White-collar crime is a term used to describe non-violent, illegal activities typically committed by business professionals and public officials in the course of their employment. These crimes often involve fraud or deception, such as embezzlement, insider trading, bribery, money laundering, and tax evasion.
These types of criminals can face serious penalties for their actions, including possible prison time. However, there are defense strategies that may be employed to reduce potential sentences or even have charges dropped altogether. Having the assistance of a lawyer is essential when it comes to developing an effective defense strategy.
If you are in this situation, you could contact somewhere like the Law Office of Michael Vitaliano for advice and professional representation in court. This will help make the best of a bad situation, so it is important to choose a lawyer that is experienced in this particular area of the law.
During this article, we will look at some of the most common defenses available to those accused of committing these offenses. We will also discuss why it is important to seek the assistance of a specialist lawyer who knows about this area of the law.
Contents
Duress as a Defense
One white-collar crime defense that may be used is that of duress. This defense argues that the defendant did not commit the offense out of their own free will, but rather was forced to do so by someone else under threat of violence or some other form of harm.
This defense can be successful if there is evidence to show that the harm that was threatened was imminent and that the defendant had no other viable options to avoid it.
Additionally, courts will often consider whether or not the defendant took reasonable steps to avoid committing the crime in question.
It is all about finding the mitigating circumstances so that if you cannot prove that a crime was unpreventable, then you can at least look to lighten the sentence received.
Lack of Awareness
Another common white-collar crime defense is that the accused was unaware of any wrongdoing taking place. When there is evidence to suggest that the defendant did not have access to essential information or had been misled by another party about the nature of the transaction, this defense could hold up in court.
In these circumstances, defendants need to provide evidence that shows they were truthly unaware of what they were being made to do. This could include emails or other documents that show that the defendant had asked questions about business activities and received misleading answers.
Although ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law, there is a case for not having access to information that was needed to best advise clients. Whether there was fraudulent intent can make all the difference to what direction a case takes in a court of law.
Seeking Professional Assistance
Taking the time to develop an effective defense strategy, in respect of those in professional occupations committing a crime, can be a complex process that requires careful consideration of all relevant information. As a result, defendants must seek the assistance of a specialist defense lawyer.
An experienced attorney will be familiar with the laws and regulations surrounding this type of crime and can help develop evidence to support a successful defense strategy. They can also offer guidance on how best to negotiate plea deals or other agreements with prosecutors to reduce potential sentences.
Conclusion
White-collar crime is a serious offense with potentially severe penalties. By understanding some of the strategies available and seeking professional legal help, defendants can be better prepared to fight their charges and protect their rights.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to defend yourself against charges, you must secure the assistance of the right type of lawyer who can help guide your case and provide effective legal advice representation.
With the lawyer’s knowledge and expertise in such cases, it can be possible to turn a case around in the favor of a client when everything seemed lost at first. Don’t take any accusations lightly – get professional help right away!
