Roswell White Collar Crime Lawyer

White Collar Crime

Roswell White Collar Crime Attorney

If you have been accused of a financial or fraud crime, a Roswell white-collar crime lawyer from The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman is an essential ally in your defense. Financial crimes can involve any number of federal or state agencies, including the FBI, the IRS, the SEC, and others. Charges may include wire fraud, bank fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, securities fraud, healthcare fraud, and tax evasion.

White-collar crimes, even those that don’t involve violence, can carry serious consequences, such as time in federal or state prison, as well as fines, restitution, and long-term damage to your reputation and career. A skilled white-collar crime lawyer can help you challenge the government’s case against you, protect your rights, and reach a resolution that minimizes the impact on your future.

Hire a White-Collar Crime Lawyer

With more than 25 years of criminal defense experience, Lawrence J. Zimmerman is recognized as a trusted advocate in complex white-collar cases. He has successfully represented clients facing charges such as wire fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, and healthcare fraud in both state and federal courts.

As a former President of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Zimmerman is respected by peers and prosecutors alike. His record of acquittals, dismissals, and favorable outcomes reflects a deep understanding of white collar crime, federal criminal defense, and financial crime investigations, making him a proven choice for those facing high-stakes allegations.

Common White-Collar Crimes in Roswell

White-collar crime charges in Roswell often stem from allegations of financial misconduct investigated by federal or state agencies. Common offenses include wire fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, embezzlement, healthcare fraud, insurance fraud, identity theft, tax evasion, and money laundering. These cases are usually built on paper trails, financial audits, and digital evidence used by prosecutors to construct their cases.

Tax fraud is one of the most frequently charged white-collar crimes in federal court. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, the U.S. Sentencing Commission recorded 363 tax fraud cases nationwide, with a median loss of $358,827. Offenders were sentenced, on average, to 16 months in prison, and 63.6% of those convicted received a prison term. These statistics demonstrate the weight the federal courts place on financial crimes and the value of starting a defense early.

The majority of white-collar crime cases in Roswell are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta, while investigation of white-collar crimes is sometimes conducted by agencies with jurisdiction over financial and corporate transactions all throughout North Fulton County, such as the IRS, FBI, and SEC.

Penalties for white collar crime can be significant even when no one is accused of physical harm. Because white collar crime charges often come from lengthy investigations, people sometimes don’t know they are a target until law enforcement approaches them. It’s important to know what you are accused of as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Penalties and Consequences of White-Collar Convictions

While most white-collar crimes are non-violent, they can be punished as harshly as any other felony offense. A conviction can lead to lengthy prison sentences, restitution, high fines, probation, and forfeiture of property obtained through the alleged wrongdoing. There are also consequences that last long after the court-ordered penalties end.

A conviction could result in a loss of professional licenses, permanent damage to your reputation, difficulty finding work, and even strained personal relationships. It can also mean the end of a business or the end of future business opportunities for the accused. The charges should be taken seriously from the very beginning because they can have a negative impact that lasts for years after the case is over.

Defense Strategies for White-Collar Crime Cases

When it comes to defending against white-collar crime allegations, the strategies employed can be both proactive and reactive, depending on the specifics of the case. Proactive defense strategies often involve challenging the government’s evidence. This could include questioning the accuracy of financial records, pointing out errors in forensic accounting, or highlighting violations of the law in how the evidence was obtained.

In some cases, a defense strategy might involve demonstrating a lack of intent to commit a crime or differentiating between an honest mistake and deliberate fraud. Additionally, pre-trial motions can be used to exclude evidence that was obtained unlawfully.

The defense attorney might choose to negotiate lesser charges or reach a settlement if pursuing a trial does not benefit the client. Each case is unique, and a customized defense is essential in safeguarding the client’s rights and reducing the potential consequences.

FAQs

How Do I Know if I Am Under Investigation for a White-Collar Crime?

If you have been subpoenaed, contacted by federal agents, or authorities have requested your business records, you may be under investigation. Many of these cases are the subject of long-term investigations, and charges may not be filed for months or even years.

If you believe you are under investigation, do not speak with agents by yourself. Promptly seek legal assistance to understand the nature of your situation while preparing your defense before any formal charges emerge.

Can White-Collar Crimes Be Prosecuted in Federal Court?

Yes, many white-collar crimes are under federal jurisdiction, because they use the internet, banks, mail, cross state lines, or federal programs. U.S. District Courts often handle federal prosecution for wire fraud and other criminal activities, including tax evasion and healthcare fraud.

Federal prosecutions also may involve formidable agencies such as the FBI, IRS, or SEC. It’s critical to engage an attorney who has federal experience early on since penalties for federal offenses tend to surpass state charges in severity.

What Evidence Is Used in White-Collar Crime Cases?

White-collar crime prosecutions are typically based on an array of documents, electronic evidence, and testimony. Prosecutors may use bank records, business account ledgers, tax returns, email, phone records, or data from seized computers. The government may use forensic accountants or digital analysts to track and interpret complex transactions. A strong defense attacks the weaknesses in the evidence and the government’s interpretation.

Are White-Collar Crimes Considered Less Serious Than Other Felonies?

White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses, but this does not mean that they are taken lightly by Georgia or Federal prosecutors. Judges frequently hand down long prison sentences, restitution, and fines. These crimes are perceived as being a breach of trust and often can financially devastate an individual, a business, or a government program. A criminal conviction can also create a stigma for your employment and other future endeavors.

Contact a Roswell White-Collar Crime Lawyer

Accusations of white-collar crime can put your freedom, your reputation, and your career at risk. The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman offers the experienced legal defense you need to combat complex financial crime charges. Call now to safeguard your rights and your future.