White Collar Crimes in Scranton

White Collar Crime Attorney in Scranton

Board-Certified Defense for Federal & State Financial Crimes in Scranton

White collar crimes are non-violent financial offenses that carry severe consequences. Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and forgery can be charged as misdemeanors or serious felonies under Pennsylvania law, depending on the amounts involved and the scope of the alleged conduct. Many of these cases begin as federal investigations conducted by the FBI or IRS, often months before formal charges are filed. The window between investigation and indictment is critical, and retaining defense counsel early can affect the direction of everything that follows.

Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law defends individuals facing white collar charges in Scranton and throughout Lackawanna County, in both state and federal court. Attorney Bernie Brown is a board-certified criminal law specialist with more than 15 years of criminal defense experience in Pennsylvania. We handle these matters from the first signs of a government investigation through trial if it comes to that.

If you’re under investigation or have been charged with a white collar crime in Scranton, contact us at (570) 676-1553 to schedule a consultation. Virtual appointments are available.

White Collar Charges We Defend in Scranton

We defend clients facing a wide range of financial crime charges in both the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Federal charges typically carry harsher sentencing exposure than their state counterparts, and white collar cases often stack multiple counts: a fraud scheme may also carry money laundering and conspiracy charges, multiplying the stakes considerably.

Charges we defend include:

Fraud – wire fraud, mail fraud, insurance fraud, healthcare fraud, and securities fraud
Embezzlement – theft or misappropriation of funds by someone in a position of trust
Identity theft – fraudulent use of another person’s identifying information
Forgery – falsification of documents, signatures, or records
Tax evasion & money laundering – tax evasion and money laundering, frequently charged alongside other offenses
Bribery & RICO violations – public corruption and organized financial crime charges with RICO violations

Bernie Brown has handled thousands of cases across Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system. That depth of experience across state and federal court directly informs how we build each defense.

Why Scranton Clients Choose Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law

Bernie Brown is one of a limited number of attorneys in Pennsylvania who holds board certification as a criminal law specialist. He also carries certifications to conduct capital cases in both Pennsylvania state courts and under the Federal Criminal Justice Act, credentials that reflect the breadth of his federal court fluency and his capability in the most demanding proceedings. White collar defense demands that same level of preparation.

Our record reflects that commitment. We’ve taken more than 40 jury trials to verdict, including 12 acquittals, and our overall success rate is over 90 percent. Prosecutors know when a defense attorney is prepared to go to trial, and that posture can affect how negotiations unfold.

Additional reasons clients rely on our firm:

Local court familiarity – Bernie Brown knows the Lackawanna County Courthouse and the local legal community, which informs strategy from the outset
Multi-generational presence – our firm’s tradition of criminal defense in Pennsylvania dates to its founding by Bernie Brown’s grandfather
Professional standing – Bernie Brown is a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, reflecting ongoing engagement with evolving criminal defense standards
Full-scope representation – we handle every phase, from pre-charge investigation through arraignment, pretrial motions, and trial

Talk to a White Collar Crime Attorney in Scranton

If you’re facing white collar charges or believe you may be under investigation in Scranton or Lackawanna County, the time to act is now. Early involvement gives us more options. We offer both in-person and virtual consultations so you can connect with us on your schedule.

Call Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law at (570) 676-1553 or reach us through the online contact form. We’re ready to discuss your situation and what a defense built from investigation forward can look like for your case.

Why White Collar Cases Require Immediate Defense Attention

White collar investigations frequently run for months or even years before a single charge is filed. A target may have no idea they’re under scrutiny until federal agents appear at their door, a subpoena arrives, or a business associate is interviewed. By the time formal charges are filed, the government has often already built the bulk of its case.

Federal agencies including the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Department of Justice routinely lead these investigations, bringing resources that far exceed those of typical state prosecutions. Evidence in white collar cases consists of financial records, email correspondence, tax filings, banking data, and internal business documents. Defense counsel needs to analyze that material carefully and challenge how it was obtained.

Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful search and seizure apply in white collar investigations. Evidence gathered through an overbroad subpoena or an improperly issued warrant may be subject to suppression. The prosecution also bears the burden of proving criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt, and the line between aggressive business conduct and criminal activity is frequently contested territory.

What a White Collar Conviction Can Cost You

The consequences of a conviction go well beyond the courtroom. A felony conviction in Pennsylvania can mean significant prison time, substantial fines, restitution orders, and forfeiture of assets tied to the alleged conduct. Federal convictions often result in sentences served at facilities away from home.

The collateral consequences can be just as serious as the criminal penalties themselves:

Professional license loss – doctors, accountants, financial advisors, and real estate agents can lose the licenses their careers depend on
Employment barriers – a conviction for a financial crime can permanently close doors in regulated industries
Credit and contracting limits – a criminal record can affect the ability to obtain credit, government contracts, or business partnerships
Reputational damage – financial crime charges become public record, affecting professional and personal standing in the community

These consequences extend beyond the individual. Business partners, employees, and professional associations can all be affected by the outcome of a white collar prosecution.

How We Build a White Collar Defense

We approach every white collar case as if it will go to trial, because that preparation can produce better results at every stage before trial as well. The defense begins with a thorough investigation: reviewing the evidence the prosecution intends to rely on, examining how it was gathered, and identifying any constitutional defects in the government’s methods.

Defense strategies vary by case but commonly include challenging the prosecution’s proof of criminal intent, contesting the admissibility of evidence obtained through improper searches or seizures, and disputing the government’s interpretation of financial records. Defendants who engage counsel early, before charges are filed, often have more options available, including the ability to respond to investigators in a structured and deliberate way rather than through unplanned contact.

Throughout the case, clients receive regular updates and clear explanations of their rights and options at each stage. From pre-charge investigation and arraignment through pretrial motions and hearings, we’re present and prepared. If the case proceeds to trial, so do we.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Meet Bernard J. Brown

a seasoned criminal defense attorney carrying on a legacy of excellence. With 15 years of courtroom experience—including high-stakes federal and state cases—and unique certifications to handle Capital Death Penalty cases in Pennsylvania and under the Federal Criminal Justice Act, Bernard is prepared to fight vigorously on your behalf.

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Why Choose Us?

Legal Advocacy You Can Rely On

Trusted Family Legacy of Criminal Defense
Available Any Time You Need Us
40 Jury Trials to Verdict; 12 Acquittals
Certified Litigation Specialist

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