Defense Lawyers for Business Crime & White Collar Crime
Though business crimes – also known as white-collar crimes – are usually nonviolent, law enforcement and prosecutors still take them very seriously. In fact, they pursue convictions just as intently for these offenses as they do for murder, rape, kidnapping, and other non-business crimes. Investigators will also frequently bring charges involving business crimes as a means of pursuing those suspected of much more serious offenses, or to pressure potential witnesses into “flipping” on a bigger fish.
It is therefore very important for anyone charged with a business crime to immediately hire an experienced defense attorney.
Types of Business Crimes
Business crimes are generally committed for financial gain or to obtain a competitive advantage through illegal means. Some common examples include:
- Bribery
- Computer and internet crimes
- Credit card fraud
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Financial crimes
- Forgery
- Identity theft
- Insurance fraud
- Money laundering
- Operating without a license
- Tax fraud
Serious, Life-Altering Consequences and Reputational Damage
Just being charged with a business crime can have devastating consequences. In addition to facing prison time, fines, or both if convicted, someone charged with a white-collar offense can suffer damage to his or her reputation. At a time when most employers run Google searches to screen job applicants, a damaging news item or criminal allegation in the results could severely limit future employment prospects. The problem is only compounded if the person is convicted.
In short, being charged with a business crime can be a career-ending event. This is why it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately if you even suspect you might face charges. A competent lawyer will know how to protect your reputation from the start, and zealously defend your good name throughout an investigation and, should it come to it, a criminal trial.
Some Business Crimes are Federal Crimes
Unlike other types of offenses, many business crimes fall under federal law. That means the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and other federal agencies and law enforcement may be involved in investigating and prosecuting someone charged with these offenses. These matters are also tried in federal courts, which have their own rules and procedures, different from state courts.
These factors add an entirely different level of complexity and risk to business crimes, which means you must hire a lawyer experienced with these types of case. Only someone who has successfully defended not one or a few, but several clients in federal criminal cases can understand what’s at stake and how to best protect you.
Hire an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer – And Only Talk to Them
Law enforcement investigators often tell people suspected of or charged with business crimes that cooperating is in their best interest. It’s not.
No one facing charges of any type should ever speak about the case with law enforcement – or anyone, for that matter –without first consulting an attorney. This is rule number one. What you see in movies and on television is true: anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. So be careful at all times about what you say and divulge. It could make the difference between being found not guilty or spending the next several years in prison.
Your lawyer is also there to guide you through the investigation, prosecution, and trial. He or she should have a solid understanding of the local court system and know the key names and faces. The attorneys at Summit Defense have worked in the Bay Area for years, and have earned the respect of law enforcement, prosecutors, court officials and judges for their legal skills and professionalism. Because of this, we can be your champion and ally in navigating the process and pursuing justice.
One look at the kinds of cases we have handled recently clearly demonstrates our experience.
