How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help with Federal White-Collar Crime Charges?

Criminal Defense Attorney

“White-collar crime” is a term that is often misunderstood. These types of crimes are very different from other types of offenses since they usually do not involve violence or acts that are directly taken by one person against another. Instead, they involve illegal actions taken for financial gain, and they are often committed by business professionals or those who deal with financial institutions or the government.

Being investigated or charged with a white-collar crime can be very worrisome, especially when a person may not fully understand the nature of the charges they may face or the possible consequences of a conviction. While any criminal charges should be taken seriously, the federal white-collar crime charges that can result from an investigation by federal government agencies can come with severe punishments. A conviction can result in a great deal of time in jail, massive fines, the forfeiture of money and property, long periods of probation or house arrest, and other consequences. To determine the best ways to respond to an investigation and defend against federal charges, it is crucial to work with a Chicago federal crimes defense attorney.

What Types of White-Collar Crimes Are Prosecuted Federally?

In some cases, white-collar crimes are investigated by state law enforcement officials and prosecuted at the state level. However, when the alleged criminal activity involves large amounts of money, affects victims located in multiple states, is committed against the federal government, or is related to drug trafficking, it may result in an investigation by agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Some types of white-collar crimes that may result in federal charges include:

• Corporate fraud – A company’s officers or other employees may take illegal actions that harm the company, cause losses to investors, or violate federal laws. Forms of corporate fraud can include embezzlement, misreporting of financial information, attempts to avoid complying with regulations, or illegal domestic or international transactions.
• Investment fraud or securities fraud – Fraudulent Ponzi schemes or pyramid schemes can cause financial losses for large numbers of people across a wide geographical area. Other actions that could result in federal prosecution include insider trading and other types of market manipulation.
• Bank fraud or mortgage fraud – Illegal actions that cause losses for financial institutions may be prosecuted at the federal level, including check fraud or illegal access to bank accounts. Schemes involving mortgages can involve employees of lenders or other outside parties. These may include foreclosure rescue or loan modification schemes that take advantage of borrowers who are in default, illegal “flipping” of properties, reverse mortgage scams, using fraudulent appraisals to obtain loans or equity skimming.
• Healthcare fraud – False insurance claims may be made to obtain coverage for medical care that was not actually performed. In some cases, medical providers may overbill insurance companies or attempt to receive improper payments through Medicare or Medicaid. Prescription fraud can also result in federal charges, especially if it is used to further the sale or distribution of controlled substances.
• Money laundering – Any attempts to conceal the source of money that was earned through illegal activities can result in federal investigations and prosecutions. Individuals, companies, and financial institutions may attempt to launder money involved in drug trafficking or other crimes by making it appear as if the funds were earned through legitimate business activities. Federal investigators are likely to review any suspicious transactions, and prosecutors may pursue charges against anyone involved.
• Hacking and computer crimes – Illegally accessing computer systems or networks may result in federal prosecution if harm was caused to a large number of systems, if this activity resulted in significant financial losses, or if a person attempted to break into a computer or network owned or operated by the federal government. Computer crimes often involve identity theft, which can cause financial harm to large numbers of people through the creation of fraudulent accounts or loans or other activities that affect victims’ bank accounts or credit scores.

Why Do I Need a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney?

Federal criminal cases are very different from those prosecuted at the state level. Federal investigators have many resources at their disposal, and they are often able to gather a great deal of information about alleged criminal activity, people, and businesses that are associated with a person who is being investigated, financial transactions, and anything else that may be relevant to a case. Federal prosecutors will usually work closely with different agencies to build a strong case and pursue a conviction against a person who is accused of committing white-collar crimes.

Because of the complexity of these cases and the serious consequences that a person can face, it is important to work with an attorney who is experienced in defending clients charged with federal crimes. As soon as you learn that you may be under investigation by a federal agency, you should speak to a federal criminal defense attorney to determine the best ways to proceed.

Your attorney can advise you of the best ways to respond to investigators while ensuring that you do not say or do anything that would be incriminating. If you are being interviewed by federal investigators, your lawyer can provide guidance on how to answer questions or when you should invoke your Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. They can also explain whether you should turn over any financial records or other information requested by investigators and what sort of exonerating evidence may be available to help with your case.

During an investigation, your attorney can help you understand whether you may benefit from cooperating with investigators or prosecutors. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate an agreement to reduce charges, or you may be able to receive immunity by providing certain information. If you cannot reach an acceptable agreement, your lawyer can help you determine the best defense strategies should your case go to trial, and they can advocate on your behalf to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Since federal white-collar crime cases are so complex, you need the right attorney on your side when facing these types of charges. By working with a Chicago federal criminal defense lawyer, you can determine the best ways to protect your rights and your freedom.

Sebastian

Sebastian was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Saad Mushtaq has contributed to many online publications including the PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Saad Mushtaq earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Saad Mushtaq follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.Thanks