White-collar crimes encompass non-violent, financially motivated offenses typically committed by professionals, business entities, or public officials. These crimes often involve deceit, concealment, or violation of trust and are not dependent on the application or threat of physical force. You could face severe criminal penalties if you are charged with a white collar crime.
At Jennifer Horwitz Law, our Seattle criminal defense lawyer has over 30 years of experience representing accused individuals in Washington State. Attorney Horwitz is a seasoned trial lawyer. She handles every aspect of a client’s case.
Contact Jennifer Horwitz Law to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Seattle white collar crime lawyer.
How Jennifer Horwitz Law Can Help You With Charges for White Collar Crimes in Washington
White collar crime involves using deceit for financial gain. Because of the potential losses from white collar crimes, government agencies devote substantial resources and manpower to investigate white collar cases. Prosecutors aggressively pursue the maximum penalties for white collar convictions. The best way to protect your rights is with the help of an experienced white collar crimes attorney.
When you hire our top-rated Seattle criminal defense lawyers, you can trust we will:
- Thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to your arrest on white collar charges
- Obtain copies of the evidence the prosecution alleges proves the white collar charges against you
- Analyze the evidence to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the case against you
- Search for exculpatory evidence that could prove your innocence
- Research the relevant laws to determine how they apply to your case
- Retaining leading expert witnesses to work on your case as needed
- Pursue plea agreements with fair terms if taking your case to trial is not in your best interest
- Aggressively advocate for your rights during all court appearances and at trial
Attorney Jennifer Horwitz has received numerous awards and top ratings from prestigious legal organizations. She was named one of the Top Women Attorneys of 2024 by Super Lawyers and one of the Best Seattle Lawyers by Forbes. Attorney Horwitz received Avvo’s Top Rated Lawyer Award for multiple years.
When you are facing a conviction for white collar crimes, you need a respected, skilled, and aggressive criminal defense lawyer. You will find that lawyer at Jennifer Horwitz Law.
Call our office today to schedule a consultation with a Seattle white collar crime attorney to discuss your legal options for fighting charges of white collar crime.
We Handle All Types of White Collar Crimes at Jennifer Horwitz Law
Generally, federal and state laws cover the same types of white collar crimes. The factors involved in your case typically dictate whether you face state or federal white collar charges.
At Jennifer Horwitz Law, our legal team handles all types of cases involving white collar crimes including, but not limited to:
- Bribery
- Tax fraud
- Counterfeiting
- Money laundering
- Credit card fraud
- Immigration fraud
- Embezzlement
- Securities fraud
- Identity theft
- Ponzi schemes
- Identity theft
- Mortgage/real estate fraud
- Social Security or Welfare fraud
- Forgery
- Violation of Anti-Kickback Statute and Medicaid fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Healthcare fraud
Numerous federal and state agencies investigate white collar crimes. Investigators have the vast resources of the government. If a government agent contacts you, contact our office immediately. You could be under investigation for a white collar crime.
What Are the Penalties for White Collar Convictions in Washington State?
The penalties for white collar crimes depend on the type of criminal offense you are charged with and the amount of financial gain alleged to have occurred. The victim involved in the case and whether you are facing federal or state charges also determine the penalties you may face for a conviction.
Washington penalties for convictions can range from up to one year in county jail for a gross misdemeanor conviction to 20 years to life in state prison for a Class A felony conviction. In addition to incarceration, the state also imposes expensive fines for white collar convictions.
Federal white collar convictions can result in more severe penalties. Federal judges use sentencing guidelines, including mandatory minimum sentences for convictions. In addition to prison, convictions may also result in forfeiture of property, fines, restitution, probation, and community service.
Potential Defenses to White Collar Crimes in Seattle, WA
Our legal team develops a defense strategy to challenge the government’s evidence against you. In addition to attacking the evidence, we also explore affirmative defenses, including:
- Lack of Intent – You did not have the intent to comment the crime you are accused of committing.
- Entrapment – Law enforcement officers coerced, persuaded, or induced to engage in activity that you would not have ordinarily committed.
- Statute of Limitation – The government has a set time to file criminal charges. If the statute of limitations has expired, we ask the court to dismiss the charges.
- Violations of Constitutional Rights – If the government violates your rights, the evidence they obtain is not admissible in court. The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures.
- Intoxication / Insanity – Involuntary intoxication, such as being drugged, means you did not have the capacity required to form intent. A mental defect could also mean you did not have the required capacity to understand your actions and form intent to commit a crime.
The type of defense used in white collar cases depends on the factors and circumstances of the case. If you are arrested or informed you are under investigation, remain calm. Do not answer questions or make statements without an attorney present.
Instead, exercise your right to remain silent except when asking for your attorney. Talking with law enforcement agents, investigators, or prosecutors without legal representation can weaken your defense to white collar crimes. Law enforcement officers can lie to you. They may tell you that working with them is the only way to help yourself. Cooperation may be a valid defense tool, but it should only be done after you consult with a criminal defense lawyer and weigh all your options for a defense.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney
Facing charges for white collar crimes is a serious matter. Even though these crimes do not involve violent acts, the penalties for convictions are severe. The damage to your business, personal reputation, and finances can begin as soon as you are under investigation. Contact Jennifer Horwitz today to speak with an experienced Seattle white collar crime lawyer about how to defend yourself against these charges.