Last Updated on: 19th October 2023, 12:00 pm

Brooklyn White Collar Crime Lawyers

Getting charged with a white collar crime can be scary. These charges can affect your career, reputation, and freedom. Having an experienced Brooklyn white collar crime lawyer on your side is crucial.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fighting white collar crime charges in Brooklyn. We’ll discuss common charges, possible defenses, and how an attorney can help. We’ll also profile some of the top white collar crime lawyers in Brooklyn.

What is a White Collar Crime?

White collar crimes are non-violent crimes committed by businesses or individuals, typically for financial gain. Some common examples include:

• Fraud
• Embezzlement
• Tax evasion
• Money laundering
• Identity theft
• Insider trading

Most white collar crimes involve some type of deception or breach of trust. The term “white collar” comes from the fact that these crimes are often committed by wealthy businessmen or professionals. However, anyone at any income level can commit them.

Common White Collar Crimes in Brooklyn

Some of the most common white collar crimes charged in Brooklyn include:

Securities & Investment Fraud

This involves defrauding investors through practices like Ponzi schemes, insider trading, and market manipulation. Brooklyn is home to Wall Street, making it a hotbed for securities fraud.

Tax Evasion

Failing to pay taxes owed by underreporting income, overstating deductions, hiding money offshore, and other schemes. With NYC’s high tax rates, tax evasion is common.

Money Laundering

Disguising the source of illegally obtained money by funneling it through legitimate businesses. Criminals often launder money through cash-intensive Brooklyn businesses like restaurants, bars, or bodegas.

Identity Theft

Stealing personal information to open fraudulent credit cards or bank accounts. Brooklyn’s large population makes it a prime target.

Healthcare & Insurance Fraud

Overbilling Medicaid and Medicare, selling unneeded medical services, staging car crashes to file false injury claims, and other healthcare scams are common in Brooklyn.

Penalties for White Collar Crime in Brooklyn

White collar crime penalties vary based on the specific charges and dollar amount involved. Some potential penalties include:

• Probation
• Restitution
• Fines up to $250,000 for individuals, $500,000 for organizations
• Up to 20 years in prison

In addition to criminal penalties, those convicted often face civil lawsuits, license revocation, and reputational damage.

Finding the Right Brooklyn White Collar Crime Lawyer

Fighting white collar crime charges takes an experienced attorney. Here are some tips for finding the right lawyer in Brooklyn:

• Look for someone with extensive experience specifically handling white collar cases.
• Find a lawyer familiar with federal and New York state law.
• Consider lawyers who previously worked as prosecutors, giving them insight into the other side.
• Look for someone aggressive who will fight for you in court.
• Make sure they have resources to handle complex financial investigations.
• Find someone you trust and can be open with about your case.

Don’t just choose any criminal defense lawyer. White collar crime requires niche expertise. Vet attorneys thoroughly during your initial consultation.

Possible Defenses in White Collar Cases

Skilled Brooklyn white collar crime lawyers know how to craft strong defenses to these charges. Some potential defenses include:

You Didn’t Knowingly Commit a Crime

Prosecutors must prove you knowingly intended to defraud or deceive. If you made an honest mistake or had no intent, it’s not a crime.

You Relied on an Accountant or Other Professional

Relying on financial professionals who provide bad advice is not criminal. The prosecution must prove you deliberately tried to deceive.

The Company Culture Encouraged the Behavior

If violating policies was widespread at the company, you may argue you were just doing your job as trained.

You Were Entrapped

Law enforcement pushing you to commit a crime you wouldn’t otherwise is entrapment. This is an absolute defense.

The Investigation Violated Your Rights

Violations like illegal searches, lack of Miranda warning, coercing statements, etc. can lead to evidence exclusion.

An experienced lawyer will analyze the facts of your case to craft the strongest defense.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Here are some of the ways a skilled Brooklyn white collar crime attorney can help:

• Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or dismissal
• Develop an effective defense strategy for trial
• Challenge flaws in the investigation and protect your rights
• Gather evidence and documents to counter the allegations
• Work to exclude prejudicial evidence from trial
• Hire forensic accountants and other experts to analyze financial records
• Advocate for minimal penalties if convicted

An attorney’s reputation and negotiation skills can make the difference between prison and probation.

Finding the Best Brooklyn White Collar Crime Lawyer for You

Every case is different, so you need an attorney tailored to your situation. We’ve profiled some top Brooklyn white collar crime lawyers below:

Benjamin Brafman

One of New York’s most famous defense attorneys, Brafman has an impeccable track record getting white collar charges dismissed pre-trial. His aggressive tactics and mastery of loopholes make prosecutors wary.

Mark Bederow

Former Manhattan prosecutor Bederow now uses his insider knowledge to defend white collar clients. He’s known for his creative strategies and ability to humanize clients.

Andrew Frisch

Frisch heads a team experienced at unraveling complex securities and tax fraud cases. He’s also skilled at navigating parallel civil and regulatory investigations.

Maurice Sercarz

Boasting over 25 years of white collar defense experience, Sercarz is a master at suppressing evidence, winning dismissals pre-trial, and keeping clients out of prison.

Research lawyers’ experience, results, and client reviews to find the best fit for you.

The Bottom Line

Facing white collar crime charges in Brooklyn can be daunting. But an experienced attorney can help level the playing field. They will aggressively defend your rights, fight the allegations, and work to minimize penalties. With the stakes so high, it’s critical to have the best lawyer you can in your corner.