Have a Safe and Free Holiday Season.

During this time of year, we gather together with family and friends to celebrate 2017 and look forward to a safe and free 2018.  Sometimes that word free takes on multiple meanings.  For some, it means freedom to move about safely and securely.  On occasion, people are falsely accused of crimes.

This is a stressful and life-altering event in the life of you or a loved one.  We at Kidder and Bennett do not EVER want that to be the case in your inner-circle.  This should be a time of carefree celebration.  The families who comprise our office will be celebrating with loved ones and we hope that is the case with you and yours.

Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett have celebrated decades together helping citizens of Pinellas County and the surrounding area to obtain aggressive defense when facing criminal charges.  We hope that you will not need our services in 2018, but if you do, please take a minute and visit our website at kidderbennet.com.  Once again, Happy Holidays to one and all.

New Year's Eve Package at Tradewinds Island Resorts

New Year's Eve Package at Tradewinds Island Resorts

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"Toast to a New Year and rock out to live music with Motel Funk and opening band Galbraith Group. Enjoy great food, a full open bar and more!"

Stay Away from Synthetics.

In this case when we refer to synthetics we are talking about drugs.  What is a synthetic drug?  It is defined as a drug with properties and effects similar to a known hallucinogen or narcotic but having a slightly altered chemical structure.  Just because some have looked the other way, these drugs are potentially dangerous and definitely illegal in the state of Florida.

Here is a fact of which you should be aware.  Buying, selling or smoking synthetic marijuana is NO LONGER LEGAL.  Possession of synthetic drugs, including K2, spice, or other synthetic drugs is classified as a First Degree Misdemeanor in Florida if under 3 grams.  Remember that and proceed accordingly!

IF you are arrested on a charge of using or distributing synthetic drugs in Pinellas County you have a strong law firm that you can count on.  Rely on the combined 50 years of experience of Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett at the St. Petersburg office of Kidder and Bennett attorneys at law.  Don’t hesitate!  Call this number immediately (727) 821-8000.  

Winter Events and Festivals

Winter Events and Festivals

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"While the rest of the country shivers with winter's chill, you could be enjoying mild temperatures in St. Pete/Clearwater, enjoying these events, like the annual Ephiphany celebration and the outdoor Clearwater Sea Blues Festival. So what are you waiting for?"

Empowering Victims of Domestic Abuse.

Right now, you are almost in a state of shock and at the very least alarmed.  Someone that you have trusted with your future happiness has done a violent thing to you.  In your case you may be experiencing a financial crisis in addition to the physical and emotional ones.  It is all a bit overwhelming.

There are local organizations such as Community Action Stop Abuse (CASA) or The Haven of RCS, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline for information about services, programs and shelters available in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Most definitely if you are in immediate danger, call 911! 

There is a caring and compassionate team that will assist you in this time of need.  They are Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett.  They have had a combined 50 years of experience in dealing with domestic abuse in Pinellas County.  Please call their law office today at (727) 821-8000.  The next attack may be worse!

Thanksgiving St Petersburg & Clearwater 2017

Thanksgiving St Petersburg & Clearwater 2017

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"Thanksgiving St Petersburg & Clearwater Florida 2017 is celebrated through family activities and Thanksgiving weekend events. Thanksgiving is not just about getting stuffed and watching football all day. There are many things to do for Thanksgiving in St Petersburg & Clearwater Florida."

Grand Theft in Florida.

Not just theft, mind you, but grand theft needs to be defined if you or a loved one has been accused in the Sunshine State.  Under Florida law, Grand Theft is any intentional and unlawful taking of property valued at $300.00 or more.  That does not sound like an enormous amount of money, but it is very serious.

Grand theft is a felony offense, with penalties that may include prison, probation, fines, restitution, and a permanent criminal record.  That permanent part will follow you around for the rest of your life.  Here is the thing…there are certain circumstances that may reduce this charge and you NEED to know them.

If you or a loved one faces a charge like this you need to immediately call the Kidder and Bennett law firm.  Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Kidder and Bennett is a Florida grand theft defense attorney law firm.  You don’t mess around with a charge like this!  Seek aggressive defense from Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett by calling (727) 821-8000.

