Crime and Punishment: White Collar Criminals Can Be Severely Punished
If you’ve been accused of any of a number of white collar crimes, you may be facing federal charges that could result in huge fines and lengthy prison sentences. Federal criminal defense attorneys at have significant experience handling cases of sophisticated and complicated white collar crimes
Most white collar crime is investigated and prosecuted by federal authorities, so a federal criminal defense attorney has to be comfortable going to court against the government. A lawyer experienced in handling white collar crime cases can provide professional advice and masterful arguments which defend your rights under the law.
What Are White Collar Crimes?
The term “white collar” crimes can actually be applied to a variety of charges, including the following:
- Fraud (securities, commodities, corporate, mortgage, financial institution, bank)
- Bribery
- Ponzi schemes
- Insider trading
- Labor racketeering
- Embezzlement
- Check forgery
- Cybercrime
- Copyright infringement
- Money laundering
- Identity theft/credit card theft
- Public corruption
- Money laundering
- Mass marketing fraud/internet scams/consumer fraud
- Health care fraud
- Election law violations
White collar crimes often require a criminal attorney to have a thorough understanding of the federal laws and all the defense strategies available. An attorney understands how lives and careers can be ruined by such scandalous allegations and are dedicated to building a persuasive case to defend your rights and good name.
How Are White Collar Crimes Investigated?
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) typically investigates white collar crimes. Other federal agencies are sometimes involved in more intricate, complicated, or specific areas of fraud or white collar crimes. Sometimes corporations are backed by large and powerful lobby groups that pressure the federal government to crack down on specific areas. That kind strong, heavily-funded opposition can stack the odds against an alleged offender in court.
In white collar cases, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies may secure search warrants and arrest warrants using a variety of tactics. They may deploy undercover agents and conduct covert surveillance. As time passes, investigators may continue to investigate you, your family, your affiliates, and your business. An attorney can take immediate action to protect you. A timely and well-considered legal defense strategy could suppress or stop an investigation.
How Can a Federal Criminal Attorney Help?
A successful defense strategy for someone accused of a white collar crime could include the following:
- Defending a client at every stage of criminal and regulatory proceedings, from regulatory inquiries and criminal investigations through trial, if one takes place.
- Representing a client through any parallel civil proceedings.
- Responding to informal requests for information, documents, and search warrants.
- Counseling a client about corporate governance and assisting in the structuring compliance programs.
Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately if you think you are a suspect or are under investigation by the FBI or a United States law enforcement agency. Or, call an attorney if you or someone you know is being investigated, has been indicted, or has been arrested for a federal crime. Early intervention may just provide the advantage that you need to avoid formal charges and public exposure.