-933-8794 today.

West Palm Beach Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense