White-collar crime is loosely defined as the commission of nonviolent offenses for financial gain or to avoid financial loss. White-collar crime does not imply that the offense was not serious, but that there was no violence or threat of violence during the illegal activity. You should be aware that state and federal courts handle white-collar crimes.
Which court handles a particular case depends on the type of crime, the specific circumstances surrounding how the crime was committed, the location of the crime, and the involvement of a federal agency. Anyone facing these charges should consult with a white-collar crime attorney in Minneapolis.
At the Law Firm of Ryan Garry, we have attorneys who specialize in white-collar crime defense in both state and federal court. In many instances, we can reduce the charges or help you negotiate a better plea bargain than the one initially offered. Additionally, we represent our clients in court if their case goes to trial.
Who Investigates White-Collar Crimes?
To enforce federal white-collar crime laws, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) collaborate. In addition, the state of Minnesota has multiple enforcement agencies for white-collar crime laws.
Before bringing charges against you, these government agencies conduct extensive research and conduct extensive investigations. That does not preclude you from fighting the charges. It simply means that you require the services of an attorney with relevant experience. Before speaking with law enforcement or the prosecutor, consult an attorney. It is your legal right.
State and Federal Courts Follow Different Procedures
It is important, when hiring a lawyer to represent you in a white-collar crime case, to hire someone who has handled cases in the court where your case will be prosecuted. There are numerous differences between state and federal court procedures. You need an attorney who is well-versed in all applicable laws. When searching for an attorney, be certain to find someone with experience in white-collar criminal defense at the level at which you will be prosecuted.
Federal White-Collar Crimes
If a white-collar crime involves a federal agency, crossed state lines, or involved the banking system in any way, it is almost always a federal offense. In particular, the following are examples of federal white-collar crimes: antitrust violations, bank fraud, and bankruptcy fraud
- Counterfeiting • Environmental Crime • Identity Theft • Internet Crime • Violations of Immigration Law • Mail Fraud • Money Laundering • Wire Fraud
State Level White-Collar Crimes
Generally, a white-collar crime is prosecuted at the state level if the fraud involved a state agency or occurred within state borders. However, depending on the circumstances, it is possible to be charged with a white-collar crime at both the state and federal levels. State-level white-collar crimes include auto insurance fraud, embezzlement, health care fraud, Medi-Cal fraud, mortgage fraud, probation violations, unemployment insurance fraud, and workers’ compensation fraud.
Possible Penalties of a White-Collar Crime Conviction
The penalties for committing a white-collar crime can be severe, especially if you have been convicted of a white-collar crime in the past or if you defrauded an individual, business, or government agency out of a large sum of money. The severity of the penalties varies depending on whether you were convicted in state or federal court, with federal penalties typically being harsher. If convicted, you may face the following penalties: • Jail or prison time ranging from six months to thirty years • Fines ranging from $1,000 to $1,000,000 • Probation
White-Collar Crime Does Not Have No Victims
A common misconception is that white-collar criminals are less dangerous than other criminals because they do not use violence in their crimes. Despite the fact that they may not carry weapons, white-collar crime has frequently resulted in death and destruction. After having their money stolen, victims of white-collar crimes often find themselves in desperate situations. Many victims of white-collar crime have committed suicide after losing their entire fortune. Others have resorted to their own criminal activity in an attempt to climb out of the hole they have dug for themselves.
White-collar crime can have devastating effects on its victims, which is why so many agencies and resources are dedicated to putting these criminals behind bars. If you are charged with a white-collar crime, it is crucial to have an experienced legal team on your side, as the prosecution will work tirelessly to put you behind bars
How a White-Collar Crime Lawyer Can Assist
Obviously, the best way to avoid jail time and hefty fines is to avoid conviction in the first place. Our criminal defense team has a track record of success. When you retain our services, we immediately begin conducting our own investigation and reviewing the arrest records, search warrants, and other paperwork associated with your case. With this knowledge, we can frequently challenge the evidence used against you. We may also be able to block certain evidence. This places us in a position to negotiate a more favorable plea agreement or even to have the case dismissed.
We cannot guarantee that we will win your case, but we can guarantee that we will: • Provide dedicated legal representation backed by decades of experience • Make your defense as solid as possible using lessons learned from past cases • Fight aggressively on your behalf • Refuse to settle for anything less than the best possible outcome for your case
Contact a White-Collar Crime Lawyer in Minneapolis for a Free Consultation.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a white-collar crime, you need the assistance of an accomplished Minneapolis white-collar crime attorney. A white-collar crime attorney can ensure that you and your family receive the best possible outcome. Call the Law Firm of Ryan Garry or fill out our contact form to schedule a free evaluation of your case.
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