White collar crimes, or financially motivated crimes committed by professionals without the use of violence or threats, get prosecuted in both state and, when they involve crimes against the United States or questions of federal law, federal courts. Federal white collar crime convictions may result in serious penalties, including large fines or long periods of incarceration in federal prison. Therefore, if you have been charged with a federal white collar crime, you need skilled legal representation on your side throughout your entire case.
Philadelphia white collar criminal defense lawyer Brian J. Zeiger is ready and willing to represent you throughout your case, and can help safeguard your legal rights while your criminal case is pending in the federal court system.
Common criminal offenses prosecuted in federal court include fraud, bribery, corporate crimes, cybercrimes, embezzlement, and forgery.
Federal Fraud Charges
Under both state and federal laws, fraud may encompass one or more of the following:
- Falsification of records
- Fraudulent health care claims
- Bad checks
- Insurance fraud
- Mileage misrepresentation
Federal Bribery Charges
Bribery charges arise when someone offers, confers, or agrees to confer or accept an unauthorized benefit from someone else. Bribery charges most often arise when public officials are offered or accept something for the performance of official duties. When a federal public office is involved, the offense will likely be prosecuted only as a federal crime rather than as a state crime.
Federal Corporate Crimes
Corporate crimes, unlike other white collar crimes, may involve a corporation as a whole. Most run-of-the-mill white collar crimes, on the other hand, benefit only a single individual or a small number of individuals. Corporate crimes usually benefit investors or high-ranking officers or other individuals in a corporation. In corporate crime cases, the corporation itself is usually the primary defendant, along with the individual actors.
Cybercrimes
Cybercrimes encompass unlawful computer activities, including accessing computer software, data, or databases without the required permission or authorization. These crimes may also involve altering, damaging, or destroying computer data, or disrupting computer services.
Federal Embezzlement Crimes
Embezzlement is a form of theft in which the accused person misappropriates money (or something else of value) with which he was entrusted. Embezzlement may be prosecuted at both the state and the federal levels.
Forgery
Forgery is defined as writing that purports to come from someone other than the author. This encompasses situations where the writing is made with the intent of defrauding or injuring someone.
Contact a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Criminal Defense Attorney Today to Discuss Your Case
Attorney Brian J. Zeiger may assist you with formulating a legal defense to your federal white collar criminal charge. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation, please call us at (215) 546-0340 or contact us online.