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ANDERSON COUNTY WHITE COLLAR CRIME LAWYER

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN KNOXVILLE, TN COMMITTED TO PROTECTING YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS

ANDERSON COUNTY WHITE COLLAR CRIME LAWYER

Many people who face allegations of white collar crimes do not have any previous exposure to the criminal justice system. In many cases, people who are accused of white collar crimes are business-minded professionals who may think only violent criminals will ever see the inside of a prison. If you have been charged with a white collar crime, you may be overwhelmed by the uncertainty of your future, but you can hire a seasoned Anderson County white collar crime lawyer to defend you going forward.

What is White Collar Crime?

Crimes that are non-violent and geared towards financial gain by way of deception are often labeled as white collar crimes. Individuals accused of white collar crimes are usually part of the professional world, giving them access to large amounts of money that do does belong to them.
White collar crimes also apply to include international businesses that must adhere to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). This law makes it illegal for American companies to pay government officials for obtaining or retaining business contracts in foreign countries. In addition, it prohibits third-party payments such as joint-ventures when it is known that some or all of that payment will be used as a bribe to a foreign government official.
Examples of white collar crimes include:
  • Tax evasion
  • Insider trading
  • Insurance fraud and other types of fraud
  • Bribery
  • Embezzlement
  • Money laundering
  • Identity theft
  • Cybercrimes
  • Wage theft
  • Labor racketeering
  • Copyright infringement
  • Ponzi schemes

White Collar Crime Convictions

Some members of the public mistakenly believe that if you are convicted of a white collar crime, at worst, you will be placed in a comfortable minimum-security prison and do easy time. This is not true. In fact, there is no guarantee that convicted white collar criminals will be placed in a minimum-security prison, and sometimes they are subject to lengthy prison sentences in the state penitentiary. By hiring an experienced Anderson County white collar crime attorney, you may be able to avoid a conviction or have the penalties you are facing significantly reduced. If you are convicted of a white collar crime, you will be subjected to any combination of the following:
  • Imprisonment
  • Fines
  • Restitution
  • Community service
  • Disgorgement
  • Probation
  • Other alternative punishments
  • Cybercrimes
  • Removal from the country – depending on your immigration status

State Versus Criminal White Collar Crime Charges

Some white collar crimes violate both state and federal laws. If your conduct broke federal laws or happened across state lines or international boundaries, you could be charged for a federal crime instead of a state crime. If you are convicted of federal charges, you could be placed in federal prison and subject to various other federal penalties. In federal court, those convicted of a white collar crime will generally need to serve 85 percent of their sentence, whereas, in state court, they typically serve just 50 percent of their sentence.
If your crime did not involve crossing state lines or international boundaries, you would likely be charged with a state crime and have penalties that are not as strict. By consulting with an Anderson County white collar crime attorney, you can learn more about the potential types of charges you face and their maximum penalties. More importantly, you can learn what an attorney can do to help you.

The Benefits of Having an Attorney During White Collar Crime Investigations

White collar crime investigations are different from other investigations in that the suspect is sometimes aware of the investigation up to months prior to their arrest. This situation can create a lot of anxiety and apprehension, but you can also use it to your benefit. You can get ahead of your charges and investigators by hiring a white collar crime attorney in Anderson County to represent you before you are even charged.
With an attorney by your side, you can reduce your criminal liability and possibly avoid criminal charges to begin with. You will be less likely to waive your constitutional legal rights without knowing it or give in to the requests of investigators when you do not need to. If you are arrested on charges, your lawyer can work proactively and begin negotiating a plea bargain before your court dates begin.

How an Anderson County White Collar Crime Lawyer Can Help

White collar crimes have high conviction rates, and defendants are not given leniency. Sometimes they are subjected to harsher consequences than crimes involving violence or drugs. If you have been charged with or are being investigated for a white collar crime of any type, you have a lot to lose. Your freedom, career, and reputation are at risk. Reduce your risk by calling our firm to discuss your case as soon as possible.

Call the Barnes and Fersten Law Firm at 865-805-5703 to schedule your consultation with a white collar crime lawyer in Anderson County today or use our online contact form. We also offer online video consultations for your convenience.

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