District of Columbia White Collar Defense Lawyer

If you have been implicated in a criminal investigation in Washington, D.C., now is the time to consult an experienced white collar defense attorney who will stand by your side to protect your rights and freedom.

Contact my K Street offices today for a confidential assessment of your current legal position and experienced advice in moving forward.

Kathleen E. Voelker, Attorney at Law
1776 K Street NW Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006

Phone: (202) 835-2220 • E-mail • Fax: (202) 835-3939

Crimes that do not involve physical violence, and that relate largely to financial matters, are often called "white collar crimes." White collar crimes involve most of the same legal principles as do other crimes, and people charged with white collar crimes have the same rights and protections as defendants accused of other crimes. On the other hand, white collar offenses are often complex, and involve numerous complicated legal and factual issues. The possible penalties include fines, prison sentences, restitution and criminal forfeiture. If you have been charged with a white collar crime, it is essential that you seek legal counsel from an experienced white collar criminal defense attorney at once so that you can preserve your rights and protect your future.

What is White Collar Crime?

The phrase "white collar crime" was first used by Edwin Sutherland in 1939 during a speech to the American Sociological Society. He defined white collar crime as a "crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation." Today, white collar crime refers to illegal offenses that are generally committed in the business or professional setting to achieve financial gain. White collar crime encompasses a number of offenses including mail fraud, embezzlement, securities fraud, tax evasion, conspiracy, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) offenses, financial crime, public corruption and bribery.

White Collar Criminal Investigation

The investigation of a white collar crime can be a long, involved process, and may go on for months or years. A person may be one of the targets of a criminal investigation, and not know it until formal charges are filed. Defense lawyers should become involved in the matter as early as possible, as soon as a person suspects he or she may be involved in an investigation, even as a witness. In many cases, the prosecutor will use a grand jury to investigate and gather information. The complex nature of a white collar criminal prosecution means that a person's potential exposure may not be clear in the early stages of the investigation. Many white collar criminal defendants have had their cases damaged by something they said or did in the early stages of an investigation, before they were targeted or suspected. A defense lawyer should certainly be consulted before any meeting with law enforcement, however innocuous it may seem.

Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Negotiate Plea Agreements

Sometimes, after a person is charged with a crime, the charges will be dropped as a result of the defense attorney's negotiations with the prosecutor. In other cases, the prosecutor will agree to drop the more serious charges if the defendant agrees to plead guilty to lesser charges, or to cooperate with an ongoing investigation. The criminal defendant always has the final word, however, on whether to accept a plea agreement.

If the defendant is convicted of a crime, he or she may receive probation, have a fine imposed, be ordered to perform community service, be ordered to make restitution or pay back the losses caused by the criminal acts, be sentenced to prison or be sentenced to some combination, depending on the severity of the crime. An experienced white collar criminal defense attorney can work with the prosecutor to negotiate a deal that provides for the least severe punishment. If no deal is worked out, he or she can zealously represent the defendant in court, attempting to prove to the jury that the prosecutor cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime.

Conclusion

Being accused of a crime is a frightening and stressful event. A charge of a white collar crime imposes extra stress, since a person's professional or business integrity is often at issue. It makes sense to secure competent and knowledgeable counsel who can help streamline the criminal justice process, provide zealous representation and minimize the impact on the criminal defendant's life. If you or someone you know has been charged with committing a white collar crime, do not delay in contacting an experienced white collar criminal defense attorney.

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Estimates from analysts indicate that white collar crimes cost the nation upwards of $200 billion per year. That is much more costly to society than "traditional" crimes like burglary and theft, which account for a fraction of that amount. As a result, prosecutors and courts are cracking down on white-collar crimes. If you have been accused of a white-collar crime, you should have an experienced advocate looking out for your interests.

White-collar crimes are often classed as felonies, the most serious class of crimes. In 2000, over two-thirds of those convicted of a felony were sentenced to prison or jail time. If you have been arrested or charged with a felony white collar crime, you must act to preserve your liberty. A knowledgeable and experienced defense lawyer is your best asset when your freedom is on the line.

In 2000, felony prison sentences averaged over four years. In addition sentencing for white collar crimes has increased dramatically in recent years. For example, some fraud offenses can carry a twenty year sentence. If you have been charged with a white collar crime, take it seriously. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights.

There is a common myth that white collar criminals who are sentenced to do time go to country club-like settings. The truth is far different-minimum security facilities are not pleasant homes, and those sentenced to long prison terms usually go to higher-security prisons. To give yourself the best chance at avoiding or minimizing a prison sentence, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions about White Collar Crime

Q: What is "white collar crime"?

A: White collar crime is a term originally used to describe criminal activity by members of the upper class in connection with their professions. Today, the most common definition of white collar crime no longer focuses on the social status of the offender but rather on the type of conduct involved: illegal acts using deceit and concealment to obtain money, property or services, or to secure a business or professional advantage. White collar crimes are usually not violent, but their effects can be just as devastating.

Q: Who prosecutes white collar crimes?

A: White collar crimes may be either state or federal crimes. Because they often involve lengthy investigations that can cross state or even international boundaries, the federal government is usually in a better position to investigate and prosecute white collar crimes. Usually a federal prosecutor, known as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), will head up the prosecution.