Have you been charged with a white collar crime in Kingston, New York? Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys can help when you call (845) 566-5345. We offer a free consultation with a Kingston white collar crimes lawyer who can review your case and explain your legal options.
White collar charges—like fraud, embezzlement, or identity theft—can carry serious penalties, including prison time and hefty fines. Our experienced legal team is ready to build a strong defense and protect your future.
Call our Kingston office today to get the representation you deserve.
How Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You Were Arrested for a White Collar Crime in Kingston
When you’re facing white collar crime charges in Kingston, NY, you need a defense team with the experience and judgment to protect your future. Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys has built a reputation for aggressive advocacy and consistent results in complex criminal cases.
Here’s why clients across the region trust our firm:
- Our attorneys bring over 50 years of combined experience in criminal defense, giving you the benefit of deep knowledge and courtroom skill.
- We have a proven record of securing not guilty verdicts and favorable outcomes in high-stakes criminal cases.
- Our firm has earned the AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, recognizing our legal skill and ethical standards.
- Individual attorneys at the firm have been honored by Super Lawyers and awarded top ratings from Avvo for their performance and client satisfaction.
- We’re committed to standing with you at every stage of the legal process, from investigation to trial, with a clear strategy and your best interests in mind.
You don’t have to risk your future by hiring an inexperienced attorney. Call our Kingston criminal defense attorneys today to learn how we can help.
Overview of White Collar Crimes in New York
White collar crimes are financial crimes. Still, New York courts punish white collar crimes extremely harshly. White collar crimes cost billions of dollars. They also have the potential to destroy a person’s financial security.
The severity of the offense, of course, will depend on the circumstances. The dollar value involved is an important variable, as is the nature of the offense itself.
It’s important to seek legal advice immediately if you’ve been charged with a white collar crime. If you even suspect that you’re under investigation, retaining an experienced attorney quickly is the best way to protect yourself.
We Handle All Types of White Collar Criminal Cases in Kingston, NY
Below is a brief description of the types of white collar criminal cases we handle.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is generally the use of someone else’s personal information for some type of unlawful purpose. As with all theft crimes, there are varying degrees of severity when it comes to identity theft charges.
In New York, someone is guilty of second-degree identity theft if they knowingly and intentionally assume the identity of another person or use their personal information, and:
- Obtains goods, money, property, or services in that person’s name worth more than $500
- Causes someone to suffer a financial loss in excess of $500
- Commits a felony or acts as an accessory in a felony, or
- Has a prior conviction for identity theft or a related crime in the past
Second-degree identity theft is a Class E felony. It’s important to understand that identity theft can involve many different scenarios.
Some examples of situations that would constitute identity theft include:
- Opening a credit card in someone else’s name
- Using someone else’s personal information to obtain insurance or rent an apartment
- Forging a check
- Using someone’s information to obtain unemployment insurance
- Stealing someone else’s tax refunds
Identity theft can be a felony or a misdemeanor. Third-degree identity theft, or using someone else’s information to obtain a benefit or cause someone else to suffer a financial loss, is a misdemeanor offense.
Forgery
Forgery is defined in the New York Penal Code as:
- Making or altering a written document
- With the intent to defraud or deceive or injure another
Again, forgery can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Third-degree forgery is a class A misdemeanor. The charges are elevated to class D felony charges based on the type of written document involved. For example, prescription drug forgery is graded as a class D felony.
More serious Class C felony charges apply if the document is:
- An issue of money
- Stamps
- Securities
- Other types of valuable instruments issued by a government
- Stocks, bonds, or other instruments
- Interests in a corporate or other organization or its property
Examples of forgery include:
- Signing a doctor’s name on a prescription
- Creating false legal documents
- Signing someone else’s name on a check
Even possession of a forged document can be a criminal offense if the prosecution can prove the defendant knew the document was forged and had the intent to defraud.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement in New York is governed by the state’s larceny laws.
That makes sense because embezzlement is defined as taking someone else’s money or property. However, an additional element applies. The accused must have been trusted to hold that property by its rightful owner–typically, an employer or client.
Again, embezzlement can be alleged in many different situations, including:
- Portfolio managers who keep a client’s funds rather than invest them
- Cashiers in stores who take money from the register
- Relatives who steal from a relative who has given them authority over their finances
As with most white collar crimes, embezzlement can be a felony or misdemeanor. In embezzlement cases, the grading of the offense depends heavily on the value of the property.
It’s also possible that you could be charged with a federal embezzlement crime under the United States Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
Extortion
Extortion in New York is referred to as “larceny by extortion”.
Larceny by extortion involves compelling another person to deliver stolen property by instilling a fear that they will:
- Physically harm someone in the future
- Damage property
- Commit another criminal offense
- Accuse someone else of a criminal offense
- Expose some type of embarrassing or damaging secret
- Cause a strike or boycott
- Testify or withhold testimony or information with respect to a legal claim or defense
- Take or withhold action as an official
If you were charged with any type of white collar crime, our attorneys are prepared to fight for you. Contact us today to arrange a confidential consultation with an attorney who can help.
What Are the Penalties if I’m Convicted of a White Collar Crime in Kingston, New York?
If you’re convicted of a white collar crime, a range of penalties is possible. The severity of a conviction depends on how the offense is graded.
Prison and financial penalties are always on the table. For example, if you’re convicted of a Class E felony in New York, you’ll face up to four years in prison. Class D felony convictions carry up to seven years in prison.
Even misdemeanor convictions can carry jail time. Class A misdemeanors in New York are punishable by up to 364 days in jail.
Collateral Consequences
The consequences of a conviction can extend well beyond prison time, and might include:
- Supervised parole upon release from jail
- Asset forfeitures to repay victims
- Loss of professional licenses
- Family law issues
- Immigration problems
- Loss of voting rights
- Loss of your right to own a firearm
- Community service
If you’re convicted, you’ll also be burdened with a lasting criminal record. That can haunt you for years to come, making it difficult to find employment and even housing.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of a White Collar Crime in New York?
Prosecutors face a high burden when it comes to proving you’ve committed a white collar crime. That said, you should never underestimate the importance of your defense strategy. When the stakes are this high, you need the best possible defense.
The elements of an effective defense can vary widely from case to case.
- Illegal searches and seizures
- You lacked the required intent to commit a crime
- Lack of evidence
- Challenges to witness credibility
- Lack of the required fiduciary position
- False allegations
The defense options in your case will depend entirely on the facts. One thing is certain: the sooner we start poking holes in the prosecution’s case, the better. In some cases, it may be possible to have the charges dropped or downgraded before your case goes to trial.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Kingston White Collar Crimes Lawyer
If you were charged with a crime in Kingston, NY, our team at Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys can help. An experienced Kingston white collar crimes lawyer can start building your case today. Contact us today to arrange a consultation and discuss your options.