White Collar Crime Charges Require Experienced Legal Defense

Being charged with a white-collar crime can have a devastating impact on your professional, personal, and social life. The criminal defense attorneys at Gross McGinley, LLP of Allentown, PA, have extensive experience handling all types of white-collar crime cases, including securities fraud, antitrust violations, corruption, and other offenses.

Types Of White Collar Crimes

There are many different offenses that fall under the umbrella of white-collar crime. Generally, white-collar crimes are committed for financial gain by using some form of deception. These crimes are taken very seriously by the court and typically result in charges being filed in federal court. Types of white-collar crime include:

• Violation of antitrust laws
• Securities fraud
• Insider trading
• Embezzlement
• Misappropriation of funds
• Money laundering
• Corruption
• Tax evasion
• Bribery
• Mortgage fraud
• Bankruptcy fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Mail fraud
• Wire fraud

White Collar Crime Is A Highly Specialized Area Of Criminal Law

The laws surrounding white-collar crimes are complex at both the federal and state levels. In some cases, a defendant may not even realize that they were committing a crime until it’s too late.

Building a successful defense against charges like fraud, embezzlement, or tax evasion requires the knowledge and experience of seasoned white-collar crime lawyers. At Gross McGinley, LLP our skilled defense attorneys understand how important it is to thoroughly investigate your case. We possess the tools and resources to delve into the facts and create a compelling, credible defense.

Our teams of business lawyers have experience in securities law, banking, and many other commercial sectors. Each case presents its own unique challenges – our criminal defense attorneys often collaborate with them to ensure all your legal bases are covered. Our defense team includes a former prosecutor who handled white-collar crime cases in Northampton County for more than a decade.  This depth and scope of experience is invaluable when creating defenses for clients accused of corporate or white-collar crimes.

Penalties For White Collar Crimes Can Be Harsh

Even though these crimes are non-violent, they are not considered “victimless” by the government. A conviction can result in hefty fines, restitution, forfeiture, home detention, imprisonment, and other penalties. When at least one victim suffers significant financial harm, federal and state sentencing guidelines often recommend longer prison sentences. Having an experienced defense attorney by your side can help preserve your freedom and financial security.

Presenting Strong Defenses In White Collar Cases

In the American judicial system, a defendant is presumed innocent and prosecutors are required to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that the onus of proving guilt is on the prosecutor. You are not required to testify or say anything that may incriminate you. It’s critical to work with a knowledgeable defense attorney who understands potential defenses for white-collar crimes and has a track record of success in using them effectively.  

Emphasizing Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Case

There can definitely be cracks in charges that may seem ironclad – a good attorney knows how to find holes in a prosecutor’s case. They may also be able to disprove key points in a prosecutor’s arguments to have the case dismissed.

Lack Of Intent

In white-collar crime cases, there are two elements that must be proven. First, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant’s act was a crime, and second, that the defendant intended to commit the unlawful act. There are cases in which a defendant simply made a mistake and may not have even benefitted financially from what they did. If the prosecution cannot prove intent to commit a crime for financial gain, the case may be dismissed or a not guilty verdict may be reached.

Lack of Knowledge

In most cases, lack of knowledge is not a viable defense for a crime. However, when several parties are involved and the defendant was unaware that a crime was being committed, they may have a valid defense.

Coercion

If a defendant is threatened or blackmailed to commit a crime, this is an example of coercion, which may provide a viable defense.

Entrapment

When employing the defense of entrapment, the defendant must prove that they wouldn’t have committed the crime without the influence of a law enforcement officer or another government official.

Choose A Defense Attorney You Can Trust

The white-collar crime lawyers at Gross McGinley, LLP are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. Our defense attorneys are skilled negotiators and may be able to have charges dropped or dismissed so a trial isn’t even necessary. Our responsive team puts our clients’ best interests above all else and provides vigorous defenses for white-collar crime cases. 

Contact An Experienced Pennsylvania Defense Attorney To Learn More

At Gross McGinley, LLP, defense attorneys have a long history of success in achieving positive outcomes in even the most complex white-collar crime cases. We provide professional, exceptional legal services you can trust. To schedule a consultation, contact us online or call us at 610-820-5450 today.