White Collar Crime Lawyers in Delaware

Fighting Against Damaging Outcomes of Citations

Not all crime is violent, but even non-violent offenses aren’t “victimless crimes.” This is a reality we see every time executives or other individuals are accused of major financial crimes. In some instances, companies can go bankrupt, investors can lose billions, individuals can be financially ruined, and institutional trust can plummet. If you or a loved one has been accused of engaging in such a crime, it’s important to reach out to a white-collar crime lawyer in Delaware today.

At Schwartz & Schwartz, our Delaware criminal defense attorneys have spent years defending our clients both inside and outside of court. We have offices in Wilmington and Dover, and we serve clients accused of white-collar crimes in Sussex County, Kent County, and New Castle County. Such criminal activities are viewed harshly under the law, so you need a legal advocate on your side. Contact us today.

What Is White Collar Crime?

There is some disagreement over the exact definition of this criminal act. Generally, a white-collar crime is any criminal activity that’s non-violent and financially motivated. In most cases, the crime must be committed by an individual in a position of high trust or social status. This often includes government officials, businesses, and corporate executives. Penalties can be particularly harsh. For instance, one accused white-collar criminal was sentenced to 845 years in prison.

In almost every case, these crimes are considered felonies. This is one of the most important reasons you should seek out a white-collar crime lawyer in Delaware. Many of these allegations can lead to 25-year sentences per offense if convicted. Of course, courts rarely include single offenses in their charging documents — and sentences can be served consecutively. This is how accused white-collar criminals sometimes find themselves sentenced to hundreds of years in prison.

What Should You Do if Arrested or Contacted by Police?

Unlike other criminal accusations, many white-collar charges don’t come out of the blue. It’s rare for someone accused of such a crime to wake up one day in handcuffs — unsure of what’s going on. That’s because authorities will often first reach out and ask an accused individual to come in for questioning. Even if the police think they have you “dead to rights,” they’ll typically want to interrogate you to gather additional evidence.

Regardless of whether you’ve already been arrested or have simply been contacted by authorities, the most important thing you can do is contact a white-collar crime lawyer in Delaware. The Constitution gives you the right to remain silent. First and foremost, exercise that right! Police and federal authorities will jump at the chance to have you accidentally incriminate yourself. Ask for an attorney and don’t say a word to the police until after you’ve met with one.

What Types of Crime Are White Collar?

There are a variety of activities that fall under the white-crime label. In Delaware, a criminal act of theft is only considered a misdemeanor if the amount stolen is under $1,500. That’s why these crimes are almost always charged as felonies. If you’re facing allegations of any serious financial crime, contacting a Delaware white-collar crime attorney is likely in your best interest. These crimes include:

• Embezzlement
• Identity theft
• Wage theft
• Labor racketeering
• Healthcare fraud
• Fraudulent investments
• Money laundering
• Trademark counterfeiting
• Forgery
• Bribery
• Insurance fraud
• Home improvement fraud
• Insider trading

While this list seems extensive, it barely scratches the surface of white-collar crime. There may even arise situations where you’re unsure whether what you’re accused of qualifies as such a crime. Regardless, you should discuss your case with a criminal defense attorney. Even if the “white-collar” label isn’t applied to what you’re accused of, the implications of conviction can still be severe.

What Are You Up Against?

In many cases, those accused of crimes think it would be easier to just cooperate with authorities. However, doing so can result in significant difficulties for you, your business, and your family. That’s because the playing field is not level in these situations. If you’re arrested or asked to come in for questioning, it’s typically because authorities already think you’re guilty. In such situations, they engage in hardball tactics even if you don’t realize it.

For instance, are you aware that police can lie to you in order to elicit a confession? The Supreme Court held up their right to do so. This is especially troubling since our nation’s high court also recently decided that officers and agents can’t be sued for failing to Mirandize suspects. To put it simply, the deck is stacked against you in nearly every way. A white-collar crime lawyer in Delaware may be able to help balance the scales.

On top of police deception, prosecutors will often attempt to overcharge in an effort to scare defendants. After all, who wouldn’t take a plea deal if the options are “Say you’re guilty and go to jail for a decade” or “Say you’re not guilty, and risk life in prison”? The important thing to remember is that plea negotiations have no deadline — even if prosecutors say it’s just a “one-time offer.” Don’t sign off on anything or even speak with authorities until you’ve contacted an attorney.

Contact a White Collar Crime Lawyer in Delaware Today

Even though white-collar crimes are considered non-violent offenses, they can have disastrous effects. We’ve seen many people die from suicide after becoming entangled in such schemes, and this is one of the many reasons authorities will come at you full force once they suspect you. Whether the evidence supports their allegations or not, you can expect both feds and state officials to pursue you relentlessly until they get a conviction.

At Schwartz & Schwartz, Attorneys at Law, we’ve seen lives ruined by wrongful allegations and overzealous prosecutors. If you’ve been charged with a major financial crime, our white-collar lawyers in Delaware may be able to help. These are very complex cases, so it’s important to get started right away. Contact us today by calling (302) 678-8700. We’ll work diligently to help you overcome the charges you’re facing.