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Secure top-notch defense with an experienced white-collar criminal defense lawyer-Atlanta. Fight federal charges and safeguard your rights effectively.
Author: J. Blake Ledbetter, Partner, Conoscienti & Ledbetter
Mr. Ledbetter specializes in civil litigation in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, and possesses vast experience in wrongful death lawsuits. Mr. Ledbetter was recognized as a SuperLawyers Rising Star in 2018 and 2019 in the area of Civil Litigation. Published on May 25, 2023.
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White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
If you have been accused of a white-collar crime and are in the midst of a criminal investigation in Atlanta, Georgia, consider contacting a lawyer. White-collar crimes are felonies that result from cunningly using your company’s position for financial gain. These crimes can lead you to costly fines or jail terms if convicted.
You may not be able to fight white-collar criminal charges alone. Federal agencies, federal prosecutors, and attorneys rigorously investigate and prosecute white-collar crime cases. You will need an Atlanta white-collar attorney to fight for your rights throughout the process. The white-collar criminal defense attorney can defend you against the serious consequences of the charges.
When the police suspect a white-collar crime, they immediately launch an investigation to obtain as much evidence as possible. An arrest may only occur after their initial investigation.
Contact a lawyer immediately if you or a loved one has been accused of a white-collar crime. Our legal team of award-winning lawyers at Conoscienti and Ledbetter can investigate your case, outline your legal options, and build a strong defense.
White Collar Crimes in Atlanta, Georgia
White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses usually committed by public officials, employees, or managers of companies and financial institutions.
Here are the most common white-collar crimes:
Bank Fraud
Bank fraud is when someone impersonates another person to withdraw money from the bank account of the valid owner, which can also help with identity theft.
Copyright Infringement
Copyright infringement is an emerging white-collar crime that can be sued in civil and criminal courts. While most white-collar crimes target tangible assets such as money, copyright infringement is an offense against intellectual property. A simple example of copyright infringement is unlawfully downloading copyrighted music.
Ponzi Schemes
Ponzi schemes are financial frauds that deceive investors by guaranteeing huge returns with minimal risk.
Money Laundering
Money laundering is hiding or legitimizing the source of illegally obtained money. To prevent law enforcement from tracing the source of the money, criminals move it through a network of banks or companies.
Money laundering violates federal law and is almost always tried at the federal level. A conviction for money laundering carries a maximum 20-year jail sentence.
Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud involves using someone else’s credit card number to buy goods or make purchases, as well as deducting money from an account without authorization.
Tax Evasion
Many people are unaware that they are committing a white-collar crime when they fail to submit their taxes or make an effort to avoid paying them. Failing to disclose one’s income or abusing deductions is enough to constitute this offense.
Securities Fraud
Late-day trading to influence the stock or commodities market rates and pyramid schemes that defraud investors are examples of securities fraud.
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What Are the Potential Penalties of White Collar Crimes in Atlanta, Georgia?
White-collar crimes range from mild offenses to full-on federal crimes. A conviction for a white-collar federal crime may lead to exceptionally severe sentences and punishments, especially those involving public corruption or foreigners.
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Bank fraud is a felony with a maximum penalty of up to $100,000 in fines and up to 10 years in prison.
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The penalty for credit card fraud is a $5,000 maximum fine and one to three years in prison.
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A felony conviction for identity fraud carries a sentence of one to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
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Tax evasion or tax fraud may be a felony punishable by up to a year in jail, depending on the situation.
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Money laundering carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence that may ruin your future.
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If found guilty of creating, promoting, or running a Ponzi scheme, the punishment is increased to a felony. A one- to five-year prison sentence will be a part of it.
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Copyright infringement is a white-collar crime classified as theft or fraud and punishable by fines of $750 to $30,000 per infringed work. Yet, if the infringement was willfully done, the court can impose huge fines of up to $150,000.
A knowledgeable white-collar attorney is crucial to ensure you get a favorable outcome for your case.
How Can a White Collar Criminal Lawyer Help You?
White-collar crimes are often intricate, involving numerous facets of the law. They are frequently prosecuted by the federal government, making the stakes high. It is here that an experienced Atlanta white-collar lawyer can provide significant assistance.
When the federal government becomes involved in investigating and prosecuting white-collar crimes, the complexities of the case multiply. This is due to the comprehensive resources at their disposal and their unwavering determination to obtain a conviction. Therefore, a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who understands the federal courts system and how federal charges are pursued is absolutely necessary.
Such lawyers are adept at handling white-collar cases, often involving large-scale financial transactions, regulatory infringements, and allegations of unethical business practices. Their experience in white-collar crime allows them to develop a robust defense strategy tailored to your specific case.
Here are some ways an experienced white-collar criminal lawyer can assist you:
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They provide expert advice on the legal ramifications of your case and the potential penalties of federal charges, helping you understand the gravity of the situation.
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They can guide you through RICO investigations, typically launched to prosecute organized criminal activities, often involving white-collar crimes. These investigations can be complex and daunting, but an experienced lawyer can help you navigate them.
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They conduct thorough investigations and gather the necessary evidence to challenge the prosecution’s case against you. This might include financial records, communication records, witness testimony, and more.
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Lawyers experienced in white-collar cases know how to work effectively with federal courts. They understand the procedures and norms, ensuring your case is handled professionally and appropriately.
Remember, selecting your lawyer is not a decision to be taken lightly. A skilled attorney in white-collar cases can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal or reduction of the charges.
Contact Conoscienti and Ledbetter, L.L.C. for Your White Collar Case
Law enforcement and prosecutors take white-collar crimes very seriously. Involving an experienced defense lawyer can significantly change the odds in your favor.
Contact our criminal defense lawyer at the Conoscienti and Ledbetter, L.L.C. in Atlanta for an individually tailored representation. Our practice areas include bank fraud, wire fraud, insider trading, health care fraud, money laundering, and other white-collar crimes.
We may help you gather evidence and find ways to challenge the criminal charges against you along the route. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Don’t delay. Schedule a consultation today, for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are White Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are felonies perpetrated by those in positions of authority, typically in business, governmental, or corporate settings. Most white-collar criminal cases involve companies, C.E.O.s, high-level corporate and government executives, and politicians.
What Is a White-Collar Lawyer?
White-collar attorneys represent their clients in federal and state courts and defend them against fraud, bribery, money laundering, and other white-collar charges. A knowledgeable white-collar defense lawyer can assist in navigating criminal responsibility and potential defenses.
How Serious Is a White Collar Crime?
White-collar crimes can range from misdemeanors to federal felonies, leading to years in confinement and hefty fines. However, they are still serious crimes if prosecuted as misdemeanors. That’s because they also seriously affect businesses, societies, and the environment.
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