White collar crime is a colloquial term for crimes by government officials, professionals, and business people that are not of a violent nature, and almost always involve money. White collar crimes are vast and there are specific individual forms, but usually it encompasses some form of fraud and the intent to deceive someone to obtain something of value from them. Anything called a scam, theft of intellectual property, mortgage fraud, money laundering, identity theft, Medicare or Medicaid fraud, work at home scams, staged auto accidents, jury duty scams, and insurance fraud can be considered a white collar crime.
Generally, these crimes are treated very seriously and can include life-altering penalties such as severe fines and jail time. As a result, if you are charged it is important that you consult with an Atlanta white collar criminal lawyer to discuss your case and begin building a defense. An experienced criminal lawyer in Atlanta will be able to guide you through the legal process and prepare you for what to expect.
White collar crimes often involve individuals in positions of trust with unrestricted access to the money of another person or entity. This could include access to anything from a stock portfolio to a cash register. Using that position of trust to fraudulently take that money for personal use could lead to white-collar crime charges. Some of the common white-collar offenses in these situations include:
While serious, these charges are also defensible. An aggressive approach to combatting these charges could represent the best chance at a favorable outcome.
The consequences are wide ranging, from state level crimes that carry a few years in prison to certain Federal crimes which, when combined with other crimes, can lead to life in prison. Often, there are a very serious set of consequences that are possible when facing a charge for a white collar crime, which makes consulting with a white collar in Atlanta all the more important.
There are many options when it comes to defending against allegations of white collar crime. Some of these defenses are specific to these types of offenses, while others could apply in any criminal case. Examples of strong defenses include:
Someone accused of a white collar crime should not attempt to choose a defense strategy without the help of legal counsel. A skilled local lawyer could play a crucial role in selecting a method of defense.
White collar crimes usually come down to intent and knowledge. Like most fraud cases, there must be an intent to lie or cheat and then steal something. Prosecutors need proof beyond a reasonable doubt that you had knowledge that you were lying or cheating and the knowledge that you took something.
For example, in the context of investment fraud, it would be that an individual set up a business that seemed legitimate, but did not intend to run the business. Then the individual took the money and ran, or took the money and used it for their own personal benefit, or took the money and used it for some unlawful purpose other than what was put forth to the group of investors. The group of people who gave money and what they expected to happen, did not happen because the person intended to cheat them out of something of value, typically money.
The initial consultation is the most important step in finding legal representation for a white-collar crime case. Selecting the right attorney could go a long way towards and acquittal in many cases. You should find an attorney who is practiced in handling white-collar criminal cases, especially cases with circumstances similar to yours.
An Atlanta white collar lawyer could listen to you, protect your rights, and give you advice on the most effective steps to take to give you the best possible outcome in this difficult situation. An attorney with local experience will be familiar with the Judges, prosecutors and investigators who are looking into your case, and use their firsthand experience to fight in court on your behalf. Call today to schedule a consultation and get started on your case.
518 Georgia Avenue
Phone: (423) 888-3030 By: Brian F.
1100 Peachtree Street NE Suite 690
Atlanta
GA
30309
Phone: (404) 800-3030
Rating: ★★★★★
5 / 5 stars