White Collar Defense Lawyer Warrenton VA

Your Trusted White Collar Defense Attorney in Virginia

Have you or your loved one been charged with a white-collar crime in Warrenton, Virginia? Facing criminal charges can be physically and mentally exhausting. This is particularly true when you are charged with a white-collar crime in Virginia.

The prosecution has the resources, the professionals, and the time to prove your guilt and put you behind bars. You will be at a serious disadvantage without a skilled and knowledgeable attorney.

A Virginia criminal law attorney with experience handling white-collar crimes is indispensable in your case. They can investigate your case, collect favorable evidence, and disprove the prosecution’s case. They can also use their skills or hire investigators to locate the witnesses crucial to your defense. Their years of experience, skills, and techniques can make all the difference in your case.

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What Are White-Collar Crimes?

A white-collar crime is a non-violent criminal offense where a person engages in a fraudulent act for some type of benefit, such as money or other property. White-collar crimes are typically committed by executives, professionals, and even government workers.

The following are examples of white-collar crimes:

Fraud: The misrepresentation of facts to obtain personal benefit
Embezzlement: The use, concealment, or disposal of property owned by another person using false pretenses
Forgery: Altering an object or document to deceive another, including public records, currency, and financial instruments
Perjury: Making a false statement under oath
Securities fraud: The unlawful sale and trading of stocks and bonds under the Securities Act
Bank fraud: Illegally accessing bank accounts and obtaining money or other assets
Credit card fraud: The illegal use of a credit or debit card, such as using the credit card of another person without their consent
Wire fraud: The use of interstate wire communication to commit fraud
Extortion: Threatening personal injury for money or property or threatening to report a person as an undocumented immigrant
Identity theft: Using the personal information of another without their authority with intent to deceive. Some personal information that may be stolen are name, address, birth date, Social Security number, credit card, and bank accounts.
Money laundering: Conducting financial transactions using illegally obtained money

Penalties for White Collar Crimes in Virginia

Depending on the nature of the crime and what’s involved, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Here are the penalties for each count of white-collar crime in Virginia.

Fraud: Fines of up to $2,500 and 10 years in prison
Embezzlement: Fines of up to $2,500 and imprisonment of up to 20 years
Forgery: Fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment of up to 10 years
Perjury: Fines of up to $2,500 and imprisonment of up to 10 years
Securities fraud: Fines of up to $1 million and imprisonment of up to 25 years
Bank fraud: Fines of up to $1 million and 30 years in prison
Credit card fraud: Fines of up to $2,500 and 5 years in prison
Wire fraud: Fines of up to $250,000 and 20 years in prison
Bribery: Fines of up to $100,000 and 10 years in prison
Extortion: Fines of up to $2,500 and imprisonment of up to 10 years
Identity theft: Fines of up to $100,000 in fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years
Money laundering: Up to $500,000 in fines and imprisonment of up to 40 years

Apart from fines and jail time, the court may also order restitution. This means that the accused will be ordered to return what they took. A guilty conviction could also negatively impact a person’s life. For example, it could ruin his reputation in his industry.

In some cases, convicts of white-collar crimes are prohibited from working again in a financial institution. These are just some reasons to hire criminal defense lawyers who will fight tooth and nail with you.

Penalties for White Collar Crimes in Virginia

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How Warrenton Criminal Lawyers Can Help

If you or a loved one is being investigated or charged with a white-collar crime, it’s best to hire Warrenton, VA, lawyers before making any move. Everything you say can be used against you, and your every move will be scrutinized.

Prosecutors may work and coordinate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate your case. It’s an uphill battle. This is why you need a criminal defense lawyer with extensive experience in white-collar crimes.

Specifically, criminal defense lawyers can help:

Put up a strong defense
Represent you in trials or negotiations
Explain complex terms, the legal system procedures, and your options
Prepare you for your court appearances

Your criminal defense attorney can help you get a favorable plea agreement with a lower sentence or less severe sentence conditions.

What Defenses Are Available to a Person Accused of a White-Collar Crime?

In trying a white-collar offense, the prosecutor bears the burden of proof. To prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a white-collar crime, they must establish the following elements:

You intentionally committed the act.
You gained some form of financial benefit from the deception.
You were aware that you were committing a crime.
You caused a loss to the other party.

If any of these elements is lacking, your attorney can challenge the validity of the charges. Here are other defenses that your attorney can use:

Lack of intent to defraud
Illegal search and seizure
Entrapment
Lack of evidence
Coercion or duress
Insanity
Procedural errors
Elapsed statute of limitations

Contact Ashwell & Aswhell, PLLC, for a Case Evaluation

If you are facing white-collar crime charges in Warrenton, VA, Ashwell & Ashwell, PLLC, can assist you! As experienced criminal defense attorneys, we’ve represented clients from all over the Warrenton area and are not afraid to go to state or federal court.

Expect us to work hard to protect your rights and bring you the most favorable outcome. We are focused on winning because we know what it means for our clients.

Call our law firm today to schedule a consultation.

Contact Ashwell & Aswhell, PLLC, for a Free Case Evaluation

CALL NOW

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do if I'm Accused of a White-Collar Crime in Virginia?

If you’re accused of a white-collar crime in Virginia, it’s essential to take several steps:

Seek legal representation: Contact an experienced white-collar crimes attorney immediately.
Exercise your right to remain silent: Avoid discussing the case with law enforcement or others without your attorney present.
Gather documentation: Preserve any evidence that can support your defense, such as financial records or communication records.