Top White Collar Crime Lawyers Near Me

Unlike street crimes, white collar offenses are crimes that business professionals, executives, creditors and government officials may participate in by using tricks and fraud to earn money instead of violence.

Among white collar crimes are bribery, scams, embezzlement, bank fraud, extortion, larceny, commercial and consumer frauds, insider trading, Ponzi schemes, bribery and wire fraud.

Business, finance and government are the main focuses of white collar crime which is mostly done in a hidden manner by groups of professionals who plan together. A lot of blue collar crimes involve direct interactions between people.

The FBI often distinguishes blue collar crime by noting that it typically involves using force, while white collar crime is often less violent (at least as defined here).

Although there are many forms of white collar crime, a few are included in both crime statistics and in common culture.

White collar crime, for example, is often illustrated by money laundering. In three steps, someone involved in money laundering transfers their illegally obtained cash to a bank account, then further transfers their cash multiples times, often via online wiring to several other account both here and abroad. Next, white collar criminals move the money through firm companies, luxury buying and other respectable investment channels to conceal where the money comes from.

In addition, securities and commodities fraud is considered a major type of white collar crime. The American public knows Bernie Madoff as a famous white collar criminal, because he was given a 150-year prison term after running a Ponzi scheme with false investments. Madoff died in prison in April of 2021.

The level of offense and its seriousness often decide the punishment for a white collar crime. Different courts may consider sentences differently and the charges themselves can also be quite different between the levels of court.

When someone in the government or with public sector responsibilities mismanages taxpayer finances, they can be charged with embezzlement under federal law. Sentencing for embezzling over $1,000 may bring 10 years in prison and you must pay back the sum and an additional fine that counts the amount misappropriated. The law allows a prison sentence of one year and exampley finds and monetary compensation if the embezzled funds are less than $1,000.

If in California, a person, company, officer or entity willfully lies on a tax return, penalties may be severe. A person facing felony tax evasion charges can be imprisoned for up to three years and may have to pay a large fine no greater than $50,000.

Due to their experience, white collar lawyers can choose many different defenses, provided the details of the case and your strength support it.

Should there be no evidence of intent, mainly when handling important tax document filings and they do not prove a clear, detailed plan was created, you could win the case.

Sometimes, arguing that the authorities manipulated or “tricked” you (for example, by having an undercover officer befriend you) proves helpful in some white collar criminal cases.

Should you face charges for a white collar crime, you should contact an accomplished criminal defense attorney to develop the best defense you can.

Mainly, your attorney will tackle your white collar crimes by getting the charges dropped, preparing an effective defense for trial or coming to an agreement with prosecutors to decrease the possible prison sentence.

Reaching these goals involves your attorney first setting up a consultation. In that meeting, your lawyer will describe the law you are accused of violating, the possible punishments and gather information from you about the details surrounding your case.

After looking into your case, the defense lawyer will decide whether the prosecution’s evidence is weak enough to seek dismissal or will choose the best defense strategy for the case. During the investigation, they will use police investigations, testimony by those involved and physical evidence to review what happened.

When it comes to criminal cases, your innocence has to be accepted by the government if they cannot prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and this is often an extremely difficult situation for the prosecution. If your attorney successfully makes the government’s case unclear enough, the trial will end with you found not guilty.

Should such negotiations fail, your attorney will defend you during sentencing and provide records to hopefully change the amount of any fines imposed on you.
 

Despite the fact that white collar crimes do not include physical violence, those convicted can be sent to prison for a term of one to 30 years, must pay serious fines and may lose their licenses to practice. It is important to speak with a legal expert right away if you are being looked into for a white collar crime.

Unlike other crimes, white collar crime often leads to adults being investigated before they hear about any charges. If a white collar investigation begins against you, immediately contact an attorney.

Even if you are not charged yet, getting an attorney on your team quickly will help your defense the most. Oftentimes, hiring an attorney as soon as an investigation occurs can prevent any charges being brought. Should you be charged, an attorney will cover your interest at court and try to win you a reduced penalty.