Judge Ye Not.

You may be familiar with that beginning of a Biblical phrase.  In today’s world when a judge renders a decision in family court, the final outcome may still have room for modification.  If your life changes after a divorce decree in the state of Florida you can seek to modify the final judgement to reflect those changes.

There are many possibilities including illness, loss of income, or a required relocation.  Some changes in your life may inhibit your ability to pay the full child support that you were ordered to pay when the decision was rendered.  On the other side of the coin, if a former spouse has received a large inheritance then your burden may be reduced.

When a family court judge makes a decision on a divorce case that does not necessarily mean “in perpetuity”.  Discover your rights to modify a divorce decree from veteran St. Petersburg family lawyers Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett.  They will represent you in Florida family court to fight for your financial rights.  Call the office of Kidder and Bennett today at (727) 821-8000.

Heroes vs. Villains Halloween Party

Heroes vs. Villains Halloween Party

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"Enjoy cocktail and foodie specials oozing with deliciousness while you dance the night away along with our Mr. Fantastic DJ"

Help is Truly on the Way.

Children and the elderly are easy targets for predators.  Even well-meaning care givers make unintentional mistakes that lead to injury or worse to a loved one.  Children may be treated harshly at a daycare center.  And mom may not get the proper attention at an elderly care facility in Florida.

This door swings in both directions.  You may have been entrusted to care for a child or a senior citizen and inadvertently caused harm to come to them.  Those charges could be completely erroneous and you were only trying to do the right thing.  You may have even thought that you were dealing with a competent adult when, in fact it was someone suffering from dementia.

These accusations can alter your life for many years to come.  If you have been charged with abusing a child or a senior citizen take action immediately!  Call St. Petersburg elderly and child abuse attorneys Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett.  They will put their half-century of combined experience toward your aggressive defense.  Call today (727) 821-8000.

Gateways to the Caribbean: Mapping the Florida-Cuba Connection

Gateways to the Caribbean: Mapping the Florida-Cuba Connection

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Date(s): July 19, 2017 - January 28, 2018

Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Give It Up for the Kids.

Yes indeed, that new generation born in this century called the Centennials need a “hand up” just like every generation before them.  Is it your responsibility to provide for them?  If so, then how much?  This is an argument that has been going back and forth for generations.  If there is a divorce then how much child support is due and by whom?

You not only need to be prepared during the divorce proceedings, but if one of the parents refuses to pay their fair share then someone needs to pursue them to abide by the judgment of the family court.  The object, of course, is to raise healthy, well-adjusted children to adulthood who have been jolted by a family break-up.

None of this is easy…ALL of it is necessary!  No matter what side of the issue you are on a Pinellas County judge has made his or her ruling and you have to abide by it.  That is why you seek the counsel of St. Petersburg child custody attorneys, Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett.  They will guide you through the slippery slopes of this process.  Call the office of Kidder and Bennett to arrange a meeting at (727) 821-8000.

Don't Miss Brad Paisley in Tampa, Saturday Sept. 16th

Brad Paisley in Tampa

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Don't miss it!  The 2017 Country Megaticket Presented by Hooters: Brad Paisley in Tampa

Saturday, September 16th 

Appealing to a Higher Court.

Remember, you did this when you were a kid.  When mom said no you asked dad.  Well, the stakes are much higher now.  If you or a loved one has been convicted of a crime you may have the right to appeal to a higher court.  The appellate process allows you to have your case reviewed by a higher court when a lawyer or judge has made a legal error.

This takes a very experienced and aggressive attorney to argue on your behalf.  The appellate judge will NOT receive new information.  They will, however, carefully consider the record of the trial in which you were convicted.  We hear about it all the time.  An unjust criminal conviction alters lives!

This is where the experienced, aggressive council comes in.  Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett have a combined half-century of experience arguing in these proceedings.  Kidder and Bennett are experienced appellate attorneys in St. Petersburg Florida and throughout the state.  Don’t accept your fate!  Call the law firm of Kidder and Bennett at (727) 821-8000.

