White collar crimes are serious matters, and being convicted can carry heavy penalties. Because these crimes are violations of federal government laws, they can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. If a person is convicted, the sentence is more extensive and can include lengthy imprisonment in a federal detention center as well as hefty fines along with repayment of monies to their victims. Federal prosecutors are very aggressive, so you need a highly experienced attorney who is even more aggressive and knowledgeable in federal law.
White collar crimes are nonviolent and typically money-focused, including (but not limited to):
- Embezzlement
- Counterfeiting
- Bribery
- Blackmail
- Tax evasion
- Bank, insurance, mortgage, credit card or wire fraud
- Extortion
- Ponzi schemes
- Insider trading
- Money laundering
- Identity theft
Investigations into white collar crimes usually take months (or sometimes years) to conduct, but individuals being investigated may not even be aware that an investigation is going on. However, once a person realizes or even just suspects that they are being investigated, which could be through unusual business activities or audits that are outside the norm, they should immediately contact an attorney. Without a qualified attorney to guide you from the earliest possible stage, it’s very possible you may say or do something that can injure your case.
It is possible for an experienced attorney to negotiate with the prosecuting attorney to either reduce the charges in exchange for a guilty plea or your cooperation in the investigation of the case, or he may agree to drop the charges altogether.
If you suspect you’re being investigated or you have been charged with any type of white collar crime, contact us as soon as possible.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Please contact attorney Kirk Anderson for an initial consultation.