White-collar crime isn’t actually a charge. Instead, it refers to a number of crimes that are committed in a business or professional setting for financial gain. Most people who are accused of these types of crimes find that it’s in their best interest to get in touch with a white-collar crime lawyer in Chicago, Skokie, Rolling Meadows or Schaumburg, because the potential consequences can be devastating.
What is White-Collar Crime?
People use the term white-collar crime because it’s associated with business and financial gain. When you think of Wall Street tycoons sneaking information to each other to commit crimes such as insider trading, you think of white-collar crime. However, that’s only a very narrow definition of the term.
The most common white-collar crimes include:
- Credit card fraud
- Financial exploitation of the elderly
- Forgery
- Identity theft
- Theft
Being accused of a white-collar crime doesn’t only put you under the normal pressures of facing criminal charges; you’ll also face negative publicity, and in many cases, catastrophic damage to your finances.
Penalties for white-collar crime can range from probation and fines to criminal forfeiture and lengthy prison sentences.
How Can an Attorney Help You With White-Collar Criminal Charges?
If you’re under suspicion of or under investigation for a white-collar crime, you need to get in touch with an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer immediately. Don’t talk to anyone—not the police, not the press, not your best friend.
Any statements you make will be under intense scrutiny, so it’s important that you get in touch with a white-collar criminal defense attorney in Chicago as soon as possible (and certainly before you speak to investigators). Your silence cannot be used against you, but statements you make to police without having your lawyer present can seriously jeopardize your defense options.
You also need to know that effective representation can help reduce or eliminate potential civil consequences of criminal prosecution, such as claims for restitution, damages and forfeiture. Your attorney can also facilitate the dismissal of charges, enter into a favorable plea agreement, or negotiate a less severe punishment.
Call a White-Collar Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
We can tell you how to respond to allegations of white-collar crime. We’ll investigate the situation and build a strategy that gets you the best possible outcome—but just as importantly, we’ll do everything in our power to protect your image and reputation.
Call us immediately at 847-920-4540 for your free case review.
We can help you get through this, so protect yourself by getting in touch with us right now.
