Respected Lebanon White-Collar Criminal Defense Attorneys
Representing those accused of non-violent crimes in Nashville, Mt. Juliet, Cookeville, and throughout Tennessee
White-collar crime arrests are frequently the result of a long and extensive investigation. Even the fact that authorities have an entirely separate term for these types of crimes illustrates the complexity of these cases. They often involve multiple parties and allegations and large amounts of evidence.
White-collar crimes are complex, and require a legal team with fastidious investigators and forensic accountants who understand the nuances of these cases. At Lowery, Lowery & Cherry, PLLC, our white-collar criminal defense attorneys will represent you regardless of the nature of your charges. We are here to protect your rights and your reputation, and present a compelling case for your Tennessee defense.
What is white-collar crime?
White-collar crime is a nonviolent crime committed for financial gain. Securities fraud, embezzlement, corporate fraud and money laundering are all examples of white-collar crime, and these acts are typically investigated by the FBI, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD).
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports that white-collar crimes are characterized by deceit, concealment, or a violation of trust, and do not rely on threats of physical force or violence. These crimes have a financial motivation and they seek to obtain or avoid losing money, property, services, or to attain a personal or business advantage.
Examples of white-collar crimes
As opposed to violent crimes, which might involve weapons and victims with serious injuries, white-collar crimes require careful investigation, meticulously following paper trails and electronic records. Because of the use of technology and the internet, white-collar crimes can have far-reaching consequences, and victims and perpetrators can even be thousands of miles apart.
Following are some examples of white-collar crimes:
- Investment fraud
- Bank fraud
- Embezzlement
- Identify theft
- Blackmail
- Bribery
- Computer fraud and internet crimes
- Counterfeiting
- Stock manipulation/insider trading
- Racketeering
- Cellular phone fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Currency speculation schemes
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Health care fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Larceny/theft
- Money laundering
- Racketeering
- Tax evasion
Can I get criminal and civil charges for the same white-collar crime?
While white-collar crime is typically decided in criminal courts, defendants accused of crimes such as fraud, bribery, blackmail, and others may also face civil liability as well. Once the criminal matter is resolved, regardless of the outcome of the case, a victim may pursue civil charges.
While a person may be acquitted of the crime for which they were charged in a criminal matter, they may still be found liable in a civil matter. A Lebanon white-collar criminal defense attorney from Lowery, Lowery & Cherry PLLC will work with the accused and develop an effective defense to protect their future.
What are the penalties for white-collar crimes in Lebanon and Tennessee?
White-collar criminal charges are usually brought at the federal level, which can have significant personal, professional, and legal ramifications. Federal crimes have longer jail sentences and greater restitution amounts than what you might find for crimes tried in state courts. Judges determine sentences for federal crimes using the United States Sentencing Guidelines, developed to ensure uniformity in sentencing for federal crimes in courts throughout the country. These guidelines use factors related to the commission of the crime to establish or calculate the level of the offense. If the perpetrator has had prior convictions, or if this is his or her first offense, the judge takes these factors into consideration when deciding on sentencing.
Given that white-collar crimes are often financial in nature, there may be prison time, fines, court fees, and restitution. Some white-collar crimes can carry penalties of one or five years, or up to as much as 30 years, depending on the nature and circumstances of the offense.
How will a white-collar criminal conviction affect me?
People convicted of fraud or money laundering may face significant criminal and civil penalties. They will serve their time in prison, but when they leave prison, they will find a whole new set of social consequences which will alter their life in every way. Having any type of criminal conviction on their record can make it challenging for a person to get a job, but when the conviction involved a crime of dishonesty or deceit, such as embezzlement or credit card fraud, an employer may be hesitant to want to take a chance on hiring someone with that kind of criminal record. If someone has been convicted of a white-collar crime and he or she held a professional license, he or she will likely lose it, and may not be allowed to obtain a new one.
Schedule a consultation with a seasoned Lebanon white-collar crime defense attorney
If you have been charged with a white-collar crime, you must consult with a capable Lebanon criminal defense team right away. At Lowery, Lowery & Cherry, PLLC, we are here to protect your rights throughout the judicial process. We have more than 70 years of combined experience helping those facing criminal charges and civil liability. We serve clients in Nashville, Mt. Juliet, Cookeville, or elsewhere in Tennessee. To set up a consultation, call 615-444-7222 or fill out our contact form.