White-Collar Crimes Lawyer in Philadelphia Giving You the Best Outcome Possible for Your Case

White-collar crimes are committed for a variety of reasons but often involve the desire to obtain financial gain through illegal means. Fraud, embezzlement, and insider trading are all common types of crime white-collar crimes lawyers can help with.

While anyone can be accused of committing a white-collar crime, the majority of those charged are from middle or upper-class backgrounds. This is likely because these individuals have access to more resources and knowledge that can be used in order to commit fraud or other such crimes.

If you have been accused of a white-collar crime, it is essential that you contact a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you to build a strong defense. The lawyers at Liberty Law Team have extensive experience handling white-collar crime cases in Philadelphia and are dedicated to helping their clients obtain the best possible outcome in their cases.

No matter what type of white-collar crime you have been accused of, Liberty Law Team will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entirety of government investigations. Contact our office today at (215) 732-3474 to schedule a free consultation with our experienced white-collar crime attorney, Lonny Fish. We will review your case and help you to understand all of your legal options so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

What are Common White-Collar Crimes?

White-collar crime is a non-violent crime that is committed by people in a professional or business setting. Many times, these crimes are prosecuted under federal law and can carry severe penalties including imprisonment and heavy fines. The federal bureau that investigates these types of crimes is the FBI. These crimes are often classified as non-violent because they are not associated with a physical act, but rather involve the use of deception or manipulation in order to gain something of value.

There are a wide variety of white-collar crimes, but some of the most common include:

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is the act of unlawfully taking money or property that has been entrusted to you. This can occur in a variety of contexts, such as when an employee steals from their employer or when someone misappropriates funds from a business they are involved in.

Fraud

Fraud is a type of white-collar crime that occurs when someone intentionally deceives another person to obtain something of value. There are many different types of fraud, including insurance fraud, securities fraud, healthcare fraud, tax fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud.

Money Laundering

Money laundering is the process of concealing the source of illegal income. This can be done by moving the money through a series of complex financial transactions to make it appear as though the money came from a legitimate source.

Tax Evasion

Tax evasion occurs when someone unlawfully attempts to avoid paying taxes. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as by hiding income or assets, making false statements on tax returns, or failing to file a tax return altogether.

Insider Trading

Insider trading occurs when someone uses nonpublic information to make investment decisions. This is illegal because it gives the person an unfair advantage over other investors who do not have access to this information.

The specific sentence that is imposed will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history. Those who are facing charges for white-collar crimes should contact an experienced attorney to discuss their legal options and to ensure that they receive professional and experienced help.

Are All White-Collar Crimes Felonies?

No, not all white-collar crimes are felonies. In fact, many white-collar crimes are misdemeanors. However, there are some white-collar crimes that are felonies, such as embezzlement, money laundering, and fraud because they involve large sums of money. If you are charged with a felony white-collar crime, you will need a lawyer who has experience handling these types of cases.

The main difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is the potential punishment if you are convicted. Misdemeanors are typically punishable by up to one year in jail, while felonies are punishable by more than one year in prison.

Consequences of a White-Collar Criminal Conviction

A conviction for a white-collar crime can have serious consequences, including prison time, heavy fines, and a criminal record. A criminal record can make it difficult to find a job, rent an apartment, or get a loan. You may also be required to complete restitution, which is the process of returning the stolen money or property to the victim.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a white-collar crime, it is important to contact an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. Philadelphia white-collar crimes lawyer Lonny Fish will review your case and help you to understand all of your legal options so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Are White-Collar Crimes Easily Defensible with the Help of a Lawyer?

Each white-collar crime has unique elements and defenses. In some cases, the facts of the case may be in dispute, which can make the case more difficult to defend. An experienced attorney will be able to review the facts of your case and help you to develop the best defenses possible. Additionally, an attorney can help to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor, which can result in a more lenient sentence. Many defenses for these crimes include:

Lack of Intent

To be convicted of a white-collar crime, the prosecutor must prove that you had the intent to commit the crime. This can be difficult to do in cases where there is no violence or clear victim.

Good Faith Belief

In some cases, you may have a defense if you can show that you had a good faith belief that you were not committing a crime. For example, if you were charged with embezzlement, but believed that you were entitled to the money that you took, you may have a valid defense.

Mistake of Fact

Similar to the defense of good faith belief, a mistake of fact defense can be used if you can show that you reasonably believed that your actions were not criminal. For example, if you were charged with tax evasion, but you had a good faith belief that you were not required to pay taxes on the money you earned, you may have a valid defense.

Duress or Necessity

In some cases, you may be able to claim that you committed the crime because you were under duress or necessity. This means that you committed the crime because you were threatened with violence or death, or because you needed to commit the crime to prevent greater harm.

Entrapment

Entrapment is a defense that can be used if you can show that you were induced by law enforcement to commit a crime that you would not have otherwise committed. For this defense to be successful, you must show that you were not predisposed to commit the crime and that the government officials engaged in conduct that would cause a reasonable person to commit the crime.

If you have been charged with a white-collar crime, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you to understand your rights and defenses. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Should I Accept a Plea Bargain for My White-Collar Criminal Charges?

If you have been charged with a white-collar crime, you may be wondering if you should accept a plea bargain. A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecutor and the defendant in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.

There are many factors that you should consider before accepting a plea bargain. First, you should make sure that you understand the charges against you and the potential penalties that you face if convicted. Second, you should meet with an experienced attorney who can help you to understand your rights and defenses. Third, you should consider whether or not the evidence against you is strong enough to convict you of the crime. Fourth, you should consider whether or not the prosecutor is likely to offer a plea bargain. Fifth, you should consider whether or not you are willing to accept the consequences of pleading guilty to a crime.

If you have been charged with a white-collar crime, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you to understand your rights and options. The Liberty Law Team has the experience and counsel needed to make the best decision available to you. Contact us today for a free consultation at (215) 732 -3474.