Experienced Denver Criminal Defense Attorney for White Collar Crime Charges
White-collar crime allegations can have serious consequences, including hefty fines, restitution orders, and lengthy prison sentences. Moreover, these allegations can damage your reputation, jeopardize your career, and negatively affect your personal and professional life for years to come.
If you have been accused of a white-collar crime, Denver criminal defense attorney Jeff Weeden of WeedenLaw is here to help. We understand the gravity of white-collar crime accusations and the profound impact they can have on your life. That’s why we are committed to providing compassionate, client-focused representation that prioritizes your best interests every step of the way.
Start protecting your future today–call (720) 307-4330 to schedule a free consultation with a Denver white-collar crime lawyer at WeedenLaw.
What is a White Collar Crime?
In general, a white-collar crime is any non-violent crime committed for financial gain. These crimes are typically committed by individuals or organizations in business or professional settings, hence the name “white-collar” crimes.
White-collar crimes typically have major financial repercussions on victims like individuals, businesses, organizations, or public entities. These crimes can also be tried in either state or federal court, depending on the nature of the crime.
Types of White Collar Crime
There are many different kinds of white-collar crimes that people can commit, each with their own legal parameters and punishments. Below are some of the most prevalent types of white-collar crimes that people commit.
Fraud
Fraud is any deliberate act of deception or misrepresentation made by one person to another for the purpose of financial gain or to cause harm to others. It often involves the use of false information, trickery, or deceit to obtain something of value, like money, property, or services, from a person or entity. Common examples of fraud include:
- Securities fraud (investment fraud)
- Insurance fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Check fraud
- Tax fraud
- Computer/internet fraud
- Honest services fraud
- Bank fraud
- Healthcare fraud
- Real estate and mortgage fraud
Forgery
Another common white-collar crime is forgery, which is the act of creating, altering, or imitating something with the intent to deceive others into believing it’s genuine. This can include forging signatures on checks, contracts, or legal documents, as well as creating counterfeit documents, currency, or art. Forgery is outlined in Colorado law under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-5-102.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is a white-collar crime in which someone with the responsibility of managing or overseeing funds uses the funds for personal gain. People often embezzle funds from employers, organizations, or clients by doing things like falsifying records, creating fake invoices, or directly diverting funds into personal accounts.
Money Laundering
Money laundering is the act of disguising the origins of illegally obtained money in order to make it appear like it was from legitimate sources or to avoid reporting it to the federal government. Oftentimes, the money will go through a series of complex financial transitions in order to obscure where exactly the money came from. This is usually done through things like legitimate business transactions or investments, which help introduce the illicit funds into the economy without raising suspicion.
Bribery and Corrupt Influences
Bribery and corruption involve the abuse of power for personal or organizational gain through offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving something of value, like money, gifts, or favors.
Bribery typically involves offering or accepting payments to influence the actions of someone in a position of power, usually a public servant like a politician or government official.
Corruption encompasses a broader range of dishonest or unethical behaviors, including bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and fraud, which undermine the integrity and fairness of institutions, governments, and business practices.
Extortion
Extortion is a form of white-collar crime that involves unlawfully obtaining money, property, or services from an individual or institution through coercion. This coercion can include threats of harm, destruction of property, or leveraging confidential information to compel the victim to comply with the demands. Extortion in Colorado is often referred to legally as blackmail and is classified as a serious offense with equally serious penalties.
Identity Theft
Another common white-collar crime is identity theft. Identity theft is a type of fraud where someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal information for financial gain or to commit other crimes. This can include the use of a person’s name, social security number, or credit card details in order to open fraudulent accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or engage in various criminal activities.
Ponzi Schemes
A Ponzi scheme is a form of investment fraud where a business or organization takes on new investors, paying existing investors with the funds from the new investors. These businesses promise to provide investors with high returns, usually giving them the impression that there is little or no risk involved.
The scheme relies on continuously recruiting new investors to sustain payouts to earlier participants, creating the illusion of profitability and enticing new investors. Once the system finally collapses, investors are often left with nothing while the fraudsters make it out with a majority of the invested funds.
Tax Evasion
Yet another common white-collar crime is tax evasion. Tax evasion is the act of deliberately underreporting income, inflating deductions, or hiding assets to avoid paying taxes owed to the government. This involves deceiving tax authorities through falsified records, concealed income sources, and offshore bank accounts.
Insider Trading
Insider trading is a white-collar crime in which someone illegally trades securities, like stocks or bonds, based on non-public information about a company. This information is typically obtained by individuals who have access to confidential or proprietary information, such as corporate executives, employees, directors, or politicians.
Insider trading is prohibited because it gives those with privileged information an unfair advantage over other investors, which undermines the integrity of the open market.
Racketeering
Racketeering is the act of using illegal or dishonest business activities as a part of a criminal enterprise. This kind of white-collar crime involves engaging in a pattern of criminal activity, like extortion, bribery, fraud, or intimidation, to generate profit or maintain control over an industry or territory.
Racketeering usually involves organized crime groups or syndicates, and acts of racketeering are prosecuted under laws such as the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, also known as RICO.
What are the Penalties for White Collar Crimes in Colorado?
In Colorado, the penalties for white-collar crimes can vary depending on the specific offense committed, the amount of money involved, and the individual’s criminal history. However, it’s important to note that all white-collar crimes are taken very seriously by law enforcement and the legal system. Because of this, many white-collar crimes result in felony charges.
If you are facing white-collar crime charges in Colorado, you need aggressive legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your attorney can help develop a strong defense on your behalf and ensure you receive the best possible outcome in court.
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney On Your Side
After being accused of a crime, one of the most important things you should do is seek out a local criminal defense lawyer. A criminal defense attorney who specializes in white-collar crimes will have in-depth knowledge of federal and Colorado criminal law, as well as the criminal justice system. This allows them to help their clients understand their charges and lead them through the legal process.
A knowledgeable attorney will be able to meticulously review the evidence against their client and develop a strategic defense tailored to their specific circumstances. They will also advocate on behalf of their client in court, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they receive fair treatment under the law.
Ultimately, the goal of a white-collar crime lawyer is to achieve the best possible resolution for their client while minimizing the potential consequences, protecting their client’s reputation as well as their freedom.
Why Choose WeedenLaw?
At WeedenLaw, we understand the nuances of the criminal justice system, especially when it comes to white-collar crimes. With years of experience practicing law and a track record of success, Attorney Jeff Weeden is committed to providing exceptional representation and personalized attention to each client he takes on.
We recognize the importance of experienced legal representation in white-collar criminal cases and will do everything we can to ensure our clients receive a fair trial and a favorable outcome. If you have been accused of a crime like embezzlement, bribery, or fraud in Denver, white-collar crimes attorney Jeff Weeden is just one call away.
Call a Denver, Colorado White Collar Crime Attorney at WeedenLaw Today
White-collar crime charges can affect more than just your physical freedom; they can affect your reputation and your future. If you are facing white-collar criminal charges in the Denver area, WeedenLaw is here to provide you with the legal representation you deserve. With our in-depth knowledge of white-collar crime laws and our commitment to providing Colorado residents with personalized, strategic defense strategies, you can trust us to help you navigate this challenging process with confidence and peace of mind.
Call our law firm at (720) 307-4330 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with us regarding your case.
