In today’s computer-based interconnected economy, prosecutors on the federal, state, and local levels are more aggressive than ever in tackling white-collar crimes. In virtually every industry, from finance, to healthcare to banking, more and more people and corporations are being investigated for regulatory and other improprieties.
If you or someone you know has been charged, or if you are concerned about potential prosecution, an experienced New York white collar criminal defense lawyer standing by your side can make all the difference.
Common White Collar CrimesWhite-collar crimes are non-violent, illegal acts motivated by financial gain, committed by individuals, businesses, or government employees.
Some common white-collar crimes to be aware of in New York are:
An experienced white collar criminal defense attorney in New York City can help an individual defend against any sort of allegation they may be facing.
Grand LarcenyGrand larceny is the most common white-collar crime in New York. It includes all theft of property valued at $1,000 or more. Depending on personal circumstances and the amount of money involved, punishment for grand larceny ranges from between four and 25 years in jail.
Aside from the amount in question, the actual sentence is determined based on the defendant’s criminal record. If the defendant has a prior felony in the past two to ten years, then prison is mandatory upon conviction. Probation is not an option.
Tax FraudSome larceny charges, especially embezzlement, may be brought together with a charge of tax fraud. Broadly speaking, tax fraud is any attempt to avoid paying taxes to the government.
Tax must be paid on all income, including money obtained through illegal means. Embezzling $20,000 can lead to a charge of tax evasion in addition to embezzlement if no taxes are paid on the amount in question.
The New York State Penal Code has a wide range of types of tax fraud, from misdemeanors which can affect professional licenses and career opportunities to felonies which can carry a prison sentence of up to 25 years.
Navigating the maze of tax related criminal statues in New York requires a competent, knowledgeable white collar criminal defense lawyer who understands the system, and knows how to negotiate the complexities to protect your rights.
PerjuryA person commits perjury if they knowingly make a false or misleading statement under oath or in a signed legal document.
In New York, the punishment for perjury offense depends how material the false statement is, the setting in which the statement is made, and whether the law required that the statement had to be done under oath.
Perjury, like so many other white collar crimes, is familiar to us from television and movies. In real-life, dealing with charges of financial and other non-violent crimes takes more than 60 minutes and a catchy jingle.
It takes dedicated, professional, criminal defense lawyers who will take the time to understand the full situation, and give people the best chance to avoid the most severe criminal penalties.
Benefit of an AttorneyAll criminal charges are serious, but dealing with prosecution for white collar crime can also be complicated and confusing. As famed District Attorney Robert Morgenthau preached, crime is fought not just in the streets, but the suites of New York as well.
If you are facing a serious criminal charge for non-violent activities, consulting a New York white collar criminal defense lawyer can be the difference between a prison sentence and probation or even complete exoneration. Do not hesitate. Contact a knowledgeable white collar criminal defense lawyers today.