Four Decades Defending Against White Collar Criminal Charges
White collar crimes can be exceedingly complex. These cases frequently rely on complicated evidence from business records, computer data and financial transactions. Prosecuting white collar crime usually falls to a highly experienced team of prosecutors, law enforcement officers and forensic investigators. Therefore, defending such a crime should fall to a highly experienced team of defense attorneys.
For over 40 years, The Law Office of E.G. Morris has represented clients accused of various white collar crimes. We have an intricate understanding of Texas law and federal law regarding financial crimes. Our combination of nuanced legal knowledge and experience with complex cases grants us the ability to effectively defend our clients against white collar criminal charges.
Defining White Collar Crime
Many Texans have become more aware of white collar crime in the past few years, as the state and federal government have increased their efforts to prosecute these offenses. But many people do not accurately understand these complex crimes. The term “white collar crime” is an umbrella term that refers to several violations committed for financial gain. Though white collar crime can occur in any industry, it is often found in the health care and financial sectors.
White collar crime can include:
- Fraud, including insurance fraud, Medicaid fraud, prescription fraud and wire fraud
- Federal tax offenses
- Embezzlement
- Cybercrime
- Money laundering
- Identity theft
- Forgery
- Extortion
White Collar Charges Can Derail Your Career
If you are under investigation for a white collar crime, you face much more than a criminal sentence. A conviction — or merely an investigation — for a white collar crime can jeopardize your professional reputation as well as those of your colleagues and your employer. To protect your career, it is crucial to obtain experienced representation from a defense lawyer who has successfully represented clients in similar cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Collar Crime
Below are answers to common questions we receive from clients facing white collar criminal investigations or charges:
What should I do if I am being investigated for a white collar crime?
If you discover you are under investigation, contact an experienced white collar defense attorney immediately before speaking with investigators. Various agencies investigate these crimes, including the FBI, SEC, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, Texas Attorney General’s Office and local police departments with specialized fraud units. Do not consent to interviews, provide documents or allow searches without legal counsel present. Remember that anything you say to investigators can be used against you, even if you believe you have done nothing wrong.
I was arrested for a white collar crime. Now what?
After an arrest, hiring an experienced white collar crime defense attorney should be your top priority. Our team will examine the evidence against you, identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a strategic defense plan. We will represent you at all court appearances and guide you through each step of the legal process. Preparing a strong defense may involve analyzing financial records, consulting with expert witnesses and conducting independent investigations. The sooner we begin working on your case, the more options we may have for favorable outcomes, including potential dismissal of charges, reduction of charges or negotiation of favorable plea agreements.
What if I committed a crime without knowledge or intent?
Many white collar crimes require prosecutors to prove specific intent to defraud or deceive. However, some offenses can be prosecuted based on reckless or negligent behavior. For example, signing financial documents without proper verification or failing to implement adequate compliance protocols could potentially lead to criminal liability, even without deliberate intent to commit fraud. Our attorneys carefully analyze the mental state requirements for the specific charges you face and develop defense strategies accordingly.
How do prosecutors prove white collar crimes?
Prosecutors build white collar cases using multiple types of evidence, including financial records, bank statements, tax returns and business documents. They often rely on forensic accounting to trace money movements and identify suspicious patterns. Electronic evidence from computers, emails and phones frequently plays a crucial role, as do witness testimonies from co-workers, business partners or alleged victims. Prosecutors may also use cooperating witnesses who have accepted plea deals in exchange for testimony.
Work With A Skilled Defense Team
It is in your best interests to work with a strong legal team that can defend you in the criminal justice system. Call our Austin office at 512-893-6121 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.