Charges of a white-collar crime are very serious, and a conviction can damage your life forever. Business and government officials-if convicted-face consequences that affect their finances, their relationships, and their future.
If you have a white-collar crime charge against you, a criminal defense attorney can help you fight for your freedom and help you defend your reputation.
Understanding White-Collar Crimes
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines white-collar crimes as those involving deceit, concealment, and violation of trust. The FBI cites the motivating factor as financial. Many white-collar crimes result from efforts to obtain or avoid losing money, property, or services. Some criminals engage in such activity to secure a personal or financial advantage.
Examples of white-collar crimes include:
- Cybercrime
- Money laundering
- Insider trading
- Embezzlement
- Corporate fraud
- Identity theft
- Ponzi schemes
- Bankruptcy fraud
- Healthcare fraud
- Copyright infringement
A charge of one or more of these crimes may include federal charges. If you face criminal charges for a white-collar crime, you may want to contact a Brownsville criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
While this is a frightening and uncertain time for you, defending yourself against the charges is your right. The seriousness of possible federal charges is why you should not handle your case alone.
A criminal defense attorney has the experience, skills, and knowledge of state and federal laws necessary for your case. Your attorney can defend you in court and fight for the best outcome possible.
White-Collar Crimes and Possible Punishment
White-collar crimes come with consequences that can affect you emotionally, psychologically, and financially.
A conviction for a white-collar crime can result in the following types of possible punishment:
- Imprisonment
- Fines
- Restitution
- Forfeitures
- Payment of prosecution costs
- Home detention
Depending upon the outcome of your case, you may face a lengthy prison sentence and financial ruin. Therefore, preparing for your defense must start now, as the possible impact of a conviction can devastate life as you know it.
Building a solid defense against your criminal charges is imperative for protecting your future. However, white-collar crime laws are complex and challenging-and something best left to a professional, licensed attorney.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You
A criminal defense attorney can review evidence, build a strong defense, and present your case in court. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer soon after your charges is best for your case. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the faster they can get to work for you.
Experienced criminal defense lawyers are well aware of tactics used by prosecutors to obtain a conviction. Therefore, you need a criminal defense lawyer with experience before a judge and jury.
Criminal charges for a white-collar crime sometimes draw media attention. Whether it is local, state, or national media, seeing your case in the spotlight can cause you and your family great stress and anxiety.
Your lawyer can protect you from the media by managing interview requests. The media can sometimes serve as a helpful tool in promoting your innocence. For media that appear more harmful than helpful, your lawyer will not comment. Either way, your lawyer will protect your best interests.
Why Immediate Action is Important
The court system is famous for delays, rescheduling, and other time-related issues. Criminal charges weigh heavily on your mind, making it difficult to concentrate on your daily tasks. Your lawyer can remove the burden of your case from your shoulders, leaving you more time to focus on other responsibilities.
Placing your case in the hands of a qualified criminal defense attorney can bring you peace of mind. In addition, knowing that your case is in good hands can help ease some of your stress.
You can help your attorney by gathering as much information and evidence as possible.
Examples of possible evidence include:
- Digital and written correspondence relating to your alleged crime
- Photographs or video evidence that portrays your innocence
- Phone numbers for witnesses, coworkers, or others who may provide valuable information
These are a few examples of the types of information that may help your case. Sharing as much information as possible is essential for helping your lawyer learn what activities or events led to your charges.
Real-life charges are different from the outcomes and portrayals in television and movies. White-collar criminal charges seldom get dismissed. Do not delay hiring a lawyer due to your hope that your case will not go to court.
If you face criminal charges for a white-collar crime, start building your defense now with help from a criminal defense attorney.
White-Collar Crimes Criminal Defense Attorney
You have a right to defend yourself against white-collar criminal charges. Cases involving embezzlement, bankruptcy fraud, and other types of financial crimes are something the FBI takes very seriously-and you should too.
FBI special agents often partner with local law enforcement to solve white-collar crimes. In some instances, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Postal Inspections Service, among others, join the investigation. Unfortunately, these agencies are too much to manage alone when facing criminal charges.
A white-collar crimes criminal defense attorney can help you through this challenging time in your life. Most criminal defense attorneys offer a free case consultation, making learning more about their services accessible and affordable.
The term white-collar crime reportedly dates to 1939. The effort to stop the financial victimization of others is a top priority for the FBI. Likewise, protecting the innocent of criminal charges for such a crime is a priority of criminal defense attorneys.
