White Collar Crime Information Center

Have you been told you are under investigation for a white collar crime? Have you been arrested? Whatever it may be, it can be a frightening, confusing experience.  You need an experienced criminal law attorney who can immediately begin to protect your rights.  Chicago white collar crime lawyer Vincent F. Cornelius has the experience, knowledge and skills to represent you.

If you are facing fraud, embezzlement, theft or conspiracy charges, you need an attorney who will research your case, protect your rights, and follow your best interests whether that means a trial or a negotiated plea. Choose experience. Call attorney Vincent F. Cornelius. The following information provides a general background on white collar crimes, and may answer some of your questions before you consult an attorney.

Serving Chicago, Joliet, Aurora, Naperville, Wheaton and other city and suburban areas.

White Collar Crime - An Overview

Non-violent crimes that are primarily related to financial issues are sometimes referred to as white collar crimes. The same legal principles involved in other crimes are also involved in white collar crimes and white collar defendants are entitled to the same rights and protections as defendants charged with other crimes. White collar crimes often involve complex financial matters and sentences can include long prison sentences as well as significant fines, court costs, restitution to the victim(s), and/or forfeiture of assets. It is important to engage the services of an experienced attorney familiar with the issues involved in white collar crimes as soon as possible in order to protect your rights.

What is White Collar Crime?

The title “White Collar Crime” has long been associated with crimes committed by professionals, those that have traditionally worn shirts with white collars, in the course of their employment. Most white collar crimes are committed in a business setting and usually involve people looking to obtain financial gains. White collar crimes are usually accomplished using some sort of deceit to obtain control over the money or property of the victims and result in a financial gain to the perpetrator. Some examples of white collar crime include embezzlement, mail fraud, tax evasion, conspiracy, securities fraud, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) violations, bribery, public corruption, and other financial crimes.

White Collar Criminal Investigation

Generally white collar investigations are long, complex, involved investigations that can take many months or years to complete. A person may be the subject of a white collar investigation without knowing it. It is important to involve an experienced white collar criminal defense attorney as early in the process as possible. Many white collar defendants start out as witnesses who unknowingly implicate themselves during the investigation process. An experienced white collar defense attorney can help guide you and help prevent you from implicating yourself if you are a witness in a white collar investigation. The complex nature of white collar crime investigations means that the focus of the investigation can change as the investigation progresses. Often unsuspecting witnesses make damaging statements in the investigation process and end up becoming defendants. Do not speak with investigators or law enforcement without first consulting an experienced white collar criminal defense attorney.

Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Negotiate Plea Agreements

In some circumstances an experienced criminal defense attorney can convince the prosecutor to dismiss the charges against a white collar defendant. Other times the defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce or amend the charges so the defendant faces less serious sentencing requirements than he or she did when initially charged. Sometimes the prosecutor will amend or reduce the charges in exchange for the defendant cooperating with the prosecution of other defendants. In any of these circumstances it is important to engage the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

If the defendant is convicted of the crimes he or she could be sentenced to probation, jail or prison depending on the crime. In addition, a judge can order a defendant to pay fines, costs, fees or restitution. An experienced criminal defense attorney will work on behalf of the defendant to achieve the most favorable result possible either through a plea bargain or a sentencing hearing.

Conclusion

It is stressful and frightening to be accused of a crime. White collar crimes also implicate a person’s professional integrity. If you are a witness or a suspect in a white collar crime it is important to secure the representation of an experience white collar criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to help reduce the chances that you are charged or convicted of a serious white collar crime.

Contact a Suburban Chicago DUI Attorney

You can reach Mr. Cornelius by phone, contact him online or by completing the Criminal Law Intake Form. Mr. Cornelius serves clients in Chicago and the surrounding suburban areas of Will, DuPage, Kendall, and DeKalb counties.

Free initial consultation. Major credit cards accepted

Vincent F. Cornelius Chicago area DUI Attorney
Serving Joliet, Aurora, Naperville, Wheaton, and Chicago