White Collar Crimes – Things You Should Consider When Under Investigation

The term “White Collar Crime” can describe a wide variety of crimes including different types of fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, and money laundering.   Even Identity Theft is considered a white-collar crime.  That’s because a white-collar crime is typically crime committed though some form of deceit motivated by financial gain.

Do you realize that when the IRS audits you, you’re being investigated for a white-collar crime?  Tax evasion is a serious, and common crime that requires experienced white-collar representation in order to avoid penalties. The government may conduct a covert investigation, using tactics such as surveillance, wiretaps or informants. Evidence gathered from this type of investigation is difficult to combat in terms of preventing charges from being filed. However, evidence of this kind still has to be acquired legally. If it is not, it’s vulnerable to being suppressed prior to trial. An aggressive, experienced criminal attorney makes all the difference in terms of getting damaging evidence suppressed.

Obviously, if a law enforcement official contacts you, you’re under an investigation.  An experienced investigator may approach you casually, and make it clear you are not under arrest.  However, they are not there to gather evidence to prove your innocence.   They are there to build a case against you by cornering you into giving up incriminating remarks or even confess.  Never talk to law enforcement without a white-collar defense attorney present.

Learning that you’re under investigation by the government or law enforcement can be terrifying – Especially if that investigation is unwarranted.  There are a few ways people learn they are under investigation:

• First, a federal agent tries to talk to you. Sometimes, an agent will even come to your home. It may be someone from the IRS or one of any number of other federal law enforcement agencies. If you aren’t home the agent may leave a card with his or her phone number on it, asking that you call and set a time to meet.  Call an experienced Criminal Defense attorney before you set a time with the agent, and have your lawyer accompany you to the meeting to protect your rights.

• Second, you may get a letter from an Assistant United States Attorney telling you that you are the target of a federal investigation – this is called a “target letter.”  Its advised that you contact a white-collar defense attorney when you receive this letter.

• Third, you may get a subpoena for documents to the grand jury. This is especially common in white-collar cases. It’s crucial that you respond to this subpoena correctly and promptly, so be sure to notify your lawyer.

• Fourth, federal agents may come to your house with a search warrant. Searches of this kind are usually conducted in the morning, and this is by far the most unnerving way to find out about an investigation. 

• Fifth, you may hear about a white-collar investigation from co-workers, or from someone you know from a prior business relationship. You will have a great desire to learn more from them. The problem is, what you ask can make it’s way back to the agents, and it can give them an idea of what your concerns are. This can turn into powerful government evidence to a jury.

If you suspect you’re under a white-collar criminal investigation, you need legal representation.  An experienced white-collar defense attorney can mean the difference between a small fine and jail time.

We can help you if you are dealing with an investigation.  Call us today at 888.819.1281