Philadelphia White Collar Crimes Defense Lawyer

Financial crimes may not cause severe bodily injury or death, but that does not mean victims do not suffer. As such, the criminal justice system takes cases like these seriously. If you have been accused of committing a white-collar crime, the consequences you are facing could be devastating. The penalties are designed to have a lasting impact on your life. If you hope to safeguard your future, you may need the resources and experience of a well-regarded Philadelphia white-collar crimes defense lawyer from Ciccarelli Law Offices. 

With our firm in your corner, you can feel confident presenting your defense strategy at trial. We may not even need to go to court if we can negotiate your charges down to a lesser offense or secure a plea bargain. Learn more about what is next for your case when you connect with a premier Philadelphia criminal defense attorney at our law firm to request a confidential consultation.

Common Types of White Collar Crimes Our Clients Have Faced 

White-collar crimes can include a number of different offenses. However, they all involve defrauding or taking advantage of someone else’s finances. Some of the most common types of fraud and white-collar crimes our clients have defended against include:

• Money laundering under Title 18 of the U.S. Code
• Embezzlement under 18 Pa. Section 3927
• Credit card fraud under 18 Pa. § 4106
• Ponzi schemes under 73 P.S. § 201-1

Money Laundering

Money laundering involves hiding or disguising assets or funds that have been obtained through criminal activity. The idea is to make it appear as though these funds are legitimate profits. Money laundering is often classified as racketeering per the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). If convicted, you could be ordered to pay fines that are double the value of the money you are accused of laundering and spend up to 20 years in federal prison.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement involves misappropriating money, assets, or property that has been entrusted to you. If the value of the assets or property is less than $2,000, you could face misdemeanor charges. If the value is greater than $2,000, expect to be prosecuted at the felony level. The financial value will also determine your sentence. For property or money valued at greater than $1,000, you could spend up to seven years in prison.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud can be defined as using someone else’s credit card, forging their signature, possessing a counterfeit credit card, or using another person’s credit or debit card without their permission. The amount involved in the fraud will determine the extent of your penalty. For fraud valued at less than $500, you can expect to be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by $10,000 in fines and up to five years in jail per 18 Pa. 106. 

If you are accused of committing credit card fraud of any amount greater than $500, you can expect to face third-degree felony charges, which are punishable by up to 7 years in a Pennsylvania state prison and fines not to exceed $15,000.

Philadelphia White Collar Crime FAQ

A conviction for a white-collar crime could haunt you for the rest of your life. You may have serious concerns regarding what your future may bring if you are found guilty. We understand how overwhelmed you must be feeling and have answered some of the most common questions regarding white-collar crimes below. If you have additional questions or concerns that we did not cover here, do not hesitate to contact our legal team for personalized answers.

Are white-collar crimes victimless?

No, white-collar crimes are not victimless. While the victims of white-collar crimes may not have suffered devastating or fatal injuries, they have likely suffered in other ways. In some cases, white-collar crime victims lose everything. 

They could become homeless, lose their family, and need to rebuild their lives. In the worst cases, victims have become so consumed by their losses that they have succumbed to depression or even committed suicide. For this reason, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prosecutes white-collar crimes seriously.

Can I get a white-collar crime expunged from my record?

It depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Generally, misdemeanor and felony convictions are not eligible for expunction unless you have received a pardon from the governor. 

However, if you were charged with a white-collar crime but the charges against you were dropped or dismissed, or you were found not guilty, you may qualify for expungement as long as you have not been arrested within the last five years. You may also qualify for expungement if you have completed an accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) program as described under 18 Pa. C.S. 9122.

How long does the prosecutor have to file criminal charges?

The amount of time the district attorney has to file criminal white-collar crime charges against you will depend on the type of crime you are accused of committing. If you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony offense under 75 Pa. Chapter 55, the statute of limitations will generally expire two years from the date of the crime. However, if you are accused of committing a major offense, the statute of limitations may not expire until five years after the date of the offense in question.

Get Help From a High Powered White Collar Crimes Defense Attorney in Philadelphia Today

White collar crime victims suffer differently. They may lose their jobs, savings, and homes, and struggle to rebuild their lives. The Pennsylvania criminal justice system is designed to punish those who take advantage of or wrong others. If you have been accused of committing a white-collar crime, The consequences of a conviction could be life-altering. 

Take the charges against you seriously and enlist the services of a strategically aggressive white-collar crime defense lawyer in Philadelphia today. Ciccarelli Law Offices are here to help you clear your name and protect your future. Explore your potential defense options when you contact our team to request a confidential consultation. Reach us by phone or through our secured contact form to schedule your initial defense strategy session as soon as today.