Last Updated on: 27th May 2023, 12:16 pm

Being investigated for a white-collar crime can be a very stressful experience, but you need to take action as soon as possible. You cannot fight your case in any way unless you’re willing to do what you need to do in order to fight your case. It’s important to follow this protocol when facing investigation for a white-collar crime.
Find a lawyer
Legal counsel shouldn’t be considered optional when it comes to an investigation. Hiring a lawyer at the time of arrest means that you’ll have to do extensive catching up, which can make it more difficult to win your case. Your lawyer should be someone who is more than competent and knowledgeable of this area of the law. They should have a record of successful cases that speaks to their competence in this particular arena. If you have a lawyer on retainer for your business, they can be very useful as you work through your investigation.
Go over your case
Just knowing that you’re under investigation isn’t enough. Team up with your lawyer to research the case that the government is trying to bring against you. Your lawyer will be responsible for handling the various legal minutiae, but you still need to give them the information that helps them to prepare this. Don’t worry about saying anything incriminating to them in private conversation, as attorney-client privilege will protect you from it being exposed and used against you.
Get in touch with the government
Sometimes, it can be unclear whether or not you’re under investigation. Factors that make it obvious include a request to speak to you regarding a pending case or inquiries into business records. When you have a lawyer, they should handle any discussions with the government about your case. The government might be asking questions, but that doesn’t mean you and your lawyer can’t bring up questions of your own. You deserve to know as much about your case as possible.
What to do when associates are being investigated
Just because you haven’t been named in an investigation doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. If colleagues or others that you’re closely connected to (be they personal or professional relationships) are being investigated and you reasonably believe that you’re next in line, you need to get in touch with your lawyer and decide on the next course of action. Your lawyer will need to know as much about the case as possible to help you make your decision. They might advise you to get in touch with the government or to just continue preparing your case in the event that they contact you. Every scenario is unique, and your lawyer needs time to think.
Gathering intelligence
For you to have a chance at success with your case, you need to have any information that will be useful readily available. A claim of fraud can be best refuted by having extensive financial records. Even if you’re not under investigation, you should have your most important files in a secure location, like in a password-protected folder. Information can also be collected by others named in the investigation. Be careful with how you do this, and be sure to only ask questions, rather than instructing them what to do. Attempts to prevent someone from testifying could be considered obstruction of justice and get you in further legal trouble.
What to say
The best thing to say when facing investigation for a white-collar crime is nothing at all. The only person you should discuss the case with is your lawyer. Sharing of information (including being investigated) with others could make them liable for interrogation and throw further complications into your case. You need to keep your profile low while you work on gathering information that will help you with your case. There might be a temptation to announce what’s happening to everyone you know, but it’s in your best interest to follow your lawyer’s advice and only speak if you absolutely need to.
You can’t will away a white-collar crime investigation. Paying close attention to any developments and following the advice of your legal counsel will help you in your quest to justice. Even if you do end up facing charges, your preparedness during the time of investigation will be a tremendous asset.

Surviving the Stressful Experience of a White-Collar Crime Investigation

An investigation into a white-collar crime can be an emotionally draining and terrifying experience, but in order to effectively fight your case, it is crucial to take immediate action. Following this protocol can significantly improve your chances of successfully navigating your way through a white-collar crime investigation.

Finding the Perfect Lawyer

Obtaining legal counsel is absolutely essential when confronting a potential investigation. Hiring an experienced and highly competent lawyer who specializes in this intricate area of the law can make all the difference. It is important to secure their services as early as possible, ideally before an arrest is made, to avoid playing catch-up and potentially jeopardizing the outcome of your case. A top-notch lawyer with a proven track record in successfully handling white-collar crime cases is worth their weight in gold.

In-Depth Case Analysis

Simply knowing that you are under investigation is not enough. You must work closely with your lawyer to thoroughly understand the case that the government is trying to build against you. While your lawyer handles the legal intricacies, it is your responsibility to provide essential information that they can use to prepare a robust defense strategy. Rest assured, any sensitive information shared during confidential conversations is protected by attorney-client privilege.

Contacting the Government

In some instances, it may be unclear whether or not you are under investigation. However, clear indicators include requests to discuss a pending case or inquiries into your business records. To ensure clear and accurate communication, your lawyer should manage all discussions and correspondence with the government. Not only can they respond to the government’s questions, but they can also proactively seek vital information about your case.

Handling Investigations of Associates

Even if you haven’t personally been named in an investigation, it is crucial to remain vigilant. If colleagues or close associates are under investigation for white-collar crimes and you suspect that you could be next, it is imperative to consult with your lawyer and plan your next steps. Providing them with as much information as possible about the case will enable them to offer the best advice tailored to your unique situation.

Gathering Valuable Intelligence

To give yourself the best chance of success, gather any useful information that can support your case. For instance, a claim of fraud can be refuted with comprehensive financial records. Regardless of whether you are currently under investigation, it is advisable to securely store important files and documents in a password-protected folder. Additionally, carefully gather any additional intelligence from others involved in the investigation, while ensuring you don’t cross any legal boundaries such as attempting to prevent someone from testifying – this could be construed as obstruction of justice.

Maintaining Discretion: The Importance of Silence

The most important rule when facing a white-collar crime investigation is to remain silent. The only person you should discuss your case with is your trusted lawyer. Sharing information with others, even simply disclosing the fact that you are under investigation, could expose them to questioning and potentially jeopardize your case. While it might be tempting to share your experience with those around you, it is in your best interest to keep a low profile and focus on compiling all necessary information to support your case.

In conclusion, the key to successfully navigating a white-collar crime investigation lies in thorough preparation, close collaboration with your legal counsel, and discreet behavior. While you can’t wish away an investigation, taking immediate action and adhering to expert advice will go a long way in helping you achieve justice. Even if charges are brought against you, having been proactive and meticulously prepared throughout the investigation will prove invaluable in your fight for vindication.