Sunsets at Pier 60

Sunsets at Pier 60

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"Sunsets at Pier 60," a Clearwater Beach tradition, offers a variety of crafts and entertainment from 6 - 9 p.m. each night.

Settle Your Dispute.

When things reach an impasse and a conflict needs to be resolved a certified mediator may be your best solution.  An individual who has been trained in mediation can guide “warring” parties to an amicable resolution of their conflict.  On a grand scale…look what Jimmy Carter was able to do by bringing Middle-east leaders together!

It may be time to get to know the law firm of Kidder and Bennett.  The feud may be between couples or business partners who cannot resolve their differences.  You need to find common ground at a secure, non-threatening neutral location.  Just as President Carter took Sadat and Begin to Camp David nearly forty years ago.

It doesn’t have to be contentious.  The answer may be a meeting at the offices located at 275 96th Avenue North in St. Petersburg.  Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett are veteran negotiators and mediators of disputes in the State of Florida.  Take a deep breath and recognize that you need another person in the room.  Arrange a meeting by calling (727) 821-8000.

DUI and Summer.

It is just a fact of life…summer time brings about more leisure and impaired driving.  The livin’ is easy, but the consequences are harsh!  If a DUI arrest happens to you or a family member it is a devastating and potentially life-altering experience.  Your family’s entire future is about to be put on the line and you need to fight back.

In the state of Florida if your Breathalyzer test reads 0.08 or higher you are considered to be intoxicated.  When you hire the right DUI defense team they will know what to look for.  Is the Breathalyzer machine properly calibrated?  Did the field officer conduct the test properly?  Then there are other factors that need to be checked for flaws.

Suffice to say, this is a turning point in your life or that of a loved one.  May we suggest the combined half-century of experience offered by Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett?  Kidder and Bennett is your Pinellas County DUI defense law firm.  There is no time to procrastinate!  Visit www.kidderbennett.com then call (727) 821-8000 for a free consultation.

Don't Miss John Mayer in Tampa!

Don't Miss John Mayer in Tampa!

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August 13, 2017

"John Mayer: Search For Everything World Tour in Tampa"

Who Controls the Home?

Next to the kids, this is the most important question of all in a divorce proceeding.  After all, you have fought to have a home and now that you have achieved the American dream you don’t want to lose it because your relationship within that structure has become incompatible.  You need answers to tough questions at a time like this.

Questions such as-

1.  Divorce and quitclaim deeds

2.  Splitting the equity

3.  Inheritance issues

4.  Can you force your spouse to leave?

5.  Who gets to stay in the home during the divorce

These and many, many more questions should be answered by a seasoned family attorney.  In the St. Petersburg, FL area you will find fifty years of combined experienced in the capable hands of Nat Kidder and Bill Bennet.  What you need now is a strategy and that is exactly what you will get from Nat and Bill.  Call them today at (727) 821-8000.

Things to do this Summer!

Things to do in Ft. Lauderdale

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"Between Blue Wave beaches and exotic Everglades lie countless ways to play in Greater Fort Lauderdale, including kid-friendly attractions and sightseeing cruises, watersports and more."

Defense Against Vehicular Homicide.

There is nothing humorous about this at all.  It’s summer in Tampa/St. Pete.  People are out driving and some of them are under the influence.  If you or a loved one have been charged with vehicular homicide your future freedom is at stake.  You cannot take this lightly in any way, shape, or form!

The penalties for a conviction are extremely severe.  They include up to 15 years of imprisonment and a 10,000 dollar fine.  If you or someone you care about actually left the scene of an accident in which a person was killed now the charges accelerate up to a first degree felony and 30 years in prison.

You cannot weasel your way out of this one!  Strong, aggressive representation is necessary.  With a combined half-century of experience, Nat Kidder and Bill Bennet are Pinellas County’s vehicular homicide defense attorneys.  They are the right attorneys to call at a time like this.  Make an appointment at their St. Petersburg office by calling (727) 821-8000.  

