White-collar crimes involve the act of illegally acquiring money through nonviolent means. These cases are tried at both the state and federal level and typically carry serious penalties. If you are being investigated for this type of offense or have already been charged, it is crucial to have an Ontario white-collar crime lawyer who understands these complex cases by your side.
At the Law Offices of Scott Henry, our qualified legal team has decades of experience handling complex white-collar crime cases in state and federal courts around California. When you need your rights and best interests protected, we will be here for you. With our thorough command of these laws and direct access to expert witnesses, including forensic accountants, our defense attorney could present a compelling and effective defense on your behalf.
Types of White-Collar Crimes
Although most of us have heard names such as “Bernie Madoff” and “Charles Ponzi,” many people do not really know what white-collar crimes are, how they are carried out, or whether they could be a victim – or even the perpetrator – of these crimes.
White-collar crime is a blanket term for a wide variety of criminal offenses, ranging from simple mail fraud to massive Ponzi schemes. What they all have in common some form of deceit or breach of trust. These crimes can have serious consequences for their victims, though the offenses are typically nonviolent in nature. Some white-collar offenses include:
- Tax fraud
- Identity theft
- Embezzlement
- Credit card fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Money laundering
- Bank fraud
- Investment fraud
- Bribery
A lawyer in Ontario could help someone accused of a white-collar crime prepare a defense.
How a White-Collar Crime Investigation is Conducted
White-collar crime cases start with an investigation. Generally, an agency such as the FBI, IRS, FDA, the Small Business Administration, or the Department of Homeland Security receives a tip or other information of a possible crime. The appropriate agency will then investigate by interviewing witnesses, subpoenaing documents, reading emails, and wiretapping the person of interest’s phone after obtaining a search warrant. If enough evidence is found, they will pursue an arrest and charge the individual. An Ontario attorney could help someone who is the subject of a white-collar crime investigation.
Fighting Financial Crime Charges
Facing white-collar crime charges is a dire matter. If convicted, the consequences are severe and far-reaching. Your attorney must pursue every legal avenue to fight these charges to avoid a conviction. Several legal defenses can prove effective, including but not limited to:
- Lack of intent
- Entrapment
- Insufficient or untrustworthy evidence
- Non-fraudulent statements
- Statute of limitations
- Intoxication
- Incapacity
When the evidence against a defendant is overwhelming, a skilled attorney in Ontario could work to negotiate a favorable plea agreement in a white-collar crime case. In a plea agreement, the defendant agrees to plead guilty, often to a lesser charge, to avoid a trial and receive a lighter sentence.
Common Penalties and Sentences
All sentences for white-collar crimes are dependent on the circumstances of each case. Given the severity of the crime and the extent of losses to its victims, punishment may include:
- A lengthy prison sentence
- Probation or supervised release
- House arrest
- Electronic monitoring
- Fines
- Restitution to the victims
- Forfeiture of the defendant’s assets
Speak with an Ontario White-Collar Crime Attorney
Scott Henry and his legal team have extensive experience defending clients against serious white-collar charges. Our trusted and capable Ontario white-collar crime lawyers have the unique skill set and vast resources necessary to perform a thorough investigation into the alleged incident and create a persuasive defense to help you avoid a criminal conviction.
If you believe you are a target of a white-collar investigation, do not hesitate. Call the Law Offices of Scott Henry today to schedule a free consultation. One of our trusted attorneys could discuss the details of your situation and determine a proper course of action to protect your rights.