Colorado Springs White Collar Crimes Attorney
White collar crime is a broad term that refers to crimes involving business professionals or other individuals who use deception for financial gain. In many situations, white collar crime charges are handled in federal courts rather than state courts. Individuals arrested or under investigation for white collar crime offenses will most likely face a forceful prosecution and unforgiving sentences if convicted.
At the law office of Anaya & Chadderdon, P.C., in Colorado Springs, our skilled white collar crime attorneys have years of experience handling a wide range of criminal defense matters. Both of our lawyers are former prosecutors who are able to view cases from a multifaceted perspective: that of a prosecutor and that of the criminal defense attorney handling your case.
If you are under investigation for a white collar crime, do not speak with anyone until you have retained a white collar crime attorney. Your words can be twisted and used against you by investigators.
To enlist our assistance, contact our firm today and schedule a free initial consultation.
“Thank you Eric for being a true and honest man that truly cares for his clients and is not in for the money.” -S. M.
Examples of White Collar Crimes
We fight to protect clients’ rights in many different types of white collar crime cases, including:
- Fraud and identity theft
- Embezzlement
- Internet crimes
- Forgery
- Credit card fraud
- Bank fraud
- Tax fraud and tax evasion
- Conspiracy
- Counterfitting
- Ponzi schemes
A conviction on a white collar crime charge can result in the possibility of jail time, fines, having to pay restitution, and a permanent criminal record. You are also facing a serious impact on your future, as future employers will be able to see on your background checks that you were convicted of a crime.
This is especially true for white collar crimes committed by employees against their employers.
Understanding Common White Collar Crimes in Colorado Springs
As the term suggests, perpetrators commit white collar crimes while performing in a professional capacity. The most commonly charged white collar crimes in Colorado include those described in more detail below:
Fraud
The broad term “fraud” covers many types of white collar crimes, such as identity theft, bank fraud, credit card fraud, cybercrimes, insurance fraud, insider trading, securities fraud, investment fraud, mail fraud, and bankruptcy fraud.
There are many ways to commit fraud, but most fraud crimes include deceiving investors, companies, or individuals by distorting the facts, presenting false information, omitting pertinent information, or presenting an inflated level of knowledge on a subject to coerce others into investments intended only for the fraudster’s personal gain.
Tax Evasion
Tax evasion involves using deceptive measures to avoid paying taxes or reducing tax liabilities to increase profits. These measures include false deductions, under-reporting profits and income, or otherwise evading tax obligations, or helping another individual or company evade paying taxes (39-21-118).
Embezzlement
Embezzlement occurs when a professional diverts funds belonging to the company they work for into their own personal accounts using a variety of deceptions to cover up the theft. Most individuals who commit embezzlement occupy positions of trust within their company and use their position to misappropriate funds for their own enrichment. Often, embezzlement schemes overlap with money laundering crimes to cover up the source of the embezzler’s funds (18-8-407, 18-4-401).
Extortion
Extortion occurs when a professional uses threats or coercion to force an individual or business entity to give them money (18-3-207). Extortion tactics also include demanding money in exchange for granting contracts, threats of exposure for a misdeed, or manipulating someone based on their personal fears.
Ponzi Schemes
A Ponzi scheme is typically disguised as a legitimate investment but pays early investors with funds from newer investors rather than from profits. Many Ponzi schemes are based on no legitimate product or service, or present another company’s product or service as their own (18-5-301).
Counterfeiting
Counterfeiting refers to more than printing false currency. It also includes common white collar crimes such as forging checks and bank drafts, creating false contracts, deeds, or titles, and producing fake designer label items (18-5-109, 18-5-110.5).
What Should I Do If I Am Facing an Indictment for a White Collar Crime in Colorado Springs?
It’s crucial to act quickly if you are under investigation for a white collar crime or are facing indictment. Many white collar crimes are prosecuted federally if the alleged crime impacts interstate commerce. If an indictment has already been issued in your case, you’ve likely been under investigation for some time, prosecutors have used considerable time and resources to build a case against you, and the evidence has already been presented to a grand jury. It’s essential to seek legal counsel immediately so your Colorado Springs white collar crimes defense attorney can protect your rights and mount an assertive defense.
An experienced defense attorney can help you understand the charges against you and inform you of your legal rights. They will also advise you of what you should or should not say during questioning to avoid incriminating yourself. Your attorney will then work with you to gather evidence for a prompt, aggressive defense and inform you of the possible outcomes of your case.
Finally, a skilled white collar crimes defense lawyer will help you prepare for trial or choose a plea bargain, depending on the circumstances of your case. Throughout all steps of the legal proceedings, your lawyer from Anaya & Chadderdon, P.C. protects your professional reputation and your rights.
What to Expect For a White Collar Crimes Defense In Colorado Springs?
An experienced white collar crimes criminal defense attorney will launch immediate action to protect your rights by determining whether or not the prosecutor has adequate grounds for the indictment, seeking a dismissal of the charges whenever possible. If the case moves forward against you, your attorney will do the following:
- Mount an in-depth investigation and gather evidence by reviewing financial records, legal documents, and all relevant evidence
- Develop a strong legal strategy for a defense that’s tailored to the unique circumstances of your case, rather than using a carbon-copy approach that may not produce the most favorable outcome
- Your attorney will develop a defense team, including expert witnesses, forensic accountants, and financial analysts, in order to challenge the prosecution’s assertions against you
A skilled defense lawyer contests evidence, challenges allegations, proves a lack of intent, or argues that the prosecution has insufficient evidence for a conviction.
“She is knowledgeable and go-getter. I would recommend Susan to everyone.” -J. F.
Understanding White Collar Crimes Prosecution in Colorado Springs
Once you’ve been charged with a white collar crime, you’ll face an arrest or be asked to turn yourself in voluntarily. Once you are in custody, there will be a bail hearing to determine if you will be released until trial. The court will likely set bail in your case unless the prosecutor has substantial evidence that you are a flight risk.
After the bail hearing, a pre-trial discovery period occurs, during which the prosecutor and defense exchange evidence they plan to present at trial and a list of witnesses they plan to call forward. Either side may file key pre-trial motions during this time, such as those excluding specific evidence or witnesses, seeking a change of venue, or dismissing the charges.
Plea bargain discussions may take place between all parties. Reaching a plea bargain agreement usually means a reduction of the charges or sentencing against you in exchange for an admission of guilt on a lesser charge.
Finally, the trial begins unless the case is dismissed or a plea bargain waives the right to a trial by jury.
Trial Procedures for White Collar Crimes In Colorado
The trial process begins with jury selection, with the prosecution and your defense team interviewing possible jurors and selecting jury members after a process of eliminating specific jurors. Once the trial begins, both sides present opening statements with an outline of their cases. During the trial, the prosecution and defense present arguments, evidence, and witnesses supporting their case and cross-examine each other’s witnesses. At the end of the trial, both sides present closing statements summarizing their arguments.
Finally, jury deliberation occurs, and the jury reaches a decision. If the jury finds you guilty, the judge imposes a sentence.
Choosing the right white collar crimes defense attorney is the key to a rigorous defense.
Contact Experienced White Collar Crime Defense Attorneys in Colorado Springs
We can help you deal with all types of white collar and felony crimes from the beginning of the case to the end.
Contact our Colorado Springs white collar crime lawyers today at 719-227-0007 to further discuss your options during a free initial consultation.