What To Do When You Are Accused Of White Collar Crimes
White collar crime charges often start off as rumors and reviews of irregularities in accounting at a company or nonprofit organization. Were you accused of fraud or embezzlement in the context of your position of leadership over financial resources at your job or community organization? Do not let a day go by without getting legal advice and advocacy.
Some people who get caught up in white collar crime cases postpone taking action on the belief that the accusations will fade away. This rarely happens. If you or the accounts you are responsible for are under investigation, you should get legal counsel now.
At Fitzgerald, Klesner, & Pavelich, PLC, we have helped clients get white collar crime cases resolved without charges being filed at all. A resolution may include restitution if funds are missing without explanation.
The Financially-Oriented Criminal Charges We Handle
Our clients in Iowa City and elsewhere in Johnson County come to us after they have been accused or arrested on suspicion of:
- Embezzlement: Misappropriating funds from a business or employer
- Fraud: Using deceptive practices for financial gain
- Tax evasion: Using unlawful strategies to avoid paying taxes
- Money laundering: Making money gained through illegal activity look like it was earned legally
- Breach of fiduciary duty: When financial professionals fail to protect the best interests of their clients in service of their own interests
- Forgery: Creating false documents in order to commit fraud
- Identity theft (ID theft): Stealing another person’s identifying details in order to commit fraud
Generally, white-collar crimes are financial in nature and are committed by people who are in positions of power or authority. They may result in federal charges, however, our firm only handles criminal charges at the state level.
What Are The Penalties For White-Collar Crimes In Iowa?
Penalties upon conviction may include jail time, fines and mandatory restitution. Similar to theft charges, the penalties’ severity depends on the financial impact of the offense.
For example, if you embezzled funds exceeding $10,000, you’d be charged with a class C felony, which could lead to 10 years in prison and a fine between $1,370 to $13,660. Say you laundered between $1,000 and $10,000 in cash from illegal revenue sources. That would be a class D felony, and you could spend up to five years in prison and be fined between $1,025 and $10,245. Maybe you forged a check that was valued between $750 and $1,500. That would be an aggravated misdemeanor with a maximum two-year prison sentence and fines between $855 and $8,540. The penalties get increasingly less severe in this fashion in proportion to the crime’s financial impact.
In addition to the criminal penalties, people who are convicted of white-collar crimes can fall into financial ruin, have their families fall apart, lose their jobs, have trouble securing another type of gainful employment, and have their personal and professional reputations permanently tarnished.
To protect yourself, your loved ones and anything else you hold dear in life from these consequences, seek legal help immediately if you have been accused of a white-collar crime.
How Are White Collar Crimes Investigated And Prosecuted In Iowa?
At the state level in Iowa, white collar crimes can be investigated by several law enforcement agencies.
Potential investigating parties include local police departments, county attorneys’ offices and specialized law enforcement divisions like the Financial Crimes Division in larger municipalities. When additional support is needed, the Iowa Attorney General’s Statewide Prosecutions Section may assist, particularly in cases involving local conflicts or limited resources.
Once a person is charged, the prosecutorial process involves an arraignment, evidence discovery and pretrial hearings, followed by a trial if the case proceeds. These cases may include extensive financial documentation, witness testimony and expert analysis.
Iowa prosecutors often pursue restitution, fines or incarceration based on the severity of financial harm.
Are There Specific Defense Strategies For Individuals Charged With White Collar Crimes In Iowa?
Yes, several potential defenses may apply, depending on the circumstances:
- Lack of intent
- Insufficient evidence
- Entrapment
- Duress or coercion
- Accounting errors or mistaken identity
These cases can involve high stakes and defendants need a defense strategy customized to the facts of their case. A knowledgeable attorney can identify the strongest approach by analyzing documentation, communications and procedures used during the investigation.
Can White Collar Crimes Result In Civil Penalties Or Lawsuits In Addition To Criminal Charges?
Absolutely. Individuals accused of white collar crimes in Iowa may face civil lawsuits brought by alleged victims seeking compensation. Outcomes may include:
- Restitution orders
- Monetary damages
- Legal fees and asset forfeiture
- Reputational harm claims
Beyond these legal consequences, professionals accused of white collar crimes often experience career setbacks, loss of licenses and long-term damage to their reputation, particularly in finance, law or health care-related fields.
How Can An Attorney Assist Someone Facing White Collar Crime Charges In Iowa?
An experienced criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference by:
- Investigating the facts and preserving key evidence
- Evaluating defenses and negotiating outcomes
- Representing the client in court and administrative hearings
- Advising on restitution and civil exposure
Early legal guidance helps safeguard the defendant’s rights and minimize disruption to their career and personal life. Choosing the right attorney is critical for navigating Iowa’s complex legal system.
Why You Can Entrust Your Case To Our Iowa City Firm
Since 1968, our firm has stood for reliability and results. We offer the benefits of our experience, personal attention and confidentiality in high-stakes criminal cases.
We hope to meet you soon if you have been charged with a white collar crime. Call 319-320-4569 or send an email message to request a free consultation.