Erie White Collar Crimes Lawyer

Some people believe that white-collar crimes are not as serious as other crimes, but this is not the case. Business districts like downtown Erie can become the subject of investigations that lead to serious criminal charges. Having legal representation from an Erie, PA, white-collar crimes lawyer can shield you from the most serious penalties under the law. There are many effective defense strategies for crimes like embezzlement, fraud, and other white-collar crimes.

Why Choose The Levenson Law Firm

Given the potential consequences of a white-collar crime conviction, securing strong and reliable legal representation should be a top priority. At The Levenson Law Firm, located just southeast of Hotel Indigo Pittsburgh East Liberty by IHG, we offer a father-daughter team with over 50 years of combined experience in criminal defense.

Our firm has successfully defended professionals, executives, and public figures against complex allegations of fraud, embezzlement, and other white-collar crimes. Facing white-collar criminal charges without legal representation could be a costly mistake. Trust The Levenson Law Firm to represent you in court so you do not face the most serious penalties under the law.

Understanding White-Collar Crimes in Erie

White-collar crimes are nonviolent offenses that involve deception for financial gain. In Erie, these crimes can include fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and other crimes. With more than 15 banks offering services through 200 branches in the area, financial institutions are common targets of fraud investigations.

Both business owners and employees can face accusations that they misused funds, altered tax records, or falsified records for financial gain. Erie County’s approximate 6,165 employer establishments make the county a potential target for deceptive business practices that can defraud innocent customers and investors.

These crimes can be prosecuted at the state or federal level, depending on which institutions were targeted and other factors. Due to the complexity of these crimes, investigations often begin quietly and can last for several weeks or months before action is taken.

The Consequences of White-Collar Crimes

White-collar crimes can lead to serious penalties that extend far beyond the courtroom. A conviction may result in prison time, heavy fines, restitution payments, and loss of professional licenses. A criminal record could lead to lifelong consequences, even once a jail or prison sentence is served. Financial institutions would be unlikely to want to be associated with anyone with a history of committing fraud or other white-collar crimes.

Anyone convicted in federal court could be sent to facilities like the Federal Correctional Institution, McKean, which holds 1,066 inmates and is located near Erie in Lewis Run, Pennsylvania. Given the challenges that someone convicted of these crimes would face, many defendants choose to fight their charges in court rather than risk their reputation and future.

The Importance of Experienced Defense for White-Collar Crimes

White-collar charges like fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering often involve financial records, email trails, and internal audits. Prosecutors may rely heavily on paper trails and testimony from financial analysts, making it critical to have a defense attorney who can dissect complex evidence and financial documents.

An experienced white-collar crime lawyer can pinpoint flaws in forensic accounting, challenge unlawful searches or seizures, and expose overreach by investigators. Many white-collar crimes rely on criminal intent. Sometimes, business deals go bad. That doesn’t mean that a crime was committed. If investigators jump to conclusions without sufficient evidence to back up their claims, your attorney can push to have the charges reduced or dropped.

White-collar criminal charges are inherently complex. They may involve parallel civil and criminal proceedings, federal charges, or grand jury investigations. The right strategy, coupled with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, can reduce the penalties you face so your reputation is not harmed in the long run.

FAQs

Q: How Are White-Collar Crimes Prosecuted?

A: White-collar crimes are prosecuted using substantial evidence. Prosecutors rely on financial records, emails, phone data, and analysis to prove guilt in white-collar crime cases. Investigations are typically handled by federal or state agencies and may take months to complete.

Prosecutors must show intent to defraud or deceive. Trials often involve complex evidence and special witnesses. Convictions may lead to restitution, prison, and long-term damage to personal and professional reputation.

Q: What Are the Three Most Common White-Collar Crimes?

A: Three of the most common white-collar crimes include fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft. Fraud involves intentionally deceiving others for financial gain, while embezzlement is the misuse of funds by someone trusted to manage them. Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s personal data without permission. These crimes are often prosecuted at the federal level and can result in serious financial and criminal penalties.

Q: How Much Do White-Collar Crime Lawyers Earn?

A: Pay for white-collar crime lawyers varies based on experience, location, and the complexity of the cases they handle. Attorneys working on high-stakes federal matters or in large cities often earn more due to the demands of the work. Those with trial experience and a background in financial crime investigations tend to command higher fees. This area of law requires in-depth knowledge of fraud, regulatory issues, and courtroom procedures.

Q: What Is a White-Collar Crime in Pennsylvania?

A: In Pennsylvania, white-collar crimes refer to nonviolent offenses committed for financial gain. Common charges include securities fraud, forgery, insurance fraud, and bribery. These cases are often complex and may involve state or federal prosecution. Penalties can include prison, restitution, and fines. Defending against white-collar charges requires careful analysis of financial records, communication history, and compliance with state and federal law.

Contact The Levenson Law Firm Today

Being charged with a white-collar crime in Erie can have serious consequences that can adversely affect your reputation and future. The Levenson Law Firm offers experienced and strategic defense to protect your rights and work toward a favorable resolution for your case. Our father-daughter team provides personalized, results-driven representation that works to chip away at the prosecution’s case.

With over five decades of combined experience, our attorneys are highly skilled in handling white-collar crime cases. We understand the complexities of these charges and are committed to fighting for a favorable outcome that avoids serious penalties. Contact our Shadyside neighborhood office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step in defending your future.