Lake Wylie White Collar Crime Lawyer

Lake Wylie White Collar Crime Attorney

When most people think of white collar crimes, they may not consider them to be that serious because they are non-violent. However, just because they aren’t violent crimes doesn’t mean they aren’t serious charges for someone accused. In fact, most white collar crimes are felonies that involve long-term imprisonment. If you are facing this type of charge, a Lake Wylie white collar crime lawyer is essential for your defense. The sooner you hire an attorney, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

Hire a White Collar Crime Lawyer in Lake Wylie

While other Lake Wylie law firms spread their efforts across multiple legal practice areas, Christopher A. Wellborn, P.A., focuses all our talent on one area of law, criminal defense. This makes us exceptionally skilled in the various matters of criminal law, such as white collar crimes.

We have extensive experience in both state and federal cases and, therefore, are well-versed in federal and state white collar crime laws. With 30-plus years of experience, we are the Lake Wylie white collar crime lawyer you’re looking for.

What Are White Collar Crimes?

White collar crimes are identified by a few distinct characteristics. First, they are non-violent, meaning no one is physically harmed by these crimes. Second, they are financially motivated. This means the motive or reasoning behind someone committing a white collar crime is money or financial gain. Another component of these types of acts is an element of deceit or a breach of trust.

In many white collar crime cases, there is some degree of manipulation of the victim, which is either an individual, a group of individuals, or a corporation. Depending on how long a white collar crime goes on before it is detected, there is usually some element of concealment as well. This typically involves fraud, complicated schemes to cover up activities, and misrepresentation of the facts to shroud the truth of actions.

Common While Collar Crimes

The ever-growing realm of technology unearths new ways for white collar crime to occur. While these are serious crimes that are becoming more prevalent, the most common white-collar crimes that defendants in South Carolina are charged with are more traditional, financially motivated crimes mentioned below:

• Bank or mortgage fraud
• Tax fraud or tax evasion
• Theft of client funds, also called a breach of fiduciary duty
• Theft of corporate funds, also called embezzlement
• Money laundering
• RICO Act violations
• Wire fraud or mail fraud
• Identity theft or credit theft
• Check fraud
• Investment fraud or Ponzi schemes

Every one of these charges is serious, and a conviction can alter the course of your life. It is imperative that anyone charged with a white collar crime, regardless of the details, hire a white collar crime lawyer to advocate for them. This is the ideal ally to have, who can improve your chances of receiving a less severe charge and penalties or a better outcome in your case.

In 2023, over 9% of South Carolina criminal sentences were embezzlement convictions. This is more than the national portion of embezzlement convictions, which was a little over 8%. Money laundering sentencing in South Carolina that year was also relatively high at 1.7% compared to the national 2%. The prosecution will make every effort to make an example of white collar crime defendants. The most effective tool against these charges is a qualified and reputable Lake Wylie white collar crime attorney.

Why Choose Us?

Christopher A. Wellborn, P.A., has over 30 years of experience representing clients in cases similar to yours. Over the years, we have found that the key to a defense in these cases is following the paper trail. As a result, we have perfected this tactic to the benefit of many of our clients. We can apply our fine-tuned skills to your case, too.

FAQs

What Qualifies as a White-Collar Crime?

A white collar crime is a crime committed for financial gain by means of fraud or some other non-violent act. Crimes such as embezzlement or money laundering sometimes involve a corporation or business. Many white collar crimes target innocent and unknowing victims to trick them out of their money, such as Ponzi schemes or investment scams. Other common white collar crimes include tax evasion, blackmail, and identity theft.

What Is a Pink Collar Crime?

Pink collar crime is a term used to describe non-violent crimes with a motive of financial gain committed by lower- or mid-level employees. The term pink collar crime came about because they are more commonly committed by women. The criminals often hold roles in which they are entrusted with funds, like a bookkeeper, an administrative staff member, or a caregiver. They exploit that trust, typically by taking small, unnoticeable amounts of money over time.

How Do Courts Handle White Collar Crimes?

If enough evidence is found, prosecutors will charge white collar crime defendants, and they are granted due process like any other defendant. If the case is federal, a grand jury will analyze the evidence. When the evidence is found to be substantial, the defendant will be indicted. In a trial, the prosecution and then the defense present their arguments. A jury then determines a verdict, and if the defendant is found guilty, the judge decides the sentence.

What Is South Caroline Statute §16-17-410?

South Carolina Statute §16-17-410 describes conspiracy, which is defined as an agreement among at least two people to break the law. Conspiracy is a felony in South Carolina and can apply to white collar crimes. Convictions for conspiracy charges can be sentenced to up to five years in prison and a fine of as much as $5,000, depending on the details of the case, such as the severity of the crime and/or damage or an offender’s prior convictions.

Hire a Lake Wylie While Collar Crime Lawyer With Relevant Experience

If you are facing charges for any of the white collar crimes described here or any other white collar crime, you need a Lake Wylie white collar crime lawyer quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to craft a strong defense. Contact Christopher A. Wellborn, P.A., to discuss how our astute legal team can help your case.