When most people imagine the alleged behavior that may lead to criminal charges, they tend to think about violence or the destruction of property. However, the criminal laws in South Carolina also cover activities that appear to violate the public trust. As a whole, we consider these activities to fall under the umbrella of white-collar crimes.
Accusations of white-collar crimes tend to affect politicians and other prominent members of the community. Nevertheless, the laws that prohibit these behaviors can come with severe consequences upon a conviction. A South Carolina white-collar defense lawyer might be able to help you fight back against these charges. This includes mounting a vigorous defense in court and working to protect your reputation in the community.
The concept of a white-collar crime does not appear anywhere in the state’s criminal code. Instead, this concept describes a list of offenses that appear, on the surface, to be the product of the political or business world. As a result, a person could commit theft by stealing from a supermarket and face eventual prosecution; while at the same time, a worker could steal from their company and face embezzlement charges, but fall under the umbrella of white-collar crime.
Ultimately, it is not necessary to make any distinction between alleged offenses as being white-collar or not. Instead, it is vital to approach every criminal accusation from its own unique perspective. A South Carolina attorney could mount potent defenses against common examples of white-collar crimes. These can include:
Conviction under any of these statutes can bring harsh penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence. Hiring an attorney to fight back in this case could help individuals avoid this severe outcome.
As mentioned above, a white-collar crime can involve a series of accusations that affect business professionals and public servants. It is essential to remember that a prosecutor must prove that the offense occurred beyond a reasonable doubt. The goal of a white-collar defense lawyer in South Carolinais to work toward building this doubt.
There are many ways to accomplish this goal. If a person learns that they are the target of an investigation, an attorney could help limit the damage that may result from police interviews or potential sting operations. After an arrest, a lawyer could fight for fair bail and other pretrial conditions during an arraignment.
Many white-collar crime accusations involve the collection and interpretation of paper and computer documents. It may be possible to argue for the exclusion of this material due to illegal police activities involved in the acquisition of this evidence. In fact, many effective defenses against white-collar criminal accusations occur long before a case gets to trial. However, if a trial becomes necessary, an attorney is prepared to argue the case before a jury.
Accusations involving alleged white-collar crimes can come with severe consequences. Convictions for these offenses are often felonies where a court may require a defendant to serve multiple years in prison. In addition, the mere appearance of impropriety can damage an individual’s reputation in the community. It is essential to begin building a defense against these charges as soon as possible.
A South Carolina white-collar defense lawyer is ready to fight for you. From day one, they could protect you against aggressive police tactics, control the narrative surrounding the case, make legal arguments on your behalf in court, and create reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors. Give us a call now to learn how we can make an immediate impact.
