FAIRFAX LAWYER DEFENDS CLIENTS ACCUSED OF WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES

Although they may not be violent crimes, white-collar crimes – financial crimes that usually involve fraud and deceit – may impact thousands of innocent people, so Virginia’s criminal justice system treats these crimes quite seriously.

Federal white-collar crimes are also dealt with aggressively by federal law enforcement authorities. If you are charged with committing a white-collar crime in the Fairfax area or anywhere in Virginia, you cannot afford to be represented by the wrong defense attorney.

A white-collar crime may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony at the state or the federal level. The charge will depend on the particulars of the allegation and the criminal history (if any) of the defendant.

HOW ARE WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES PENALIZED?

A conviction for an egregious white-collar crime will likely trigger the harshest penalties – a stiff fine and a long prison term. A criminal sentence is only one of the penalties for a white-collar crime. A conviction may be followed by a civil action as victims seek to recover their losses.

A conviction for a white-collar crime will also likely keep you from ever working – or ever working again – for a bank or another financial institution. If you have a professional license, a conviction will probably prompt serious disciplinary action by your professional licensing board.

WHICH CRIMES ARE CONSIDERED WHITE-COLLAR?

White-collar crimes usually involve deception, fraud, and theft. White-collar crime victims are typically banks, other financial institutions, government agencies, and other businesses, but anyone who is affluent could be targeted, and anyone can be a victim of identity theft.

These crimes include embezzlement, forgery, mail fraud, insurance fraud, bankruptcy fraud, credit card fraud, money laundering, and identity theft.

Many of these crimes are federal crimes. In Virginia, if you’re investigated for a white-collar crime or ordered to appear before a grand jury regarding a white-collar criminal investigation, seek advice first from Fairfax white-collar criminal attorney Scott C. Nolan, PLLC.

WHAT PENALTIES ARE IMPOSED FOR THESE CRIMES?

If you’re convicted of committing a white-collar crime, listed below are several of the penalties that you can expect.

Bankruptcy fraud: Bankruptcy fraud allegations are investigated by the FBI and the IRS. Anyone who makes a false declaration in a bankruptcy proceeding may be fined as much as $250,000 and sent to a federal prison for up to five years.

Mail fraud: If you use the U.S. Mail to commit fraud, a mail fraud conviction may be penalized with as long as 20 years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000. When financial institutions are the victims, the punishment increases to as much as 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

Identity theft: Identity theft is on the rise. Under federal law, an identity theft conviction can be penalized with steep fines and as much as 15 years in a federal prison.

Embezzlement: Embezzlement is a crime at both the state and federal level. Penalties for embezzlement hinge on the particulars of the criminal charge and the type and amount of cash or property allegedly stolen.

A person who embezzles any property or money worth $1,000 or more from the federal government or its agencies may be fined $250,000 and/or sent to prison for 10 years. For property or cash worth less than $1,000, the penalty may be a jail term of one year and a $1,000 fine.

A LAWYER’S HELP IS IMPERATIVE

If you are charged with or investigated for a white-collar crime, you cannot be represented by the wrong lawyer. Even if you are acquitted, a white-collar prosecution or a criminal investigation will drain your finances and consume your time.

Finding the mistakes in the prosecution’s case against you is the first step in an effective criminal defense. In white-collar cases, a defense lawyer will first try to get the charge lowered or entirely dismissed. Charges can sometimes be dropped if an agreement is made with the victim.

In some cases, paying restitution or completing probation may lead to a reduced sentence. And when the government’s case is convincing and a guilty verdict at trial is assured, a criminal defense attorney may negotiate for sentencing alternatives such as house arrest or community service.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER VIRGINIA

If you’re being investigated regarding a white-collar crime, or if you have been formally charged with committing a white-collar crime, contact Fairfax white-collar criminal attorney Scott C. Nolan, PLLC. He has the skills and experience to bring your case to a quick and satisfactory resolution.

The Law Office of Scott C. Nolan, PLLC defends clients against the most serious white-collar criminal charges. He has built a reputation for aggressive defense representation, superlative client service, and excellence in the courtroom.

To arrange for a consultation – or to learn more – contact his offices to make an appointment. If you’re charged in Virginia with a white-collar crime, a good lawyer’s help is your right.