When the police arrested you or someone at your office advised you of a federal investigation, you may have realized that you would need the help of a lawyer immediately. You know you need the support of someone familiar with criminal law to manage your interactions with law enforcement and start considering your options for a defense in criminal court.
Defense attorneys help people avoid dangerous mistakes and can also help evaluate different ways of avoiding or defeating charges. Those facing allegations of white-collar criminal offenses or financial crimes like embezzlement or investment fraud could face lengthy incarceration if they plead guilty or get convicted by the courts.
In addition to an attorney to represent you in court and help you strategize, you may also need the support of another licensed professional.
Forensic accountants can analyze the evidence
The evidence that the state hopes to use in its case against you could range from your employer’s security camera footage to client testimonials and financial records. When it comes to the analysis of those financial records, professional support could be very important.
A forensic accountant understands how to look for someone covering their tracks and how to trace money to determine who really played a role in a specific white-collar crime and who eventually benefited from it.
For example, a forensic accountant could track down the bank account that received the questionable wires that you unknowingly sent while at work. They could also review internal financial records and establish that the amount of money misappropriated is actually far lower than the amount initially suspected. Their skills and expert opinion can end up being a cornerstone of your defense strategy.
White-collar crimes often lead to federal charges
Individuals accused of white-collar criminal offenses need to take those charges seriously. Often, embezzlement and fraud charges become federal offenses if they involve parties in different states or make use of either electronic communication systems or the federal reserve, such as by performing wire transfers.
Pleading guilty would leave you at the mercy of a judge and harsh federal sentencing rules. Many individuals facing charges or an investigation related to fraud or other white-collar criminal charges will need robust support to prove their innocence. Responding appropriately when accused of a white-collar crime could preserve not just your professional reputation but also your freedom.