Make Your 4th of July Plans!

Make Your 4th of July Plans!

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Planning on Retiring One of These Days?

I would imagine that someday you would like to live the good life enjoying the fruits of a lifetime of labor.  But wait…did or does an impending divorce affect those retirement plans?  The dissolution of a marriage can put a huge roadblock into your future financial security.  It may have an impact when you are ready to retire.

Even as a young divorcee you need to consider the ramifications of how it will impact retirement funds.  Years and years of hard work should not be sacrificed because of a marriage break-up.  There are many different retirement plans with which couples may have become involved.  Each one has its own set of circumstances.

To sort this out you need to seek the council of a divorce attorney who has dealt with these matters for decades.  With the law firm of Kidder and Bennett you get two people with a combined half-century of experience.  Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett are St. Petersburg’s experienced lawyers who have dealt with how divorce affects retirement.  Call them today at (727) 821-8000.

Make Your Father's Day Plans

Make Your Father's Day Plans

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"Father's Day in Tampa has a lot to offer for the weekend. Take dad to dinner, a Father's Day brunch or one of the many events going on in Tampa for Father's Day 2017."

Vacation Ideas for St Pete, Florida!

Fun Vacation Ideas for St. Petersburg, Florida

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10 Things to Do with Kids in St. Pete Beach, Florida!

The Definition of Appellate Advocacy.

Doesn’t the legal profession have enough terms (many in Latin!) that we simply don’t understand?  What exactly is appellate advocacy?  It is defined as legal representation by an attorney before any state or federal court.  Its history goes back to 1891 when the U.S. Court of Appeals created all of this.

Originally, the circuit courts’ jurisdiction included all matters not exclusively reserved for the district trial courts.  Today, an unsuccessful party in a lawsuit or administrative proceeding may file a timely appeal to an appropriate superior court empowered to review a final decision.  That is YOUR right if things did not go your way the first time!

Now you need to carefully choose the right law office to represent you.  In the St. Petersburg, Florida area that choice may well be Pinellas County appellate advocacy attorneys Nat Kidder and Bill Bennet.  At this critical juncture in your case you can tap in to their combined half-century of experience.  Call them today at (727) 821-8000.

Fun Things to do Memorial Weekend

Fun Things to do Memorial Weekend

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"From lively concerts to festive foot races and special ceremonies to give thanks to our military men and women... here are the top things to do in St. Pete/Clearwater over the Memorial Day Weekend."

Get to Know the 8th Amendment.

There are certain amendments to the Constitution that most of us know.  The 2nd, the5th, the 19th the 21st, the 22nd, etc.  There are several that even a casual citizen of the United States knows at least partially.  The 8th amendment is a part of the Bill of Rights, but it is not that well known.  It protects a defendant’s right to fair bail.

Bail insures the court that the accused will show up on time for all of their scheduled appearances.  Bail must NEVER be used as a means of punishment!  It is not fair to the accused to set a bail amount that is not commiserate with the charge.  The meaning of that in the late 1700’s is sometimes lost on 21st century America.

The judicial system can set bail at whatever it sees fit.  That is why you need aggressive representation to keep the fee reasonable.  If you are faced with a criminal charge and an upcoming bail hearing immediately contact Kidder and Bennet.  They are the bail bond defense attorneys of Pinellas County.  Call right away at (727) 821-8000.

Mother's Day in St. Petersburg 2017

Make your Mother's Day Plans

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"Treat mom to a TradeWinds retreat this Mother’s Day! Located on award-winning St. Pete Beach, TradeWinds Island Resorts offers the perfect weekend getaway for moms interested in relaxation or recreation!"

Florida’s Unified Family Court System.

Those in the know understand the acronym UFC…no this is not hand-to-hand combat in the octagon.  For many the UFC decides the future of families in the State of Florida.  It provides a unified system of dealing with family issues in a Florida divorce case.  The UFC hears cases regarding domestic relations, etc.

