White-Collar Defense Lawyers Handle Diverse Cases
Shelby County attorneys develop careful strategies for complex cases
White-collar crime means the theft of money or property without use of force or violence. Such crime accounts for the highest incidence of diversion of wealth from its rightful owners. The FBI estimates that it amounts to more than $300 billion annually. As such, white-collar crimes are rigorously prosecuted. At Collierville Law Firm, we have experience defending individuals against these charges. No matter what type or level of crime you are accused of, you can trust us to provide effective assistance of counsel.
What is a white-collar crime?
The term “white-collar crime” was coined in 1939 and has since become synonymous with fraud and other nonviolent takings of money or property. These crimes may be prosecuted at the federal or state level or both depending on the circumstances. If you are arrested for a white-collar crime, you can rely on our criminal defense lawyer to fight to protect your rights and to conduct an aggressive defense.
Common white-collar charges
Types of white-collar charges include the following:
- Fraud — Fraud is an intentional deception made to secure unlawful gain or to deprive someone of a legal right. Examples are financial fraud, health care fraud, mortgage fraud, tax fraud and securities fraud.
- Embezzlement — This occurs when a person appropriates assets that they were entrusted with, whether in a personal, business or government context.
- Identity theft — This occurs when a person steals another person’s identification or personal information with the purpose to commit a crime.
- Money laundering — This means knowingly conducting or attempting a financial transaction involving proceeds from unlawful activity with intent to conceal their nature, source, ownership or control. An example is disguising criminal proceeds as revenue from a legitimate business.
- Bribery — This occurs when a person gives money or other items of value to influence the actions of a public official or another person in a position of trust.
- Forgery — This means creating false documents or altering real ones for financial or other gain.
- Securities violation — This offense is a violation of U.S. laws regulating the sale and management of financial ownership interests, including stocks, bonds and investment contracts. Examples include Ponzi schemes, insider trading and financial market manipulation.
These crimes are usually felonies and often carry severe penalties. Whatever offense you have been arrested for allegedly committing, we will aggressively defend you.
Penalties involved in white-collar crime
Penalties for white-collar criminal convictions can include lengthy imprisonment, heavy fines, payment of restitution, asset seizure and suspension of professional licenses. Punishments are based on the amount of money or property involved and the individual circumstances of each case. In some situations, probation or home confinement may be offered as alternatives to prison time.
Tailored defense strategies
Some of the possible defenses to white-collar crimes include the following:
- Insufficient evidence
- Challenges to evidence admissibility
- Lack of intent
- Constitutional rights violation
- Entrapment by law enforcement
- Crime was committed under duress
- Statute of limitations has expired
In fighting the charges against you, our law firm will develop a defensive strategy appropriate to your unique case.
The importance of legal representation
White-collar crime cases are extremely complicated, and retaining experienced legal counsel gives you the best chance at a positive outcome. Our defense attorney has a comprehensive understanding of federal and state laws governing these crimes and of the nuances and intricacies inherent in these cases. When you choose us to represent you, you can trust that we will work diligently to obtain an acquittal or dismissal or to have your charges reduced.
Contact our Tennessee attorney for white-collar crimes to arrange a consultation
At Collierville Law Firm in Tennessee, we are experienced in representing individuals charged with state and federal white-collar offenses. Call 901-614-0318 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.