South Carolina White-Collar Crimes Lawyer

“White-collar crime” is a term that refers to non-violent, financial crimes. There is a common misconception that white-collar crimes are less serious than other crimes because of their non-violent nature. However, state law allows for severe penalties to be imposed on those convicted of fraud, embezzlement, or other white-collar crimes. South Carolina prosecutors are often aggressive in white-collar crime cases and dedicate a lot of resources to these cases. In fact, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office has multiple divisions dedicated to convicting those accused of white-collar crime.

If you are facing charges for a white-collar crime, you may need a South Caroline white-collar crimes lawyer in your corner. They could help protect your constitutional rights during the court process and advocate on your behalf. A skilled criminal defense lawyer could also examine the factors that may have contributed to the allegations and work to develop a substantial defense.

White-Collar Criminal Charges

Most white-collar criminal charges allege some type of fraud, which occurs when someone uses unlawful deception for their own personal gain. State law defines numerous fraud crimes, and each crime has certain associated penalties for those convicted of that crime. Some common fraud charges in South Carolina include:

Non-Fraud White Collar Offenses

Of course, not every white-collar crime involves fraud. White-collar crimes are broadly defined, but most involve some sort of financial gain through criminal activity. Non-fraud related white-collar crimes include:

  • Embezzlement
  • Public corruption
  • Identity theft
  • Insider trading
  • Racketeering
  • Corporate crimes

Anyone facing these or other related charges should contact a South Carolina white-collar crimes attorney immediately for legal assistance. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible to begin building a credible defense strategy.

Potential Penalties for White-Collar Crime

Because white-collar crime is such a broad category, the potential penalties someone could face vary greatly. Some white-collar crimes are misdemeanors, which are punishable by up to three years in prison depending on the class of misdemeanor. Other crimes are felonies, which can carry much longer prison sentences. In addition to possible incarceration, those convicted of a white-collar crime are often required to pay restitution for the money they unlawfully gained through criminal activity. Since the potential penalties for white-collar crimes in South Carolina vary so widely, it is often important for anyone charged with such a crime to seek help from an experienced legal professional.

How a South Carolina White-Collar Crimes Attorney Could Help

A South Carolina white-collar crimes lawyer could examine the facts of the case, and build a defense based on those unique circumstances. Additionally, a white-collar criminal defense attorney could protect their client’s right to a fair trial and protect them against prosecutorial misconduct.

In many cases, those charged with a white-collar crime are at the executive level within a corporation. Sometimes, the defendant’s employer will provide corporate counsel to defend them. However, it advisable for anyone facing a criminal charge to seek independent counsel. By working with an outside white-collar crimes attorney, someone facing a serious criminal charge could ensure they receive legal advice based on their needs, rather than their employer’s. If you are facing charges of fraud, identity theft, a computer crime, or any related crime, call a lawyer today.