Experienced lawyer represents clients in the East Brunswick area charged with financial crimes
While white collar crimes are considered nonviolent, they are nonetheless serious offenses, carrying penalties that may include considerable prison time. If you have been arrested for tax fraud, money laundering, embezzlement or any other white collar crime, it's important to realize your future is on the line. Even acquittals can have a devastating impact on your finances, your business and reputation. At The Law Firm of Michael Robert Rosas, I represent clients in the East Brunswick area and throughout New Jersey facing allegations involving financial fraud. I understand the seriousness of the charge you face and will provide a defense that protects your rights and seeks the most favorable result under the facts of your case.
New Jersey attorney advocates for clients facing a range of financial crime charges
“White collar crime” is an umbrella term used for crimes involving deception committed solely for financial gain, so defendants are often people in business or government charged with misusing funds entrusted to them. While some of these crimes can be charged at the state level, most are federal crimes, prosecuted in a federal court system that has powerful resources at its disposal. That's why it's essential to seek representation from an attorney who has successfully defended clients on federal criminal charges.
My background enables me to effectively challenge prosecutors in providing a defense to clients charged with white collar crimes that include:
- All forms of fraud
- Embezzlement
- Bribery and extortion
- Money laundering
- Forgery
- Antitrust violations
- Tax evasion
- Corporate espionage
- Computer hacking
- Insider trading
- Racketeering and RICO cases
- Counterfeiting
Whether you have been charged or are currently being investigated, it's important to seek skilled representation immediately. The earlier I can begin to develop your defense, the better your chance of obtaining a favorable outcome, whether that's an acquittal, reduced sentence or plea agreement.
Knowledgeable counsel seeks to limit your liability
An effective white collar crime defense can begin even before criminal charges are brought. Because these cases require in-depth investigations into complex tax and financial records, clients may find out that they are under investigation before being charged. If you have any suspicion that a case is being assembled against you, it's essential to seek the help of an experienced white collar defense firm right away. The Law Firm of Michael Robert Rosas may be able to limit your liability by preventing the government from bringing an indictment, protecting you from public accusations that can derail your business and personal life. Once charges are filed, however, I will get to work immediately to challenge the allegations and protect your rights. I understand that financial mistakes can lead to serious penalties and offer skilled representation to avoid heavy fines, significant restitution and the potential of a prison sentence.
Contact a skilled New Jersey white collar criminal defense attorney
If you have been charged with tax evasion, internet fraud, or any other white collar crime, it's important to seek skilled legal counsel as soon as possible. The Law Firm of Michael Robert Rosas has the experience to provide a diligent defense. Call me at 732-795-9027 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation at my East Brunswick office.
It does not matter whether you are a business owner, executive, healthcare provider, or another professional, if you are under investigation or already charged with a so-called white-collar crime, the consequences can be catastrophic. Not only is your reputation at stake, but you could be facing exorbitant fines and significant imprisonment.
At The Law Firm of Michael Robert Rosas, our white-collar crimes defense attorney based in New Jersey handles a range of cases where clients are either under investigation or already charged. We know how the feds operate and strategically respond with a well-planned defense. Contact us at 732-795-9027 to schedule a consultation today.
Common White-Collar Crimes in New Jersey
White-collar crimes involve the use of deception to obtain an unlawful financial gain. Sometimes referred to as corporate or financial crimes, white-collar crimes are non-violent and financially motivated.
Common white-collar crimes include:
- Antitrust crimes (when a company, for example, participates in bid rigging, monopolistic commercial activities, price fixing, etc.)
- Bank and check fraud
- Bribery
- Computer and intellectual property crimes
- Counterfeiting
- Embezzlement (when someone has obtained funds from a federally-insured financial institution through improper means)
- Environmental violations and compliance
- Export/Import violations
- Forgery
- Healthcare fraud and Medicare fraud
- Insider trading (when someone with inside knowledge of a company uses that knowledge to buy and sell stocks)
- Mail and wire fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Money laundering (when someone disguises or conceals unlawful sources of money)
- Securities fraud
- Tax evasion
These crimes are referred to as “white-collar” because it is most often professionals who have access to large amounts of money in the course of their work and who are charged with these offenses. They are serious offenses, mostly prosecuted at a federal level.
White-Collar Crime Penalties
Possible penalties for a conviction of a white-collar crime include:
- Fines
- Probation
- Imprisonment
Some people view white-collar crimes as “victimless” and, therefore, less serious than violent or drug crimes. However white-collar crimes often involve a breach of trust by someone in a position of responsibility. For this reason, the penalties for white-collar crimes are harsh, and a conviction can often result in a lengthy prison sentence. For example, a conviction of mail and wire fraud can result in up to $250,000 per individual and 20 years of imprisonment.
Aside from fines, other financial penalties can be imposed, like:
- Paying the costs of the prosecution
- Paying restitution to the victims
- Forfeiting certain assets
Beyond the penalties imposed by a court, a conviction for a white-collar crime can have long-term social consequences, particularly in terms of finding work. An offender may lose their professional license or be barred from working by the relevant professional association.
Common Defenses to White-Collar Crimes in New Jersey
The defenses available to a defendant will depend on the specific circumstances of their case. However, common defenses often used in white-collar crime cases exist.
Lack of Intent
To prove most white-collar crimes, the prosecution needs to establish that the defendant intended to commit the crime. If the defendant had no intention of engaging in unlawful activity, they may be able to defend against the charge.
Entrapment
When investigating white-collar crimes, law enforcement may set up an operation to try and catch suspected individuals. Although this investigative technique is allowed, law enforcement cannot coerce an individual to commit a crime. If they do, and the defendant would otherwise not have committed the act, the defendant may be able to argue the defense of entrapment.
Duress
If a defendant was forced to commit a white-collar crime because of threats, they may be able to defend themselves based on duress. Also referred to as coercion, duress requires the defendant to show they committed the act only because of an immediate and inescapable threat of bodily harm or death.
Incapacity
Where a defendant lacks the mental capacity to understand the criminal nature of their actions, they may be able to argue incapacity. However, this can be difficult to prove in white-collar cases involving sophisticated conduct by a defendant over a long period.
Defense Strategy
Regardless of whether or not any of these affirmative defenses apply in your unique case, our white-collar criminal defense lawyer will investigate your case and develop a defense strategy. Part of this strategy may include violations of your 4th Amendment rights. You or your property may have been unlawfully searched and seized. You may have been unlawfully questioned. A warrant may have been unlawfully obtained and/or executed. If a violation exists, evidence could be suppressed.
Remember, too, that the prosecutor has the burden to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Part of our job is to poke enough holes in the prosecutor's case to create doubt.
Contact a White-Collar Crimes Defense Lawyer in New Jersey
Although white-collar crimes are not considered violent crimes, they are serious and could have long-term repercussions. If you have been accused of a white-collar crime, immediate action should be taken. At The Law Firm of Michael Robert Rosas, our criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey will discuss your case with you and examine all potential defenses. You should call 732-795-9027 or fill out an online submission form today to schedule a consultation.