Queens White Collar Crime Lawyer

Queens White Collar Crime Attorney

White collar crimes are characterized by the misrepresentation of business documents and other instruments for the purpose of fraud. Although the crimes do not involve violence, being convicted of any white collar crime can lead to serious consequences. Misdemeanor and felony convictions can result in jail and prison sentences, heavy fines, and other punitive actions by the courts. Working with an experienced Queens white collar crime lawyer can improve the chances of a favorable resolution.

Common Types of White Collar Crimes in Queens

White collar crimes can result in misdemeanor or felony charges. The criminal penalties someone could face depend on the criminal charge, number of charges, amount of money involved in the fraud, and other factors.

Bribery Charges

Bribery involves quid pro quo situations where one party offers a favor in return for money or something else of value. The person who receives the money or gift is usually in a position of power. In return for the bribe, the individual may misuse their position of authority to help the person offering the bribe money.

Bribery is a serious crime because people in positions of power are held to high standards. Bribery charges can be misdemeanors or felonies. One possible defense against charges of bribery would be to show that the defendant did not intend to commit bribery. Criminal intent is an important element of this criminal offense.

Investment Fraud

If an investment project does not yield the profits that you promised investors, you could end up being accused of defrauding the people who paid into your project. Investment fraud is a serious accusation that you intentionally deprive people of money through misrepresentation. Just being accused of fraud can ruin someone’s credibility and reputation. If you have been accused of investment fraud, do not speak about the details of your case to anyone except your criminal defense attorney.

Embezzlement of Funds

Embezzlement refers to the misappropriation or misuse of funds that were entrusted to someone. If an investment banker used funds from clients for personal uses, like to pay off a loan, they may be charged with the crime of embezzlement. Even when the person who embezzled money pays back the money they took, they can still be charged with a crime.

Embezzlement charges may include other crimes, like the falsifying of documents to cover up the criminal acts. The severity of the punishment for embezzlement is largely determined by the amount of money that is embezzled.

Criminal Extortion

Extortion involves the use of undue pressure or threats to obtain financial gain. Usually, the person who commits the acts of extortion is in a position of power. Extortion can lead to a felony charge. The penalties for extortion depend on the defendant’s criminal record and the circumstances of the crime.

White Collar Crime Defenses

Your white collar defense attorney will begin by listening to the details of your case and researching the facts of your case by reviewing police reports and other evidence. One defense could be to argue that you were entrapped. When law enforcement oversteps its bounds by inducing an individual to carry out a crime, the officers engage in a practice known as entrapment. Your lawyer can argue that you were entrapped and that the charges should be dropped.

Criminal intent is another important element in white collar crime. If the prosecution cannot prove that you intended to commit a white collar crime, then they have a weak case. Sometimes, business professionals make mistakes. Not every failed investment project is due to fraud.

Your lawyer can also examine how the state gathered evidence against you. Defendants have constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. Any overstep on the part of the police, or the prosecution could help your case or lead to the charges being dropped.

FAQs

Q: How Serious Is White Collar Crime?

A: White collar crimes can be very serious. Misdemeanor charges and felonies can lead to jail sentences or years of confinement in prison. White collar crimes often come with multiple charges if the defendant committed a criminal act multiple times. A conviction could also lead to heavy fines and court orders to pay restitution to victims.

Q: What Are the Worst White Collar Crimes?

A: The worst white collar crimes are ones that can be charged as felonies. You are much more likely to serve time in prison if you are facing a felony or multiple counts of felonies in Queens, California. Forgery in the first degree, criminal possession of a forged instrument, identity theft in the first degree, and falsifying business records in the first degree are some of the worst crimes when it comes to potential penalties.

Q: What Acts Are Considered to Be White Collar Crime?

A: A white collar crime is any crime that typically involves theft or fraud, and is non-violent in nature. Such acts can include embezzlement, credit card fraud, money laundering, bribery, securities fraud, identity theft, forgery, tax evasion, computer crimes, and more. They can be committed by individuals, businesses, or government officials.

Q: Who Are the Most Common Victims of White Collar Crime?

A: The two most common victims of white collar crimes are people who sought to quickly make a lot of money or innocent victims who did not know they were part of a fraud scheme. The first group could involve people who were told they could make easy money by participating in something and agreed to it. They may or may not have known that the actions could have been unlawful. Innocent victims think their funds are being used for legitimate purposes.

Schedule Your Queens White Collar Crime Consultation Today

White collar crimes are serious and can lead to incarceration, heavy fines, and other punitive measures by the court. Fortunately, white collar crimes are difficult to prove. Investigators have to have the time and resources to properly examine evidence, and they may not be experts in those financial fields.

Your white collar attorney from The Vitaliano Law Firm will vigorously defend you and explore every means of reducing your charges or having them dropped. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.