Money laundering, corporate fraud, embezzlement, insider trading and Ponzi schemes (among other things) all fall under the umbrella of “white collar” offenses.
While every case is different, there are some specific avenues that tend to go into the defense when someone is charged with a white-collar crime.
What are the main focus points your attorney may consider?
A good defense looks at the facts of the case and what the prosecutors can actually prove (as opposed to what they think they know). Your defense may focus on:
- Flaws in the prosecution’s case: Picking holes in the case against you is important. Gaps in logic, inconsistencies in the evidence and problems with witnesses can all help your defense.
- Lack of knowledge or intent: People get swooped up all the time in events beyond their control. You may have had no real idea that you were being used in a money-laundering scheme, for example.
- Coercion: If you were forced into your action by someone else’s threats toward you or your family, that may be a valid defense. For example, if you agreed to give someone your computer passcode so they could steal from your employer because your child’s safety was threatened, your actions are certainly understandable.
- Entrapment: Sometimes the authorities are so anxious to make their case that they engage in deception and coercion. If you were pushed into committing a crime, you may be the victim of entrapment.
- Mental illness: Drug addiction, undiagnosed psychological illnesses, dementia and other mental problems can cause someone to engage in risky or illegal behavior and diminish your ability to understand the consequences.
Because your situation is unique, exactly what applies to your case will vary. But you can bet that your attorney will consider all possibilities.
If you’ve been accused of a crime, take immediate steps to protect your interests
The longer you wait to speak to an attorney, the harder it may be to protect your rights. If you’re a suspect in a white collar crime, start working on your defense right away.