Every criminal accusation that moves forward in a Lexington court is a serious matter. However, not all of these cases involve violent outbursts or physical injuries. It is just as illegal to commit acts that violate the public trust or that impact the finances of others. We call these allegations white-collar crimes. Convictions in this area of the law can be as serious as many violent crimes and it is essential that you take proactive steps to protect yourself.
Hiring a Lexington white-collar defense lawyer could be your first step towards a positive outcome. A skilled lawyer works to fully understand your case, explain the laws that control the matter, and protect your rights and reputation, both in and out of court.
It is a common belief that white-collar crimes affect only politicians or business professionals. While it is true that these people could get into trouble for actions related to their businesses or political offices, the fact is that any person can face accusations under what we consider to be white-collar crimes.
This is because a white-collar crime describes the alleged action of a defendant, not the identity of that person. For example, any person could commit fraud through the presentation of a false or altered educational diploma or professional certification, which is a crime under South Carolina Code § 16-13-15. Similarly, any employee with access to company or client funds could commit the offense of embezzlement. This is simply a theft that occurs after an individual had the initial permission to take control of an asset.
Of course, white-collar crimes may also affect businesspeople and those engaged in politics. Common examples of these offenses can include:
A Lexington white-collar defense attorney could provide more information about these accusations and the facts that apply specifically to an individual’s case.
White-collar cases demand special attention from defense attorneys. This is because these matters are often highly visible public affairs that threaten not just a person’s freedom from criminal consequences but also their reputations in the community. As a result, it is important to approach these cases with every possible matter in mind.
From the criminal case perspective, a Lexington white-collar defense lawyer is prepared to take every necessary step to fight back against the prosecutor’s accusations. This includes providing protection from police questioning while in custody, arguing for the exclusion of evidence due to improper law enforcement tactics, and presenting arguments to juries designed to create reasonable doubt.
At the same time, an attorney could regain control over the narrative of the case in the public eye. This includes issuing public statements when necessary, protecting the business interests of the accused, and working with the courts to ensure that any empaneled jury is impartial.
Every accusation of a white-collar crime has the potential to impact all parts of your life. Even if the law classifies the offense as a misdemeanor, the courts may impose a jail sentence upon conviction. They could also order the payment of heavy fines or order you to pay restitution to those who were allegedly impacted. Egregious cases could also result in the loss of business or jeopardize a person’s political career.
A Lexington white-collar defense lawyer is dedicated to preventing these penalties and minimizing the impact of the charges on your life. From day one, we strive to defeat the prosecutor’s case while protecting your ability to move forward with a clean slate. Reach out to our office now to schedule an appointment.
