Defending Against a Felony White-Collar Crime Charge in New York
White-collar crimes are different from other crimes in that they are generally nonviolent. They are usually committed with the intention of benefiting financially. These crimes can be committed by professionals, organizations, or individuals. In New York, white-collar crimes are a common occurrence. Common types of white-collar crimes in New York include embezzlement, identity theft, forgery, fraud, and bribery.
White-collar crimes in New York can be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. A conviction of a felony white-collar charge in New York can come with severe penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fines. For example, forgery in the first degree is considered a Class C felony in New York. If you are convicted of this crime, you could face as many as 15 years in a New York State prison and be required to pay a fine of up to $5,000 or twice the gain from the commission of the forgery.
Defending against felony white-collar crimes in NY can be challenging. However, it is possible. Below, we discuss some strategies that are vital in defending against a felony white-collar crime charge in New York.
- Understand the Charges Against You
The first step in building a defense strategy for a felony white-collar crime charge in New York is understanding the charges against you. Different white-collar crimes have different elements that the prosecution must prove. It is vital that you understand the elements that must be proven in your case. This can help you craft an effective defense strategy.
- Collect Evidence
Another vital thing to do is to collect evidence. Evidence is the foundation of any defense strategy. Collect any evidence that can help support your case, including financial records, correspondences, other relevant documents, and witness statements. Testimonies from people with firsthand knowledge of your actions or involvement in the alleged crime can be compelling evidence. They can help corroborate other evidence.
- Hire a Qualified Criminal Defense Attorney
One of the most critical aspects of defending against a felony white-collar crime in New York is hiring a skilled criminal defense lawyer. An attorney with experience defending against felony white-collar crimes can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case, help you assess possible defense strategies, and choose the best strategy.
Most white-collar crimes require the prosecutor to prove the element of intent. One of the strong defense strategies in felony white-collar crimes is demonstrating a lack of intent. This could entail showing that you didn’t know about the illegal activities. Other common defenses in white-collar crime cases include duress, entrapment, lack of evidence, and violation of Constitutional rights, such as the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. However, for your defense strategy to be successful, it must be tailored specifically to the facts of your case. A skilled attorney can help tailor a defense strategy.
Contact an NYC White Collar Crimes Attorney
If you’ve been charged with a white-collar crime, our skilled and dedicated NYC white-collar crimes attorney, Mark I. Cohen, can help you develop and implement your defense strategy. Call us today at 917-414-8585 to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
