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White Collar Criminal Defense

White collar criminal cases, especially at the federal level, are extremely complex and present unique difficulties. Elliott Sauter has represented executives and corporations in the most contentious of circumstances. Our years of experience as federal prosecutors let us understand the intricacies associated with white collar crimes.

White collar crimes are a complex set of criminal offenses. Unlike violent or sexual crimes, white collar crimes are normally crimes related to business transactions in regulated industries that are intentionally committed with the goal of financial gain. These crimes are typically executed by working professionals in business or government.

The federal government has increased its focus on white collar investigations in recent years. As the numbers of agents dedicated to investigating white collar offenses increases, so do the number of prosecutions.

White collar offenders may be prosecuted under both federal and state law, depending on the severity and complexity of their case. If a prosecution is being pursued under federal law, there are a variety of agencies (FBI, IRS, HHS, SEC, DOL, DOD) with a vast amount of resources at the government’s disposal.

Types of white collar crimes:

“White collar crime” is an umbrella term for a variety of crimes:

Conspiracy
Money Laundering
Identity Theft
Tax Evasion
Insider Trading
Public Corruption
Embezzlement
Insurance Fraud
Tax Fraud

Federal Program Fraud
Health Care Fraud (including Medicare and Medicaid Fraud)
Bankruptcy Fraud
Mail Fraud
Wire Fraud
Securities Fraud
Mortgage Fraud

What To Do If You Are Under Investigation

If you believe that you may be under investigation by the federal government, you should act with caution. Here are a few brief points that may help you better handle the situation:

Avoid Talking To Others
About Your Case

Doing so could jeopardize your defense in the case. The individual(s) you speak to may be asked to speak in court and/or be questioned by the federal government. Depending on the context of your conversation with them, you may also be charged with obstruction of justice.

Avoid Rash
Decision Making

Under growing tension and stress you may inadvertently create complications for your defense. The most common of which stems from individuals panicking and altering or altogether removing evidence, both in the form of computer files and physical documents. Do not destroy or alter evidence, regardless of whether or not it works in your favor. It is a crime. When you are facing the federal government, you should remember the amount of resources and tools they have. They can and will figure out if you have modified any potential evidence and doing so is a major red flag that may result in you being prosecuted for obstruction of justice (among other potential charges).

It is also important to understand that you are not obligated to speak with federal agents and that if you are approached you should contact an attorney immediately. However, if you do speak with agents, do not to lie. Lying will only create future (and sometimes immediate) problems in your case.

Preparing A Defense

Individuals accused of a white collar crime are often unaware of any wrongdoing — liability in these matters often turns on the interpretation of highly technical regulatory guidance and small misunderstandings can have big consequences. Targets of investigations are often surprised to learn what conduct the government views as potentially criminal. Similarly, the division of labor in complex corporate structures means that many individuals involved in potentially problematic practices do not have full access to all the information that would allow them to appreciate the true implications of their individual conduct.

If you have been falsely accused of committing a white collar crime or are somehow involved in one, it’s important that you engage yourself with an experienced and dedicated attorney.
Our proactive approach to your defense starts with a detailed account of your investigation. For us to pursue the best plan based on your specific circumstances we need to understand the full scope of the case.

Whatever your role in the investigation, you need to know your options. Often, federal white collar criminal cases are intertwined with civil cases. You want an experienced attorney who understands both sides of this process to help you find the best available option.

The best thing to do before any action is to consult with an experienced attorney.

Meet Our Attorneys

White Collar Criminal Defense

What To Do If You Are Under Investigation

Avoid Talking To Others
About Your Case

Avoid Rash
Decision Making

Preparing A Defense

Contact

Elliott Sauter, PLLC

White Collar Criminal Defense

What To Do If You Are Under Investigation

Avoid Talking To Others About Your Case

Avoid Rash Decision Making

Preparing A Defense

Contact

Elliott Sauter, PLLC

Avoid Talking To Others
About Your Case

Avoid Rash
Decision Making