White-collar crimes in WA

Vancouver, WA White-Collar Defense Lawyers

Washington State attorney for individuals charged with financial crimes

Are you facing charges of fraud or embezzlement? Have you been accused of perpetrating a financial scheme? At Philbrook Law, our Vancouver, WA white-collar criminal defense lawyers move quickly to fight for your right to bail, to cross-examine witnesses at the preliminary hearing, and to challenge indictments. We file motions to suppress evidence that was illegally obtained.

Our legal team fights to have the charges against you dismissed and to obtain acquittals if you are tried for the crimes. We’ve earned the respect of prosecutors throughout Washington and Oregon for our toughness and our track record of successful defenses. Contact us the minute you are charged or discover you are under investigation.

What exactly is a “white-collar” crime?

White-collar crimes generally involve charges that an individual (or a company) illegally obtained money or other financial benefits. These crimes are usually based on some element of fraud, concealment, dishonesty, or a breach of trust. White-collar crimes are often classified as a felony. Convictions can also result in the loss of a professional license, along with heavy fines, and the need to repay any ill-gotten gains. If you’ve been charged with a white-collar crime, your freedom, your property, and your reputation are in danger.

White-collar crimes often are filed against people who are entrusted with other people’s money. Defendants include financial advisers, auditors, accountants, controllers, and people in different business industries. White-collar crimes may impact different jurisdictions when the US mail, electronic communications, or other transfers across state lines are involved.

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Types of white-collar crimes our Vancouver, WA criminal defense attorneys handle

We represent defendants in federal court and state court. Some of the many types of white-collar charges we handle in Washington include:

  • Fraud
  • Insider trading
  • Identity theft
  • Intellectual property theft
  • Bribery
  • Counterfeiting
  • Embezzlement
  • Forgery
  • Tax evasion
  • Fraudulent billing
  • RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charges
  • Money laundering
  • Extortion
  • Environmental crimes
  • Anti-trust violations
  • Deceptive business practices
  • Violations of fiduciary duties
Philbrook Law in WA

What are the penalties for white-collar crime convictions in WA?

The penalties increase for these types of charges depending on the severity of the alleged crime and the value of ill-gotten gains. Penalties for violations often include:

  • Prison sentences
  • Substantial fines
  • Restitution
  • Forfeiture of personal and business assets including a home
  • Loss of voting privileges
  • Difficulty obtaining credit, employment, or a place to live

Alternative penalties may include:

  • Probation or parole
  • Home detention
  • Supervised release such as work release

How our experienced Vancouver, WA defense lawyers can help

The prosecutors will bring the full power of the government against you. They have the resources to hire financial experts, to work with local law enforcement, and to work with related agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You need tough, aggressive lawyers with the resources and experience to take on the government.

Since the punishment for fraud crimes is largely based on the dollar amounts involved, it’s critical to work with lawyers with access to financial professionals who understand the complexities and intricacies of financial transactions.

Depending on the criminal charges and the facts of your case, we use different legal strategies to help win a dismissal of the charges, obtain an acquittal, or negotiate a plea bargain where you may plead guilty to less serious charges.

Some of the common defenses we assert in white-collar crimes are:

  • Motions to exclude evidence obtained:
    • In violation of your Fourth Amendment right which requires that searches be reasonable and that warrants only be issued on probable cause
    • In violation of your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination
    • In violation of your Sixth Amendment right to confront the witnesses against you and to be represented by a lawyer
  • Work with financial experts to show the transactions were legal or that the value of the financial items is much less than the prosecution claims
  • Argue that the prosecution hasn’t proved each element of the charges against you without a reasonable doubt
  • Work to show that the witnesses against you aren’t credible through a thorough cross-examination
  • Show that the transactions or schemes were justifiable
  • Assert that the other people were responsible and not you
  • Help to ensure that the jurors who are selected are fair and neutral
  • Contest the jurisdiction of the charges

We also understand the grand jury process and the federal and Washington state sentencing guidelines. In some cases diversionary programs and alternative sentences may be available.

Philbrook Law in WA

Aggressive representation for those accused of financial wrongdoing in Washington and Oregon

At Philbrook Law, we’ve been fighting for criminal defendants accused of serious felonies and lesser crimes for 20 years. We’ve obtained dismissals, acquittals, and plea reductions for numerous clients. Prosecutors and police officers respect us for the complete and aggressive defense we provide for defendants. If you’ve been charged with a white-collar crime, you need a strong advocate who will work fiercely to obtain your freedom.

To schedule a consultation at one of our offices in Vancouver or Battle Ground, WA, please call 360-695-3309 or fill out our contact form. We also serve the greater Portland area and Oregon State. We’ll guide you through each stage of the criminal trial process.