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Getting convicted of fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, or another white collar crime can change your life. If convicted, you can be fined or imprisoned and face other legal penalties.
Along with these, your conviction can keep you from landing a job, buying a home, and enjoying your life to the fullest. Let a Charleston white collar crime lawyer help you avoid a conviction.
Hopkins Law Firm has more than two decades of combined legal experience on staff. We genuinely care about you and want to help you in any way we can.
Our Charleston criminal defense lawyers provide your case with responsive and personal attention and give you clear, concise, and practical legal advice. Discuss your white collar criminal case with us.
What Are White Collar Crimes in South Carolina?
A white collar offense generally refers to a non-violent criminal act in which an offender benefits financially. This offense often involves fraudulent activities, breaching someone’s trust, or deceiving others. It is typically charged at the state or federal level.
Common white collar criminal charges include:
- Fraud: Includes wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, mortgage fraud, and insurance fraud
- Embezzlement: The misappropriation of funds entrusted to you, which usually involves employers or financial institutions
- Identity Theft: Using someone else’s personal information without their consent for financial gain
- Money Laundering: Concealing where money obtained illegally came from to make it appear that it was earned legitimately
- Tax Evasion: Illegally avoiding taxes by underreporting income, inflating deductions, or other means
- Bribery and Corruption: Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence a party’s actions
- Cybercrime: Offenses such as hacking, phishing, or unauthorized access to sensitive data
- Intellectual Property Theft: Stealing or misusing copyrighted material, trade secrets, or patents
Hopkins Law Firm offers comprehensive legal representation and a proven track record of success. We protect your legal rights and give you the support and guidance you need at each stage of your litigation. Speak to a Charleston white collar crime lawyer.
Charleston White Collar Crime Penalties
South Carolina and federal statutes impose severe penalties for white collar criminal acts. A white collar crime lawyer in Charleston can explain the penalties that come with a criminal conviction. These penalties can include:
- A prison sentence that lasts decades
- A fine totaling up to $1 million
- Restitution
- Probation
- Community service
- Forfeiture of assets
Avoid these and other criminal penalties by hiring a white collar crime lawyer who has a sterling reputation. Choose a criminal defense attorney who has received many positive client testimonials. Your lawyer can craft a legal strategy tailored to your case.
How to Defend Against White Collar Charges in South Carolina
Facing a criminal accusation does not automatically mean that you are guilty. A white collar crime attorney in Charleston evaluates your case and considers many legal strategies. Common defenses in white collar criminal cases include:
Lack of Intent
Many white collar offenses require proof of intent to defraud or deceive. Your lawyer can argue that there is reasonable doubt and show that you were charged with a criminal act that you did not intend to commit. If the prosecution cannot demonstrate intent, it may weaken their case.
Insufficient Evidence
A prosecutor can use financial records, emails, and other documentation to support their argument. Regardless, your attorney can challenge the admissibility, authenticity, or interpretation of these and other proof.
Entrapment
Law enforcement agents coerce or pressure you into committing a criminal act that you would not have otherwise committed. In this case, your attorney could say that you were entrapped, which could prompt the court to rule in your favor.
Mistaken Identity
Sometimes, South Carolina residents are charged with offenses due to mistaken identity. Partner with a criminal defense lawyer if you get charged with a crime that someone else committed. A Charleston property crimes defense lawyer or another attorney with relevant case experience could find proof that illustrates you were not present when a crime was committed.
Good Faith or Legitimate Purpose
You engaged in acts that you believed at the time were part of conducting business in accordance with South Carolina and federal laws. In this scenario, your lawyer can argue that what you were doing was in good faith or for a legitimate purpose.
Violation of Your Legal Rights
The police conduct an illegal search or seizure or violate your constitutional rights in other ways during an investigation that leads to a criminal charge. Your lawyer can explain to the court that your legal rights were breached. If the court agrees, the prosecution could be forced to suppress key evidence.
Plea Bargain
Depending on your case, you could get a plea deal that allows you to agree to a lesser charge than the one initially levied against you. A South Carolina white collar crime lawyer can teach you about plea bargains.
If this option becomes available, you and your attorney can review a plea deal, weigh its pros and cons, and decide whether to move forward with it.
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Why Should You Get Legal Representation for South Carolina White Collar Criminal Charges?
At Hopkins Law Firm, we encourage you to hire us as your legal representation if you are unsure of what to do after being charged with a white collar criminal offense. We bring extensive experience and a strategic approach to your case. Our legal services include:
Investigating Your Case
Our team learns about you and your criminal charge. We meticulously review evidence to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. With our help, you are well-equipped to disprove the prosecutor’s argument.
Negotiating With the Prosecution
It is possible to resolve your case without having to go to trial. We know the ins and outs of negotiating plea deals. Our goal is to help you avoid criminal penalties that could affect you for the rest of your life.
Litigating Your Case in Court
If your case goes to court, our seasoned trial attorneys will present a compelling defense on your behalf. We make it clear to the court why the prosecution’s case is invalid and why the charges against you should be reduced or eliminated.
Communicating and Collaborating With You
We can connect you with financial professionals, forensic accountants, and other specialists who can help you build a strong case. On top of that, we remain accessible. If you have legal concerns or questions at any point, we address them promptly.
Schedule a case consultation after being charged with a white collar offense. Our Charleston white collar crime lawyers take a client-centric approach. We discuss the legal consequences of your crime and the steps to take to protect against a conviction. Our attorneys aggressively represent you and work hard to achieve your desired case outcome.
Our Charleston White Collar Crime Attorneys Maintain a High Degree of Competency and Professionalism
It is stressful and overwhelming to be charged with a white collar offense. Seek legal representation right away. South Carolina white collar crime attorneys prioritize your case. They tackle your legal challenges and fight for what is right for you.
The criminal defense attorneys at Hopkins Law Firm represent our clients with dignity and compassion throughout the legal process. Allow us to serve you as you deal with the aftermath of a white collar criminal charge. Request a case consultation with us.
