Columbia White-Collar Crime Lawyer

Columbia White-Collar Crime Attorney

If you are under investigation for or have been accused of a white-collar crime, there’s a lot at stake. It is critical to call a knowledgeable Columbia white-collar crime lawyer to discuss your rights and to build a solid defense strategy. From Melrose Heights to Wales Garden, the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III won’t rest until we’ve done everything possible to beat your charges.

About Us

At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we know how important your case is to your future, and we tailor our defense strategy to the specific details of your case. Since 1996, our office has provided high-caliber legal representation through personalized service and clear communication. We provide quality defense services throughout South Carolina. If you’ve been accused of a white-collar crime or are under investigation, contact us right away.

White-Collar Crime Basics

Throughout the Palmetto State, white-collar crimes are non-violent offenses involving illegal financial gain through fraud, deception, or breach of trust. These offenses mostly occur in a professional or business setting. Many white-collar crimes are considered felonies, and they can involve serious consequences. A Columbia white-collar crime attorney can work diligently to build a solid defense on your behalf.

Some examples include:

• Embezzlement
• Fraud
• Money laundering
• Tax evasion
• Bribery
• Credit card fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Ponzi schemes
• Insider trading

White-collar crime costs over $300 billion in the United States annually, according to the FBI. If you find yourself needing reliable help, an attorney can explore the available legal defenses and build on the one most suitable.

White-Collar Crime Defenses

Many defense strategies can potentially be used, including:

• Challenging prosecutorial evidence. Your attorney may be able to argue that the evidence gathered against you was unlawfully obtained and cannot be used against you in your case.
• Lack of intent. Prosecutors must prove you acted with a specific intent to commit a crime, such as the intent to defraud or deceive someone. If your attorney can successfully argue that your actions were unintentional, the result of a misunderstanding, or a mistake, it can weaken the prosecution’s case and possibly lead to dismissed or reduced charges.
• Entrapment. It could be considered entrapment if you believed you were persuaded or induced by law enforcement to commit a white-collar crime. It’s unlawful for law enforcement to entrap someone, which means that if your attorney can show any evidence of entrapment, it could merit a dismissal.
• Good faith. You may be able to argue that your actions were ethical and legal, and that you didn’t intend to defraud or deceive anyone. In cases involving fraud or where intent is a necessary element, good faith can be a useful defense. Your attorney argues you acted honestly and believed your actions were legal.
• Innocence. Your attorney may be able to present an alibi that says you weren’t present when the crime was alleged to have been committed, or they can raise doubts for the jury and judge about your commission of any white-collar crimes.
• Negotiating a plea deal. When you hire an attorney, they can often use their negotiation skills to negotiate a plea deal on your behalf.
• Duress. If you can show you were forced to commit a crime while under a threat of imminent harm, you could use duress as part of your defense. Your attorney must argue that anyone else in your same set of circumstances would have responded just like you.
• Mistake of fact. You may be able to argue that you misunderstood certain facts that could negate your intent to commit a crime. For example, if you took something thinking it was actually your property, a mistake of fact could counteract a criminal charge.
• Statute of limitations. There are deadlines to advance a case, and your attorney may be able to argue that the deadline to prosecute you for a white-collar crime has expired. If it’s true, your case typically is dismissed. The specific statutory time limits vary depending on the nature of the offense.

Attorneys tailor their strategy to each set of circumstances and have numerous available defense avenues. Each case is unique, and the nature of a client’s specific charges dictates the strategy the attorney can use. Contact a defense attorney to evaluate your case and provide personalized advice

FAQs

Q: When Should I Call a Criminal Defense Attorney if I’m Facing White-Collar Crime Charges?

A: If you’re facing charges involving white-collar crimes, it’s important to call a criminal defense attorney right away. Once you hire an attorney, they can immediately start to investigate the allegations while the evidence is readily available and memories are fresh. They can decide which legal defense is applicable to your case and start building a solid defense.

Q: Why Is My Attorney Contacting Experts for My White-Collar Case?

A: For white-collar crime cases, expert witnesses can provide necessary assistance with your defense. White-collar crime cases typically involve complex financial transactions and complicated federal and state regulations. Of the 61,678 cases reported to the United States Sentencing Commission in 2024, 1,095 involved money laundering. Expert testimony from accountants, financial advisors, or industry professionals can be crucial to your defense.

Q: Is Healthcare Fraud Considered a White-Collar Crime?

A: Yes, healthcare fraud is typically considered a white-collar crime. It’s a non-violent crime that is financially motivated, plus it is often committed by organizations or people within professional or business environments, such as medical providers or patients. An experienced attorney at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can discuss your specific case, including white-collar crime charges involving healthcare fraud.

Q: Who Typically Investigates White-Collar Crime?

A: White-collar crimes are typically investigated by several different federal agencies, including the FBI, the IRS, and the SEC. Also, there are specialized units within the Department of Justice that may investigate as well. These criminal investigations can take several years, as they usually involve complex financial analysis.

Each year, there is about $300 billion laundered through the U.S., and there are serious consequences for a conviction. For help beating white-collar crime charges, call an experienced lawyer.

Hire a White-Collar Crime Lawyer

When you need to hire a white-collar crime lawyer serving South Carolina, call the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III. We understand all that is at stake and can provide strategic guidance. We can protect your rights and work towards a favorable outcome. Contact us to schedule an initial client consultation.