White Collar Crime Attorney in Wilkes-Barre
Serious Financial Charges Need Serious Defense
If you are under investigation for a financial offense or have already been charged, you are likely worried about prison, your career, and your reputation in Wilkes-Barre. These cases can move quickly, and early decisions may shape everything that follows. You do not have to go through this alone.
At Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law, we focus on defending people accused of serious crimes in Pennsylvania state and federal courts. Our firm is led by attorney Bernie Brown, who has more than 15 years of criminal defense experience and has handled thousands of cases. He is board-certified in criminal law, which is a credential that only a small number of defense lawyers obtain.
We know how stressful it is to face a complex investigation, especially if you have never been involved in the criminal justice system before. Our goal is to protect your rights, analyze the government’s evidence, and work to protect your future. We offer affordable representation and convenient virtual consultations so you can speak with us confidentially and on a schedule that works for you.
Call (570) 676-1553 or reach out online to speak with a white collar crimes lawyer in Wilkes-Barre who is available any time you need us.
Understanding White Collar Crimes in Luzerne County
White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses characterized by deceit, concealment, or a violation of trust for financial gain. In Wilkes-Barre, these cases are often prosecuted under Title 18, Chapters 39 and 41 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, or handled in federal court. A white collar crimes lawyer in Wilkes-Barre must be prepared to defend against a range of charges:
- Embezzlement (§ 3927): The misappropriation of funds entrusted to an individual, often within a corporate or nonprofit setting.
- Forgery and Digital Forgery (§ 4101 & § 4101.1): Traditional forgery involves altering documents; however, the newly enacted 2026 Digital Forgery statutes specifically target the creation of deceptive digital likenesses used to facilitate fraud.
- Money Laundering (§ 5111): The process of making "dirty" money appear legitimate. These cases often involve complex interstate or international transactions.
- Healthcare and Insurance Fraud (§ 4117): Knowingly submitting false claims to healthcare providers or insurance companies—a major priority for the Pennsylvania Government Fraud Alliance.
- Cybercrime and Identity Theft (§ 4120): Utilizing computer systems or another person's identifying information for unlawful financial gain.
The Collateral Consequences of a Conviction
In a city like Wilkes-Barre, the "penalty" for a white-collar crime often begins long before a verdict is reached. A Wilkes-Barre white collar crimes attorney from our firm works to mitigate these life-altering impacts:
- Professional Disqualification: A conviction for a "crime of moral turpitude" leads to the automatic revocation of professional licenses for doctors, CPAs, lawyers, and real estate agents.
- Asset Forfeiture: The government may seize your personal bank accounts, business assets, and even your home if they can allege they were "proceeds" of the crime.
- Reputational Damage: For executives and public figures, the mere public record of an indictment can result in the loss of partnerships and a lifetime of professional blacklisting.
- Sentencing Enhancements: Prosecutors frequently seek "aggravated range" sentences if the loss affected an elderly person or if the defendant held a position of public trust.
Why Choose Us?
Legal Advocacy You Can Rely On
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Trusted Family Legacy of Criminal Defense
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Available Any Time You Need Us
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40 Jury Trials to Verdict; 12 Acquittals
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Certified Litigation Specialist
Why Our Firm For White Collar Cases
White collar allegations are often built on long investigations, detailed financial records, and complicated laws. Prosecutors may spend months or even years gathering documents before they file charges. When so much is on the line, you need a defense team that is comfortable in complex, high-stakes courtrooms and understands how these cases are put together.
Attorney Bernie Brown is a board-certified criminal law attorney who is also certified to handle death penalty cases in Pennsylvania state and federal courts. These certifications reflect a deep level of training and experience with serious litigation and strict procedural rules. For clients facing intricate financial charges, this background can be important when challenging the way evidence was gathered, interpreted, or presented.
Our firm’s roots in Pennsylvania go back generations, to a practice founded by Attorney Brown’s grandfather. This long-standing presence means we understand how courts in this region approach serious criminal matters, including white collar offenses that affect professionals and business owners in Wilkes-Barre and surrounding communities.
We are active members of organizations such as the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and we work to stay current with developments in criminal law and procedure.
What To Do If You Are Under Investigation
Finding out that you are the target of a financial investigation or that your name has appeared in a subpoena can be alarming. The choices you make in these early days can affect whether charges are filed, how serious they are, and what options you may later have. Acting carefully, and with guidance, is critical.
Investigations in this part of Pennsylvania may involve local law enforcement, state agencies, or federal agents. They may contact you at home, at your workplace, or through a letter. It is understandable to want to explain your side of the story, but doing that on your own can create serious problems that are difficult to fix later.
Key steps to protect yourself if you suspect a white collar investigation:
- Stay calm and avoid discussing the situation with coworkers, friends, or potential witnesses about the facts of the case.
- Do not agree to interviews with investigators or agents before speaking with a defense lawyer who understands white collar matters.
- Preserve documents, emails, and records that may be relevant, and avoid altering or destroying any materials, even if you believe they are unimportant.
- Gather any letters, subpoenas, or notices you have received so your attorney can review them for deadlines and legal implications.
- Contact a criminal defense firm promptly so you can discuss your situation in a confidential setting and begin planning a response.
When you reach out to Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law, we talk with you about how the issue arose, what contact you have had with authorities, and what paperwork you have received. We then work to identify the immediate risks, such as upcoming deadlines or potential interview requests, and we explain your options in clear terms. Our virtual consultation options help you speak with us privately, even if you are concerned about being seen visiting a law office in the region.
How We Defend White Collar Allegations
Effective white collar defense goes beyond knowing the law. It requires a deep review of financial and business records, an understanding of how organizations operate, and a willingness to challenge early assumptions made by investigators. The firm applies the same level of care and rigor used in all serious criminal cases.
White collar matters often unfold in stages, from investigation through charging decisions, negotiations, and sometimes trial in state or federal court. At each phase, the defense evaluates what the government can truly prove, where the evidence falls short, and what legal strategies can limit or exclude questionable material. The team closely analyzes documents and works to distinguish criminal allegations from business or civil disputes.
With extensive courtroom experience in high-stakes cases, the firm is always prepared to litigate, which can strengthen negotiation efforts as well. Just as importantly, clients are kept informed at every step, with clear explanations of options, risks, and likely outcomes. The goal is to provide practical guidance and put clients in the strongest possible position, whether through challenge, negotiation, or trial.
Talk With Our Defense Team Today
White collar accusations threaten far more than your finances. They can put your liberty, your license, and your reputation at risk, especially when they arise in a close-knit community like this part of Pennsylvania. Taking action quickly with informed legal guidance allows you to respond strategically instead of reactively.
At Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law, we bring more than 15 years of criminal defense experience, thousands of resolved cases, board certification, and a legacy of service in Pennsylvania courts to every matter we handle. Our services are affordable, and we offer virtual consultations to make it easier and more discreet to get help. When you contact us, we take the time to understand your situation and discuss practical options for moving forward with a white collar crime lawyer in Wilkes-Barre.
To speak with our team in a confidential consultation, call (570) 676-1553 or reach out online now.