Detroit White Collar Crime Attorney
White collar crimes in Michigan encompass a large number of criminal offenses associated with deceiving a company or individual and benefiting from this deception. Common white collar crimes include embezzlement, fraud, money laundering, bribery, tax evasion, and public corruption. These offenses can be extremely damaging to your reputation and your future, and you face many penalties if convicted. You stand to lose your personal and professional relationships.
Depending on the charge itself and the nature of the alleged crime, a conviction can have serious long-term effects on your life. The possible consequences may include:
- Jail or prison time
- Expensive fines and court fees
- A permanent criminal record
- Trouble finding a job or a place to live because of your criminal history
- Loss or denial of a license to work in your profession, such as teaching, nursing, pharmacy, law, medicine, or another licensed profession
- Loss or denial of your immigration visa or green card, denial of your citizenship application, or deportation to your home country if you’re not an American citizen
- Difficulty maintaining or obtaining custody of children
If you have been charged or you believe that you are being investigated, it’s important to have an experienced Detroit white collar crime attorney on your side. Do not delay in speaking with a lawyer who can begin building your defense. An attorney can fight for reduced charges or a dismissal, depending on the evidence against you and the facts of the case.
There is also a possibility that criminal charges may be brought against you at the federal level. If this is the case, we can help you navigate the state and federal criminal defense process and represent your best interests.
Types of Michigan White Collar Crimes
- Embezzlement – If you have been trusted with funds or property, you have been given a responsibility. Taking these funds or property can result in embezzlement charges against you. Even embezzlement of money or property valued at less than $200 can lead to jail time and fines if convicted. For larger sums or values, you could face years of imprisonment and thousands of dollars in fines.
- Bribery – You can be charged with bribery for offering or seeking anything of value in exchange for preferential treatment. Many times, bribes involve public officials, corporate employees, or juries. Even if a bribe doesn’t actually go through, you can be charged with conspiracy to commit bribery.
- Fraud – In Michigan, intentionally deceiving a person or company to part with funds or property can result in fraud charges. Fraud is a fairly broad category and is typically broken down into types of fraud. If convicted, your business or other assets could be seized. We help people throughout Michigan who have been charged with all types of fraud, including food stamps fraud, securities fraud, mortgage fraud, and home improvement fraud.
- Tax Evasion – Failing to pay federal, state, or local taxes can result in years of incarceration and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines if convicted. You can even be charged with tax evasion if you fail to file tax returns or you underrepresent your income. At Davis Law Group PLLC, we will fight your charges to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
FAQS About White Collar Crimes
How Do Authorities Investigate White Collar Offenses?
White collar crime investigations are conducted over long periods by specialized federal and state agencies like the FBI and the IRS-Criminal Investigation. These agencies use powerful tools, including grand jury subpoenas and search warrants, to demand and seize massive amounts of business records, financial data, and digital communications (emails, computer files). The evidence is then analyzed by forensic accountants to uncover complex patterns of fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. These covert, evidence-heavy investigations often require an attorney’s intervention long before any charges are formally filed.
Can A White Collar Crime Affect My Professional License or Business?
Yes, absolutely. A conviction for a white collar crime has immediate and severe consequences for your professional life. Because these offenses involve fraud and a breach of trust, regulatory boards like the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) often view a conviction as proof of lacking good moral character, which can lead to the suspension or permanent revocation of professional licenses (e.g., medical, legal, or CPA licenses). For businesses, a conviction can trigger debarment from lucrative government contracts and complete asset forfeiture, effectively destroying the company and the professional’s reputation.
What Should I Do If I’m Accused of a White Collar Crime?
If you suspect or know you are being investigated for a white collar crime your most critical step is to immediately hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who specializes in complex financial cases. You must exercise your right to remain silent and provide no information to investigators, as early legal intervention is essential to manage the investigation led by federal agencies like the FBI and potentially prevent formal charges from being filed.
What Evidence Is Used In White Collar Cases?
Evidence in white collar crime cases is primarily documentary and digital, focusing on proving a pattern of financial deception. The prosecution relies on massive volumes of financial records (bank statements, ledgers, tax forms) and digital records (emails, text messages) analyzed by forensic accountants to trace fraudulent transactions. This evidence is crucial for establishing the defendant’s criminal intent and is often used to build complex charges like RICO against an alleged criminal enterprise.
Can a White Collar Crime Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Yes, white collar charges can often be dismissed or reduced. The best opportunity is during the pre-indictment phase, where an attorney can intervene and challenge the prosecutor’s ability to prove criminal intent. Charges can also be dismissed if the defense proves that key financial evidence was obtained illegally through an unlawful search or seizure.
Hiring a Detroit White Collar Crime Attorney
Whether you have been formally charged or you are being investigated for white collar crime, we highly suggest that you consult with an experienced Detroit white collar crime lawyer to handle your case. These charges are very complex. Our attorneys at Davis Law Group PLLC are skilled and capable of launching a full investigation and evaluation of the evidence against you. We can uncover information that can help your case, determine if the State’s evidence can be suppressed, and negotiate on your behalf.
If you are being investigated for a white collar crime or you believe that you will be, do not wait until you have been formally charged. We can review your legal situation and help you understand your options. You may be able to avoid formal charges altogether.
Charged with a white collar crime? Contact us today.
Your initial consultation will always be free and confidential. Call (313) 818-3238 today or fill out the form below and our Michigan criminal defense lawyers will help you.
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