White-collar crimes are usually non-violent crimes committed for financial gain through fraud or other illegal means. If you have been charged with a white-collar crime, it is critical to understand the charges you are facing and what you should do. At Vinas & Graham, PLLC, our attorneys know the penalties for white-collar crime convictions, and we will vigorously defend your charges and protect your rights.
Types Of White-Collar Crimes
Fraud and securities fraud are two of the most commonly charged white-collar crimes. Fraud generally involves using deceptive and dishonest practices to secure financial gain. Securities fraud, sometimes referred to as stock fraud typically involves deception or manipulation of the financial markets.
Money laundering, embezzlement, tax evasion, and bankruptcy fraud are other types of white-collar crimes involving illegal financial gains through deception and misrepresentation. Defendants are often charged with more than one white-collar crime, and under many circumstances, these cases are prosecuted at the federal level. Only an experienced federal crimes attorney should be trusted to handle white-collar criminal defense matters.
Beware Of Speaking With Investigators
If you are under investigation for white-collar crimes, it is important not to give in to pressure to speak with state or federal agents about your case. Sometimes people feel obligated to answer questions when approached by investigators. Unfortunately, talking with investigators can help prosecutors build their case against you while causing irreparable harm to your defense.
Do Not Assume You Will Be Convicted
A severe mistake is making incriminating admissions or pleading guilty to charges because you assume that the prosecutor has a solid case against you. Even if they have evidence that shows your guilt, it cannot be used at trial if that evidence was gathered in violation of your constitutional rights.
You may also have one or more defenses to your charges that would lead to your case being dismissed or a not guilty finding at trial. For example, white-collar crimes generally require prosecutors to show intent. This means that prosecutors can only meet their burden of proof against you if they can show that you knowingly and intentionally committed the charged offense.
Contact A White-Collar Crimes Attorney
It is critical to consult with an attorney who has experience defending clients against white-collar crime charges. An attorney can review your case, go over the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s evidence against you, and discuss your potential defenses. In some cases, we can help when you are under investigation before criminal charges have even been filed.
If you are under investigation or have already been charged by a state or federal prosecutor, contact a white-collar crimes attorney at Vinas & Graham, PLLC, to review your case. Call us at 713-229-9992 or reach us online to schedule a no-obligation initial consultation.
Our attorneys are experienced legal advocates for those who have been accused of state and federal crimes. See our Facebook page for updates about our law firm and Texas criminal defense laws.
