Facing a white collar crime charge can turn your life upside down. If you are convicted, you might have to pay large fines and deal with a criminal record for years to come. In some situations, your freedom may be at stake, too. If you or a loved one has been charged with a white collar offense in Middletown, New York, you still have time to defend yourself with help from a skilled attorney.
At Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Middletown white collar crime lawyers have 50 years of combined experience defending clients against complex criminal charges. Our team also includes former prosecutors, which means we know how the other side thinks. We use that knowledge to build strong defense strategies for our clients.
If you want to learn more about how we can help with your white collar crime case in Middletown, reach out for an initial consultation at (845) 566-5345.
How Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You Were Arrested for a White Collar Crime in Middletown, New York
Prosecutors often treat white collar offenses very seriously in Middletown, NY, as they can involve large sums of money, government interests, and innocent victims. You need a strong legal team to make sure your story is heard.
At Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, we understand that being arrested does not mean you are guilty. Our job is to protect your rights under the law and to demand that the state prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Here are some of the ways our Middletown criminal defense attorneys can help:
- Investigating your charges and the evidence against you
- Filing motions to improve your position
- Working to find favorable evidence
- Negotiating with prosecutors to have your charges dismissed if possible
- Making sure you understand your legal rights at every stage of the process
- Representing you at all hearings and trial if needed
Facing a white collar crime charge can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face this alone. By hiring a criminal defense law firm like Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, you’ll get lawyers who have lengthy experience and know how to take on the most difficult cases. Contact us right away to schedule a consultation with a Middletown white collar crime lawyer.
A Brief Overview of White Collar Crime Law in New York
White collar crimes generally involve lying, cheating, or stealing in a business or financial setting. They can include actions like fraud, embezzlement (also referred to as larceny), money laundering, and more. While these crimes usually don’t involve violence, they can cause major financial losses for companies, government agencies, or individual people.
In New York, white collar crimes are handled under both state and federal law, depending on the nature of the offense. Sometimes, a small business dispute might remain at the state level, but a large-scale scheme that affects multiple states or countries could turn into a federal case.
No matter the level of charges, the penalties can be serious. That is why it’s crucial to have a strong defense if you are accused of a white collar crime in Middletown.
Common Types of White Collar Crimes in New York State
There are many types of white collar crimes, and each may involve different rules and penalties. Below are some common examples:
- Fraud: Using false information, deception, or trickery to obtain money or other benefits. Examples include mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, and securities fraud.
- Embezzlement: Also known as larceny, this is taking or misusing money entrusted to you, such as funds from your employer or a client.
- Money laundering: Hiding the origin of money earned through illegal activities, often by transferring it through multiple accounts or businesses.
- Identity theft: Using someone else’s personal information without permission, possibly to open credit cards or bank accounts in their name.
- Tax evasion: Hiding income or falsifying information to avoid paying taxes owed to the government.
- Bribery: Offering, giving, or receiving something of value to influence the actions of a public official or another person in a position of power.
- Forgery: Creating or altering documents or signatures to gain a benefit you are not entitled to receive.
- Computer crimes: Activities such as hacking, phishing, or unauthorized computer access for financial gain.
Although these offenses are often less violent than other crimes, they still carry harsh penalties. If you are being investigated or charged in one of these areas, do not assume the court will go easy on you. White collar crimes can involve complex investigations and dedicated task forces, so you want a defense attorney on your side right away.
What Are the Potential Penalties for a White Collar Crime Conviction in New York?
White collar crime penalties can vary widely based on factors like:
- The type of offense (fraud, embezzlement, etc.)
- The total amount of money or property lost
- The number of victims involved
- Whether you have a prior criminal record
- If you acted alone or as part of a larger operation
Some white collar crimes are misdemeanors, which might result in up to one year in jail and smaller fines. Many are felonies, where you can face:
- State prison sentences ranging from 1 to 25 years (or more)
- Significant fines that can total tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars
- Probation with strict terms
- Restitution payments that require you to repay victims for their losses
Federal convictions can lead to even tougher penalties. For instance, federal wire fraud or mail fraud charges might mean lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and mandatory restitution. Judges often look at sentencing guidelines that consider both the severity of the crime and your criminal history.
Collateral Consequences of a White Collar Crime Conviction in Middletown
Criminal penalties are only part of the challenge when you’re convicted of a white collar offense. Many people find that the aftermath affects their lives in other ways:
- Difficulty finding employment: Employers may be hesitant to hire someone with a fraud or embezzlement conviction, especially if the job involves handling finances or sensitive information.
- Loss of professional licenses: If you work as a lawyer, accountant, nurse, or in another licensed profession, a conviction could mean losing your license.
- Damaged reputation: A criminal record can cause serious harm to your standing in the community. Friends, neighbors, or colleagues may treat you differently.
- Limited housing options: Some landlords run background checks and may not rent to someone with a criminal history.
- Possible immigration problems: If you are not a U.S. citizen, a conviction can lead to deportation or other immigration issues.
These issues can affect your life long after you serve your sentence or pay your fine. By defending your case aggressively from the start, you have a better chance of reducing or avoiding these negative outcomes.
What Defenses Can I Raise in Response to White Collar Crime Charges in Middletown, NY?
In any criminal case, it’s the prosecution’s job to prove each part of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Your defense attorney’s role is to highlight gaps, inconsistencies, or errors in the state’s evidence and to assert any legal defenses that apply to your situation.
Possible defenses in white collar crime cases can include:
- Lack of intent: You might show you made an honest mistake or did not realize you were doing something illegal.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution may not have enough documentation or witnesses to prove each element of the crime.
- Duress or coercion: If someone threatened or forced you to participate in a criminal act, you might not be liable for the full offense.
- Entrapment: Law enforcement must follow the law. If undercover officers persuaded or pushed you into breaking the law, you could claim entrapment.
- Violation of constitutional rights: Police and investigators must follow legal procedures. Any evidence collected through illegal searches or seizures should not be used against you.
- Alibi or mistaken identity: If you have strong proof that you weren’t involved in the alleged wrongdoing, the prosecution’s case could fall apart.
Your defense will depend on the facts of your situation, the charges you face, and your goals for the case. At Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, we will analyze your case thoroughly, explain the best defense strategies, and gather the proof we need to challenge the state’s arguments.
Schedule a Case Evaluation With Our Experienced Middletown White Collar Crime Attorneys
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed if you face a white collar crime arrest or investigation in Middletown, New York. Your freedom, career, and reputation may be on the line. But remember, an arrest does not mean a conviction. You have the right to a defense, and you deserve to have that defense presented by skilled Middletown white collar crime attorneys who will put your interests first.
At Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have decades of combined experience on both sides of the criminal justice system. This background helps us see potential weaknesses in the state’s case, negotiate effectively, and prepare for trial if necessary. We’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible result.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.