The court has many issues to consider in the child’s long-term best interest such as –

1.  Domestic Violence

2.  Financial Support

3.  Time with each Parent and Sibling

4.  Co-Parenting Arrangements

When sorting out these critical issues you need attorneys with decades of experience in dealing with Florida’s UFC system.  Just the right fit for you may well be Kidder and Bennet.  They are Pinellas County’s knowledgeable UFC veterans.  Nat Kidder and Bill Bennet will bring the expertise that you need.  Just call them for a free consultation at (727) 821-8000.

COIN State Theatre - St. Petersburg

Coin State Theatre - St. Petersburg in Saint Petersburg

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Coin 

State Theatre - St. Petersburg in Saint Petersburg

May 12, 2017 - 7pm  

What is Racketeering?

All right, see…you ain’t takin’ me without a fight!  Sometimes we associate racketeering with organized crime or for the older of us…with Al Capone.  It really is as simple as this.  If you have been accused of offering a dishonest service in order to solve a problem that did not previously exist…that is racketeering.

Some examples of this crime include extortion, being accused of loan sharking, money laundering, bribery, or obstruction of justice.  The prosecutor has the option to seize all of the assets of the accused.  This way, an individual or a group cannot move those assets into a “shell” corporation to protect them regardless of the verdict.

Racketeering is complicated and often misunderstood.  When you are caught in the middle of it you need the best legal counsel available.  In St. Petersburg and throughout Florida turn to Kidder and Bennet.  Nat and Bill are experienced Pinellas County racketeering attorneys.  Make that call for a free consultation at (727) 821-8000.

Easter Egg Hunt, Breakfast and much much more!

Easter Egg Hunt 

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Come Celebrate Our Saviors Resurrection on Easter Sunday April 16th. Breakfast and festivities start at 9am, including Easter egg hunt, photo booth, live bunnies and chicks, bike giveaways, complimentary candy and more.

 

 

That’s My Home!

You worked for it.  You saved for it.  It was meant to be an investment that should last for decades.  Now, an impending divorce puts your continued residence in your castle in question.  You need to think carefully how you will participate in the future of the most expensive purchase that you have ever made for your family.

There are options for dividing real estate.  Some of them are –

1.  Sell it and split the proceeds.

2.  One partner may buy out the other in order to stay in the home.
3.  Remain a co-owner until such time that you can sort things out.

When it comes to this important life decision you need council.  There are a couple of divorce lawyers in Pinellas County who have a combined half-century dealing with these matters.  Trust St. Petersburg Florida family attorneys Nat Kidder and Bill Bennet.  Arrange an appointment at their 275 96th Ave. North office in St. Pete by calling (727) 821-8000.

What is D-6 Clearance in the State of Florida?

In this day and age D-6 could refer to a number of things such as airport security or immigration.  In this particular case, it refers to your driver’s license in the State of Florida.  Here is what happens.  If you get a criminal citation or traffic ticket and you fail to appear in court or pay a fine the Sunshine State will issue a D-6 suspension.

Now you must apply for a D-6 form to begin the process of reinstating your Florida driver’s license.  If you think that just saying “Sorry, I will pay the ticket now,” is enough you would be wrong.  This act may actually trigger yet ANOTHER suspension of your driver’s license in the state!  That sounds odd, doesn’t it?

The answer is obvious.  You contact a law firm that has dealt with this issue many dozens of times over the years.  In the St. Petersburg area, you turn to the combined 50 years of experience of Kidder and Bennett.  Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett have been your Florida driver’s license suspension defense attorneys for many years.  Call them today at (727) 821-8000.

Don't Miss the St. Patrick's Day Festival!

St. Patrick's Day Festival! 

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"Slainte! On March 17th, we're all Irish, aren't we? Put on your green gear and head to one of the area's best street festivals in downtown Dunedin to celebrate St. Patrick."

When Partners Separate.

In this era unions occur in many different ways…none is more important than the one in which YOU have been involved.  When same-sex or unmarried couples go their own way, the pain is very real and legal issues need to be addressed with the same importance as any other couple.  Until recent years the law was fuzzy on what happens next.

