Northern Kentucky White Collar Crime Attorneys
White collar crimes are prosecuted at the federal and state levels, with convictions being accompanied by severe penalties such as heavy fines and prison time. If you have been charged with a white collar crime or have reason to believe you are under investigation, it is crucial to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.
At C. Ed Massey & Associates, PLLC, we have helped numerous clients throughout Kentucky achieve successful results in white collar criminal cases. We can minimize your exposure to the harsh repercussions of a felony charge, protecting your personal and professional reputation, so you can get on with your life.
Northern Kentucky Fraud Defense Lawyers
Our attorneys are skilled investigators, negotiators and litigators who are equipped to defend against a wide variety of charges, including:
- Embezzlement
- Tax fraud
- Mail fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Identity theft
- Wire fraud
- Money laundering
- Intellectual property infringement
We have a reputation for being fierce advocates for our clients. Our attorneys will carefully examine every aspect of your case and the federal prosecutors’ arguments to seize upon any weakness that can be exploited to minimize your criminal exposure.
Understanding The Consequences Of A White Collar Crime Conviction
A federal white collar crime conviction can affect far more than your freedom. Federal courts use sentencing guidelines that assign an offense level based on the crime and other factors. In many fraud cases, the claimed financial loss can raise that level, which may increase the recommended prison range.
You may also face restitution. For qualifying federal offenses, the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act requires courts to order repayment for certain losses suffered by victims. The government may also pursue property it claims is tied to unlawful activity. That effort can involve bank accounts, real estate or other assets through civil or criminal forfeiture proceedings. A defense attorney can challenge the government’s loss calculations, restitution demands and basis for taking your property.
Defense Strategies For Financial Crimes
The right defense depends on the charge and the evidence against you. Although the required mental state varies by offense, many fraud charges require the government to prove that you acted with fraudulent or unlawful intent. An honest mistake, poor accounting practice or a failed business decision does not automatically establish that intent.
The Fourth Amendment may also affect your defense because it protects you against unreasonable government searches and seizures. Your attorney can review warrants involving financial records, computers, phones and email accounts to determine whether the government stayed within lawful limits. In a document-heavy case, financial professionals may also help trace transactions, examine accounting records and test the government’s claimed loss figures.
Government conduct can become another issue in undercover investigations. Entrapment generally requires evidence of government inducement and a lack of predisposition to commit the offense. Your defense must therefore be built around the facts rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy.
What Should I Do If Federal Agents Show Up At My House Or Business In Kentucky?
If federal agents arrive at your home or business, what you do next can affect your case. You should remain calm and avoid interfering with the agents. If they have a warrant, ask to see it and note what locations or items it authorizes them to search or seize. Federal searches remain subject to Fourth Amendment limits.
You do not need to volunteer explanations about the investigation. Instead, clearly state that you want to speak with an attorney before answering questions. Do not destroy, hide or alter records, devices, or other potential evidence. You should also avoid discussing the investigation with employees, coworkers or others unless your attorney advises you to do so. Once the agents leave, write down what happened and contact defense counsel promptly so your attorney can evaluate the search, preserve evidence and begin protecting your rights.
Speak To An Experienced Kentucky White Collar Crime Attorney
To make sure you’re protecting your rights from the onset, contact C. Ed Massey & Associates, PLLC, today to speak with one of our experienced defense attorneys. Call us at 859-905-0936 or toll-free at 866-514-1136, or complete our contact form to schedule a free initial consultation at our office in Erlanger, Kentucky.