Joliet White Collar Crimes Lawyers
White Collar Crimes Attorney Assisting Clients in Joliet, IL
There are many situations where people may be charged with crimes. In addition to offenses such as violent crimes or drug crimes, there are a variety of non-violent financial offenses that are commonly known as white collar crimes. These offenses may be committed in commercial or business settings, and they often involve deceit, breach of trust, or manipulation for financial gain. Even though these may seem to be less serious offenses, people who are convicted are likely to face multiple types of legal consequences.
At Carlson Law Group, P.C., we can provide effective defense strategies for people who have been charged with white collar crimes. We can explain the specific laws a person may be accused of violating, the potential penalties that may apply upon conviction, and the best options for defense. With experience as a prosecutor and a Will County circuit court judge, Attorney Dave Carlson understands the factors involved in these cases, and he can help develop successful defense strategies while fighting to protect the rights of people charged with white collar crimes.
Types of White Collar Crimes
- Fraud: This offense involves intentional deception for personal or financial gain. There are numerous different forms of fraud. Securities fraud or investment fraud may involve insider trading or deceiving investors about the value or prospects of an investment. Insurance fraud may involve deceiving an insurance company to receive payments, such as by filing false claims or exaggerating the extent of damages or injuries. Mortgage fraud may involve providing false information on mortgage applications to obtain loans, including falsifying income, employment history, or property values.
- Embezzlement: A person may be accused of the theft or misappropriation of funds entrusted to their care. This offense often occurs in employment settings, such as when an employee is accused of diverting company funds for their personal use.
- Money laundering: People who are accused of participating in criminal activity may be charged with taking actions to attempt to make illegally-gained proceeds appear legal. This often involves complex financial transactions designed to obscure the origin of the funds, such as by funneling money through multiple bank accounts, which may be located in different states or countries.
- Bribery: Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in a position of authority is a criminal offense. For example, a business may offer a government official money in exchange for favorable treatment.
- Identity theft: A person may be accused of using someone else's personal information without permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Examples include using someone else's credit card information to make purchases or opening accounts in another person's name.
- Forgery: Creating, altering, or using false documents with the intent to deceive may result in criminal charges. This can include signing someone else's name on checks or altering legal documents.
Defense Strategies for White Collar Crimes
At Carlson Law Group, P.C., our attorney can work closely with people who have been accused of white collar crimes to determine the best options for defense. Some potential defense strategies may include:
- Lack of intent: Many white collar crimes require proof of a person's intent to deceive or defraud someone else. A viable defense may involve demonstrating that the accused did not have the intent to commit fraud. They may be able to show that a situation was based on a misunderstanding, clerical errors, or a lack of knowledge about alleged violations.
- Insufficient evidence: White collar crime cases often rely on extensive documentation and financial records. The attorney at Carlson Law Group, P.C. will meticulously review the evidence to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or errors that could undermine the prosecution's case. If the evidence is insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, charges may be reduced or dismissed.
- Entrapment: In some cases, law enforcement officials may induce a person to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. If it can be shown that the defendant was coerced or persuaded by authorities into committing the alleged offense, this defense may be applicable.
- Duress: It may be possible to prove that the defendant was forced to commit the crime due to the threat of harm. If the accused acted under duress, they might not be held fully accountable for the offense.
- Statute of limitations: There are time limits within which criminal charges must be filed. If the alleged crime occurred outside the applicable period, the defense can argue for a dismissal based on the expiration of the statute of limitations.
- Constitutional violations: Our lawyer will scrutinize the methods used by law enforcement to gather evidence. If there were any violations of a defendant's Constitutional rights, such as illegal searches or seizures, it may be possible to suppress the evidence.
Contact Our Will County White Collar Crimes Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, or other types of financial crimes, Carlson Law Group, P.C. can provide you with the defense you need. Attorney Carlson understands how white collar crimes are addressed under Illinois law, and he knows the most effective defense strategies to use in these cases. To begin building a defense, contact our firm at 815-710-3700 and arrange a free consultation.