The penalties for white-collar crimes can turn a person’s life upside down, damaging their social and professional standing. The realization of being investigated or charged with a crime can strain personal and familial relationships, making it crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible.
At Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace LLP, our team of seasoned white-collar criminal defense attorneys is dedicated to providing clients with an aggressive defense strategy. We have a proven track record of successfully representing individuals, business owners, and non-profit organizations in the Pittsburgh area. As a comprehensive law firm, our commercial and criminal defense attorneys collaborate to deliver effective legal defenses on your behalf.
Our Defense Attorneys Handle All Types of White Collar Crimes
Corruption, securities fraud, and antitrust violations are among the most common white-collar crimes. Many of these crimes are considered serious federal charges. The criminal defense attorneys at Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace LLP have extensive experience defending clients in Pennsylvania and federal courts. We’ve successfully represented clients charged with a wide range of white-collar crimes, including the following:
- Bribery
- Regulatory compliance
- Securities fraud
- Insider trading
- Corruption
- Money laundering
- Violation of antitrust laws
- Tax fraud
- Misappropriation of funds
- Embezzlement
- Tax evasion
- Mortgage fraud
- Wire fraud
- Mail fraud
- Electronic investigations
- Bankruptcy fraud
- Insurance fraud
Embezzlement Charges
Embezzlement is considered a theft crime in Pittsburgh and can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. It is also a federal crime. Prosecutors must prove that you took property or money belonging to someone else for financial gain to secure a conviction for embezzlement. Embezzlement differs from other theft charges because the accused must have been entrusted with the property.
Although embezzlement is often associated with high-level executives, charges can be filed against anyone entrusted with checks, cash, money transfers, or other financial data. Employees, cashiers, bookkeepers, and even volunteers can face embezzlement charges.
Common examples of embezzlement include the following:
- Fraudulently altering account information or receipts
- Unauthorized spending of client account funds
- Underreporting business profits
- Fraudulently billing customers from a fake vendor account
- Paying phantom employees fraudulently
- Stealing assets or property from an employer
Securities Fraud and SEC Violations
Securities fraud charges are among the most common types of white-collar criminal charges. Securities can include bonds, stocks, banknotes, investment contracts, options, or any combination. When a broker or investor lies to get a financial advantage, they can face federal criminal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1348. There are two main types of actions related to executing an illegal security fraud scheme:
- Defrauding a person in connection with commodities, options, or security transactions
- Obtaining money by false representations, pretenses, or promises related to a commodity or security transaction
Some of the most common violations under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) include the following:
- Making misleading or false statements about a company
- Selling unregulated or fraudulent securities
- Violating the responsibility of the broker-dealers to treat their customers fairly
- Selling unregulated or fraudulent securities
- Manipulating the fair market price of an investment
- Accounting fraud
- Pump and dump
- Accounting fraud
- Churning
- Insider trading
- Theft of securities or money
- Fraudulent schemes, such as pyramid or Ponzi schemes
Insider Trading Charges
Insider trading is a common SEC violation, but the penalties for a conviction can be severe. Prosecutors need to prove that a company employee or associate has information not known by the general public and use the information to purchase or sell a security for a profit.
Insider trading occurs when someone uses confidential information to profit in the stock market. Prosecutors must prove you had access to confidential information to convict you of insider trading. Developing a legal defense can include challenging the prosecutor’s claim that you bought or sold stocks based on confidential information.
The Penalties for White Collar Crimes Are Serious
The penalties for white-collar crimes can be severe and may include thousands of dollars in fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record that could hurt your career options in the future. State and federal sentencing guidelines frequently recommend longer prison sentences when a crime has caused significant financial harm to another person.
Being convicted of a white-collar crime can also negatively impact your family, finances, ability to find employment and social standing. Working with an experienced attorney is crucial when your reputation and freedom are on the line.
Possible Defenses for White Collar Criminal Charges
The sooner you contact a criminal defense attorney, the sooner your attorney can begin gathering evidence, negotiating with the prosecutor, and developing a criminal defense strategy. Every case is unique. However, several persuasive legal defenses are commonly used in white-collar criminal cases. Your defense attorney may be able to prove that the prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence to prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Additionally, every white-collar crime requires prosecutors to prove intent.
When prosecutions cannot show that you intended to commit the crime, didn’t benefit financially, or knew you were committing a crime, they will have a difficult time convicting you. Lack of knowledge, coercion, and entrapment are other legal defenses to white-collar criminal charges.
Providing Clients with Strategic Legal Counsel
At Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace LLP, we approach white-collar criminal defense with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved. Our expert litigation attorneys specialize in securities fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering laws, ensuring that we are well-equipped to handle even the most intricate cases.
We work collaboratively to provide each client with the personalized representation they need. Our team has successfully represented real estate, insurance, banking, and regulatory clients. We will always pursue a settlement out of court by negotiating aggressively for the best outcome possible/
Contact a White Collar Crimes Defense Attorney in Pittsburgh
At Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace LLP, our skilled criminal defense attorneys have successfully handled complete white-collar criminal cases. You can trust us to provide practical, professional criminal defense services focused on your case. We are here to defend your legal rights and provide the support you need. Don’t hesitate to contact Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace LLP to schedule a case evaluation and learn more about how we can help you.