Kinston White Collar Crime Lawyers
Are You Under Investigation for an Alleged Offense?
If you're facing charges for a white-collar crime in Kinston, NC, you need an experienced legal team on your side. At Strickland Agner Pittman, our skilled Kinston white-collar crime lawyers have extensive experience in defending individuals and businesses accused of complex, high-stakes crimes. We understand the unique challenges of white-collar crime cases, including their impact on your reputation, career, and freedom. Our attorneys are prepared to provide aggressive defense strategies tailored to your case to protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
Call (919) 893-0090 or contact us online today to request a consultation.
What is a White Collar Crime?
White-collar crime refers to a range of nonviolent, financially motivated offenses typically committed by professionals in business, government, or other positions of trust. Unlike crimes involving violence or physical theft, white-collar crimes generally involve deception, fraud, and breach of trust to obtain financial gain or avoid financial loss. Often, these cases are highly complex and involve large sums of money, numerous financial documents, and intricate schemes.
Some of the most common types of white-collar crimes in Kinston and surrounding areas include:
- Fraud: Fraud involves using deceptive practices to secure an unlawful gain. This can include a range of offenses such as securities fraud, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, credit card fraud, and healthcare fraud. Fraud charges are often complex, as they require proving intent to deceive.
- Embezzlement: Embezzlement occurs when someone entrusted with managing money or property misappropriates it for personal gain. Embezzlement charges can apply to a range of professionals, from corporate executives to accountants and financial advisors. It’s critical to have an experienced lawyer who can dissect financial records and challenge allegations of embezzlement.
- Money Laundering: Money laundering involves concealing the origins of illegally obtained money, typically by transferring it through a complex sequence of banking transfers or commercial transactions. This offense often requires extensive investigation to prove, making legal representation vital.
- Bribery: Bribery charges arise when someone offers, gives, receives, or solicits something of value in order to influence the actions of an official or other individual in a position of authority. Bribery cases may involve complex legal and ethical issues that require skilled negotiation and litigation tactics.
- Identity Theft: Identity theft occurs when someone illegally uses another person’s identifying information, such as their Social Security number or credit card details, to commit fraud or theft. Given the increasing prevalence of cybercrime, identity theft cases are growing, and penalties can be severe.
- Forgery: Forgery involves altering documents or creating false documents to deceive others. Common examples include falsifying checks, signatures, or legal documents. Forgery charges can be complex, often involving detailed document analysis and expert testimony.
Legal Defenses to White Collar Crimes
Being accused of a white-collar crime can be daunting, but you may have several legal defenses available, depending on the circumstances of your case. Some common defenses in white-collar crime cases include:
- Lack of Intent: Many white-collar crimes require proof of intent. If the prosecution cannot demonstrate that you intended to commit fraud, deceive, or misappropriate funds, this can serve as a viable defense. Our Kinston white-collar crime lawyers work to show that any questionable actions were inadvertent or a result of misunderstanding, not criminal intent.
- Entrapment: Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces someone to commit a crime they would not otherwise have committed. If you were coerced or unduly influenced by authorities into committing an offense, entrapment could be a defense. This requires proving that the criminal act would not have occurred without the encouragement or pressure from law enforcement.
- Insufficient Evidence: White-collar crime cases often rely on extensive documentation and financial records. Our team scrutinizes every piece of evidence against you, identifying any gaps or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. If the evidence is insufficient or unreliable, we work to have charges reduced or dismissed.
- Mistake of Fact: In some cases, misunderstandings or mistakes can lead to criminal charges. For example, you may have misinterpreted instructions or financial information, leading to actions that appear suspicious but were not criminally motivated. Mistake of fact can sometimes negate the element of intent necessary to secure a conviction.
- Duress: If you were forced to participate in a white-collar crime under threat of harm or financial pressure, this may serve as a defense. Duress involves showing that you acted out of coercion and did not willingly participate in the alleged criminal activity.
How We Can Defend You
White-collar crime charges can have severe consequences, including heavy fines, restitution payments, loss of professional licenses, and significant prison time. Choosing the right legal representation can make a crucial difference in your case.
At Strickland Agner Pittman, we are committed to providing thorough, strategic, and effective defense for clients facing white-collar crime charges in Kinston, NC. Our team:
- Has Extensive Experience: Our lawyers have a strong track record of defending individuals and businesses in complex financial crime cases.
- Provides Personalized Defense Strategies: We understand that every case is unique. We carefully analyze the details of your case and develop a customized defense strategy aimed at achieving the best outcome.
- Knows North Carolina and Federal Law: White-collar crimes can involve overlapping state and federal laws. Our knowledge of both jurisdictions ensures you have a comprehensive defense.
- Prioritizes Your Rights and Reputation: We know how damaging a white-collar crime charge can be to your reputation. We work discreetly and diligently to protect your rights and safeguard your future.
Contact us today at (919) 893-0090 to let our firm protect your rights, reputation, and future.