Brookhaven White Collar Crime Lawyer

White Collar Crime Attorney in Brookhaven, GA

Not only can white-collar crimes come with severe court-ordered penalties, but they can also impact your career, social relationships, and reputation. A Brookhaven, GA, white-collar crime lawyer can guide you through each step of this process to mitigate the negative damage a conviction can have on your life.

Why Choose The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman?

With over 25 years of experience, The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman is vastly experienced in Georgia’s criminal defense process and well-versed in white-collar crime laws. We can help you navigate your white-collar crime case with confidence by explaining the legal procedures and building a solid defense strategy for your case.

Understanding White-Collar Crimes in Georgia

White-collar crimes are financially motivated but non-violent offenses. This includes a broad range of offenses, each requiring a unique defense strategy. The financial impact of white-collar crimes is estimated between $426 billion and $1.7 trillion each year.

Illegally gaining or mishandling money, especially in a professional setting, may lead to criminal charges. Whether occurring in businesses along Dresden Drive or the Buford Highway corridor or completely online, white-collar crime is a widespread issue. Employees and managers have a strong connection to many white-collar crimes, committing 39% of fraud.

Types of White-Collar Crimes We Handle

No matter what white-collar charges you are facing, The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman can provide an exceptional defense. Some common white-collar crimes we represent include:

• Embezzlement: Embezzlement involves misappropriating money or other assets for personal gain, specifically when it is an individual in a position of trust, such as an employee or government official.
• Fraud: Fraud describes a variety of offenses that use deceit for financial gain. Common fraud offenses include tax fraud, investment fraud such as Ponzi schemes, identity theft, credit card fraud, and check fraud.
• Money Laundering: Money laundering involves concealing illegally obtained money to make it appear as though it was attained from a legitimate source. Often, money laundering occurs alongside other offenses as a way to cover up illegal financial gain.
• Bribery: Bribery involves exchanging money or other incentives to influence someone’s actions. This offense can occur by offering bribes to government officials, employers, or members of other companies.
• Extortion: Extortion involves gaining money or other assets through threats of future harm. This could include threats of violence, but may be threats of reputational harm or property damage.

White-Collar Crime Penalties in Georgia

Every case is subject to unique sentencing guidelines based on the circumstances of the offense and prior criminal history. Felony white-collar crimes can be sentenced with time in prison and large fines. For example, identity fraud could be sentenced with one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 for a first offense, and between three and 15 years and up to $250,000 if there is a prior fraud conviction.

Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, often involving less financial gain or less deceitful or malicious intent. A misdemeanor can be punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Regardless of whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor charges, you should contact a Brookhaven white-collar crime attorney to prevent these penalties and additional consequences that a criminal record can have.

Hire a White-Collar Crime Lawyer

A Brookhaven white-collar crime lawyer can identify an effective defense strategy for your case. This may include arguing that you lacked the intent to commit a crime, that you were coerced, or that there is not enough evidence against you to prove you are guilty. To support your defense, your lawyer can gather evidence, such as witness statements or records of communication between you and your employer, and file motions to suppress faulty evidence.

FAQs

Can White-Collar Crimes Be a Federal Crime?

Yes, white-collar crimes can be a federal crime. For a criminal charge to be federal, it must violate a federal law or meet specific criteria to be considered federal jurisdiction. Often, a white-collar crime is a federal offense when it involves commerce between multiple states or is conducted through a government system or agency. For example, if the offense involved federal taxes or the U.S. postal service, it may be a federal crime.

What Are Aggravating and Mitigating Factors in a White-Collar Crime Case?

Aggravating and mitigating factors are factors in a case that can influence the seriousness of the offense and the potential penalties. Aggravating factors can increase penalties, such as having a prior criminal record, targeting vulnerable victims such as the elderly, or causing significant financial loss. Mitigating factors can decrease penalties, such as playing a minor role in the offense, accepting responsibility, or taking steps to repay stolen funds and repair damage.

How Can a White-Collar Crime Conviction Affect Your Career?

Having a white-collar crime conviction can have severe repercussions on your career and professional life. A conviction may lead to losing your job, losing trust among colleagues and clients, or losing professional licenses. It can be difficult to find a new job with a conviction, as your criminal record is visible to potential employers.

What Should You Do If You Are Investigated for a White-Collar Crime in Brookhaven, GA?

If you are being investigated for a white-collar crime in Brookhaven, GA, the first thing you should do is reach out to an experienced white-collar crime lawyer. Avoid speaking with investigators without a lawyer to prevent providing unnecessary information that could be used against you. Additionally, you should collect a copy of any relevant documents and evidence that may be used in a white-collar crime case, such as financial records, contracts, and records of workplace communications.

Reach Out to a Brookhaven White-Collar Crime Attorney Today

If you are under investigation for a white-collar crime or are facing charges in Brookhaven, you need to take steps to safeguard your rights and your future against the serious penalties a conviction can carry. Contact The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman for a free case consultation to learn how an experienced Brookhaven white-collar crime lawyer can help you with a white-collar crime case.