There are important parenting, legal, financial, and property decisions that need to be made.  When unmarried couples part, their needs may be quite different.  When you register your domestic partnership, you must take several things into consideration such as…sharing of property, vows that require a court action to end the relationship, your obligation to provide for your partner, among others.

Sorting all of this out requires legal expertise.  At a stressful time such as this, call upon the experience of Pinellas County domestic partnership attorneys Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett.  Kidder and Bennett is the right choice when a same-sex or unmarried relationship comes to an end.  Call them today at their St. Petersburg office (727) 821-8000.

When a DUI Charge Goes Horribly Wrong.

Being charged with a DUI is obviously very serious, but when the charge is DUI manslaughter it truly is a matter of life and death.  In this particular case everyone is devastated…the victim, the families, and the accused.  Even if your criminal record has been spotless up until that point the consequences may result in years of prison time.

Here is what a conviction of DUI manslaughter could entail… fifteen years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.  No life could ever be the same after that!  And you must never, ever leave the scene.  That could result in up to 30 years behind bars.  Everything you see or do in the aftermath of this event will be carefully considered.

Without experienced, sophisticated representation your chances in court are slim and none.  Your attorney must be a veteran of these types of cases.  Just such a background is found in the half-century of combined criminal law experience of Kidder and Bennett.  If you are charged in Pinellas County FL call DUI manslaughter attorneys Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett at (727) 821-8000.

Shared Parenting.

With the new year may come a new lifestyle within your family structure.  Your kid’s sense of structure and comfort does NOT need to be compromised because two adults find they can't continue to live under the same roof.  This goes to the core of where your children will be mentally and emotionally when they become adults themselves.

Here are some of the long-term goals that you should be discussing with a professional-

1.  Education…where and what type.

2.  Activities outside the norm…what sports or recreational opportunities they may have.

3.  Moral upbringing…including spiritual concerns.

4.  Ability to see their friends…they need to maintain healthy relationships to stay on track.

5.  Medical needs…is there anything more important than their health care?

All of these things and many more should be calmly discussed between the spouses.  When that discussion becomes contentious then it is time to hire a lawyer.  The right choice is Pinellas County shared parenting family attorneys Kidder and Bennett.  Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett have dealt with these issues for a combined 50+ years.  Give them a call at (727) 821-8000.

Florida Child Custody Laws.

No one enjoys talking about it, but you need to get a handle on it as we enter 2017.  If you read about child custody somewhere you could easily be misinformed because each state has its own special spin on this law.  For instance, in the Sunshine State we are governed by something called the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.

By definition this encompasses the general maintenance of a minor.  If you have legal custody in Florida then you are the person who determines that child’s religious, educational, medical, and even decisions on discipline.  In a joint custody both parents share any and all of these responsibilities and must at least tacitly agree on these important life decisions.

Know what you are fighting for!  Do you want sole or joint custody?  There are many lives that will be effected by these decisions.  Meet your next best friends.  They are Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett.  With their half century of combined experience, they will follow your wishes as a Pinellas County child custody law firm.  Please call them today at (727) 821-8000.

White Collar Crime in Florida.

The very term may sound innocuous.  Believe me, it is not!  Florida prosecutors will pursue a conviction on white collar criminals as aggressively as violent crimes.  You or a loved one may have been caught up in an end-of-the-year scam or embezzlement of some kind.  Whatever the case, if you are in the eye of the storm take this situation VERY seriously.

Here are some examples of white collar crime -

1.  Corporate fraud.  Someone may have “cooked the books” at the end of the year.

2.  Forgery.  More difficult these days, but still very prevalent.

3.  Mortgage fraud.  How many upside down homes are there in Florida?

Here are two that are more modern -

4.  Identity theft.  This type of crime is growing with today’s technology.

5.  Internet scams.  Who among us has not seen these?

When you or someone you care about has been accused of a white collar crime, Do NOT panic!  Rely on the combined half-century of expertise of Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett.  From their St. Petersburg office they have handled this type of criminal accusation with amazing success.  Please call today and make an appointment for a free consultation at (727) 821-8000.