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White Collar Crimes

Lackawanna White Collar Crimes Attorney

Defending Against White Collar Crimes in Wayne, Wyoming, Pike & Susquehanna Counties

White-collar crimes are generally nonviolent offenses that are committed through deception, fraud, or misrepresentation for the purpose of financial gain. These can be committed against private citizens as well as against businesses or against governmental agencies. Many of these crimes are prosecuted in federal courts, which pits the accused against the full resources of the federal government. As such, these cases can be very complex and, where multiple people or the government has been defrauded, very serious. 

If you are facing white-collar crime charges or believe you are the target of a criminal investigation into such charges, you will need the services of a knowledgeable and dedicated criminal defense lawyer. At Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law, Attorney Bernie Brown can put his 15 years as a proven trial lawyer to work for you. He attacks each case with tenacity and skill, along with the expectation that it will go to trial. Thus, intensive trial preparation means that every aspect of your arrest and charges will be meticulously investigated, researched, and analyzed to develop a strategy that will put you in the strongest position in criminal court. This is key to pursuing your best interests and minimizing or avoiding potential penalties. 


Have you been accused of a white collar crime? Call Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law, today at (570) 676-1553 or contact us online to request a consultation with our Lackawanna white-collar crimes lawyer. 


Types Of White Collar Crimes 

In Pennsylvania, white-collar crimes encompass a wide range of offenses committed by private individuals, such as accountants, bookkeepers, investment counselors, corporate executives, financial advisors, and more, as well as public officials. 

Examples of white-collar crimes can include but are not limited to:

  • Bribery: Offering something of value in exchange for a benefit or gain is classified as bribery. 
  • Money laundering: Using illegal proceeds through legitimate financial channels is prohibited under state law. 
  • Tax evasion: Intentionally misrepresenting facts or omitting information while filing taxes can result in penalties, including fines, asset seizure, and incarceration.
  • Embezzlement: Theft of funds by an employee placed in a position of trust. 
  • Counterfeiting: Manufacturing or distributing fake goods or money.
  • Insider trading: Trading on the stock exchanges after getting access to related confidential financial information.
  • Racketeering: Acquiring or operating a business based on illegal activity.
  • Identity theft: The theft of another’s personal information that is used to steal cash, open credit card accounts, and more. 
  • Forgery: Making counterfeit copies of documents, such as banknotes, works of art, and more. 
  • Ponzi schemes: Paying quick returns to original investors by newer investors in an investment scam; this is a form of fraud.
  • Internet fraud: This can include schemes such as phishing, identity theft, and more.
  • Fraud: This occurs through intentional deceit against others for one’s own personal gain. It can include governmental fraud, such as food stamp fraud, welfare fraud, Social Security fraud, and Medicare/Medicaid fraud, as well as fraud against institutions and individuals, such as check fraud, credit card fraud, securities fraud, mortgage fraud, wire fraud, and more.  

What are the Penalties for White Collar Crimes?

The nature of the offense, whether you have previous convictions, and the extent of its impact on alleged victims will all determine the penalties of a white-collar crime conviction. Charges related to criminal activity that cross state lines can be filed in federal court; penalties at the federal level are often harsher than those at the state level. 

Defenses Available for White Collar Crime Charges

White collar crimes, often involving fraud, embezzlement, or insider trading, require strategic and sophisticated defenses due to their complex nature. As a Lackawanna white collar crime lawyer, it’s crucial to explore all possible defenses to protect your client’s rights and future.

One primary defense is lack of intent. White collar crimes often hinge on the defendant’s intent to deceive or defraud. By demonstrating that the defendant did not have the requisite intent, it may be possible to weaken the prosecution's case. For instance, if an accountant is accused of embezzlement, but evidence shows they mistakenly transferred funds due to a clerical error, the lack of fraudulent intent can be a strong defense.

Another key defense is entrapment. If law enforcement officials induced the defendant to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed, this could form the basis for an entrapment defense. For example, if undercover agents pressured an individual into engaging in insider trading, the defense could argue that the defendant was entrapped.

A defense attorney might also argue that the defendant’s actions were lawful. In many white collar crime cases, the line between legal and illegal activities can be thin. By demonstrating that the defendant’s actions were within the bounds of the law, an attorney can cast doubt on the prosecution’s claims. For example, in cases involving complex financial transactions, the defense might show that the defendant followed all legal protocols and guidelines.

Additionally, a lack of evidence can be a powerful defense. Prosecutors must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. By highlighting gaps or weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, a defense attorney can create reasonable doubt. This might involve challenging the credibility of witnesses, questioning the validity of documents, or demonstrating that the prosecution’s narrative is implausible.

Impact of a White Collar Crime Conviction on Professional Life

A conviction for a white collar crime can have devastating effects on an individual’s professional life. For professionals in Lackawanna, this can mean not only the end of a career but also long-term financial and reputational damage.

First and foremost, a white collar crime conviction often leads to loss of employment. Many employers have strict policies against retaining employees with criminal records, especially for crimes involving dishonesty or fraud. A conviction can lead to immediate termination and make it exceedingly difficult to find new employment in the same field. For instance, a financial advisor convicted of securities fraud may lose their job and face significant challenges in securing a position at another firm.

Beyond immediate job loss, a conviction can result in professional disqualification. Many professions, particularly those requiring licensure such as law, accounting, and finance, have regulatory bodies that can revoke licenses upon conviction of a crime.

Furthermore, a white collar crime conviction can severely damage one’s professional reputation. Trust is a cornerstone of professional relationships, and a conviction for a crime involving deceit can erode that trust beyond repair. This loss of reputation can extend beyond the individual to their business associates, clients, and even family members, who may also face social and professional repercussions.

Financial penalties associated with white collar crime convictions can also be significant. Convicted individuals may be ordered to pay restitution, fines, and court costs, which can result in substantial financial strain. This financial burden can be exacerbated by the loss of income and difficulty in finding new employment, leading to long-term economic hardship.

Understanding White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes are non-violent offenses typically committed by individuals or businesses for financial gain. These offenses can include fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, money laundering, and more. If you are facing allegations of white collar crime, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of these cases.

At Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law, we have a proven track record of defending clients against white collar crime charges. Our team will thoroughly investigate your case, build a strong defense strategy, and advocate for your rights in court. We understand the serious implications of white collar crime allegations and will work tirelessly to protect your reputation and freedom.

Don't face white collar crime charges alone. Contact us today for a confidential consultation with a trusted white collar crimes attorney.

Defending Your White Collar Crime Case in State or Federal Court

White-collar crime charges can be extremely complex. At the federal level, law enforcement agencies may spend months or even years gathering evidence to create an aggressive case for prosecution. However, in all cases involving financial crimes, you will need a defender as tough and formidable as any state or federal prosecutor. Attorney Bernie Brown has been proven to have the resources, legal insight, and professional skills critical to the task of defending you in search of optimum results. 


Contact Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law, today to get started on your defense with our Lackawanna white collar crimes attorney.


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