Why might you need a white collar criminal defense attorney on your side? Employees often have access to confidential information or employer funds. Even outside of their employment, individuals are entrusted to be honest when reporting their earnings on tax returns or on requests for government assistance. Sometimes, whether because of pressure to take action, a desire for personal gain, or merely by mistake, an individual takes a course of action that is—or may appear to be—an abuse of his or her position of trust or duty to be honest. The consequence can be more than the loss of a job or lack of financial benefit; it can be criminal prosecution.

If you found yourself in that position, where would you turn for help? Engaging a white collar criminal defense attorney at the earliest stage possible would give you the best chance of a result in your favor. Whether you’ve been charged, are merely under investigation, or think an investigation may be likely, the white collar criminal defense attorneys at Hendrickson & Long have the skills and experience to help you across West Virginia (WV) and Pennsylvania (PA).

What Is White Collar Crime?

White Collar Crime Defined

White collar crime is one of a number of nonviolent criminal offenses committed for financial gain and usually involving deceit. The name, “white collar,” refers to the fact that the perpetrators of such offenses are often executives or public servants in high-level positions.

What Are Examples of White Collar Crimes?

When people think of white collar crime, they often think of embezzlement by a high-ranking corporate executive or bribery by a public official. The types of white collar crime are much broader and need not be committed by a high-level employee. Tax evasion on an individual tax return is an example of a white collar crime. Other examples include the following offenses:

• Antitrust violations
• Blackmail
• Bribery
• Embezzlement
• Environmental violations
• Identity theft
• Insider trading
• Money laundering
• Organized crime
• Public corruption
• Theft of proprietary information, such as trade secrets
• Various types of fraud, such as tax fraud, insurance fraud, credit card fraud, internet fraud, government fraud, or healthcare fraud

Who Investigates and Prosecutes White Collar Crime?

White collar crime may be investigated and prosecuted by federal, state, or local agencies. Prosecutors may charge one more individuals, and the charges may be based on conduct perpetrated without institutional approval and knowledge or with widespread approval or assistance throughout the institution.

When Do I Need a White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you believe you are being or may be investigated for a white collar crime, you need to consult an attorney as early as possible, if possible even before an investigation has begun. White collar crimes are serious criminal offenses with serious penalties, such as fines, prison sentences, or both.

The fines imposed may be intended to be restitution and could result in forfeiture of the offender’s assets. And despite what you see on TV or in the movies, time in prison is not a relaxing time in “Club Fed.” Representation by an experienced white collar criminal law defense attorney can help protect your assets and your freedom.

Our White Collar Criminal Defense Attorneys Have the Experience and Skills to Help

The best defense begins before the investigation has even begun, and the white collar criminal defense attorneys at Hendrickson & Long are ready to help. They will assist you in all stages of investigation and prosecution. Even if you only suspect that an investigation may be in your future, our attorneys will start on your defense by researching any possible charges against you and advising you how best to proceed to avoid missteps and protect your interests.

If you are already under investigation or have been charged with a white collar crime, contact a Hendrickson & Long white collar criminal defense attorney, who can assist you in that process and mount your defense in the event of a trial. To protect your assets and your future, contact Hendrickson & Long.