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White Collar Crimes Lawyers Louisiana
Call Us | 318-377-1555
White Collar Crimes Attorney in Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, & Ruston, LA
White Collar Crimes, Theft & Fraud Representation
White-collar crimes are often misunderstood. Unlike violent offenses, these crimes usually involve fraud, deceit, or financial misconduct. While they might not involve physical harm, the legal consequences can be severe. Charges for crimes like embezzlement, wire fraud, insider trading, and money laundering can lead to substantial fines and years in prison. Additionally, a conviction can permanently damage reputations, careers, and financial stability. If you are under investigation or facing charges for a white-collar offense, taking immediate legal action is critical to protecting your rights and future.
At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, our attorneys defend individuals accused of white-collar crimes throughout Louisiana. We understand how complex these cases can be and work to build strong defenses that challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Our firm handles everything from federal fraud cases to state-level financial crimes. If you are facing charges, we may be able to negotiate reduced penalties or even have the charges dropped. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
What Qualifies as a White-Collar Crime in Louisiana?
White-collar crimes involve non-violent offenses committed for financial gain. These crimes are typically prosecuted under federal law, but Louisiana also has state laws that address financial misconduct. Many cases involve allegations of deception, fraud, or the misuse of company funds. Because these offenses often occur in corporate settings, executives, accountants, and business owners are commonly targeted in investigations.
Some of the most common white-collar crimes include fraud-related offenses such as wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, and healthcare fraud. Identity theft, credit card fraud, and tax evasion also fall under this category. Additionally, crimes like embezzlement and bribery can lead to serious felony charges. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, and a conviction can result in years in prison, heavy fines, and restitution payments to victims.
What makes these crimes particularly challenging is they often involve complex financial records and electronic communications. Investigations can take months or even years before charges are filed. Law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, IRS, and SEC often collaborate in these cases, making federal charges a significant risk. If you are under investigation, securing legal representation early can be critical to minimizing potential consequences.
How Do Prosecutors Build White-Collar Crime Cases?
Prosecutors rely heavily on documentation and digital evidence when pursuing white-collar crime charges. Emails, bank records, tax filings, and financial statements often serve as key pieces of evidence. Because these cases do not involve direct witnesses like violent crimes, the government builds its case by demonstrating patterns of fraudulent behavior over time.
One of the most common tactics prosecutors use is charging individuals under conspiracy laws. Even if someone did not directly commit fraud, they could be charged as part of a larger scheme if they were aware of illegal activities. This makes defending against these charges especially difficult, as a person’s role in a business transaction can be misinterpreted as intentional fraud.
Additionally, federal agencies have significant resources to investigate financial crimes. The government can issue subpoenas, conduct audits, and even obtain wiretaps to collect evidence. Because of this, white-collar crime cases require a strong legal strategy that challenges the validity of the evidence and the way it was obtained. A strong defense often involves scrutinizing the government’s methods and ensuring the defendant’s rights were not violated during the investigation.
Possible Defense Strategies in White-Collar Crime Cases
Defending against white-collar crime charges in Louisiana requires an in-depth understanding of financial laws and legal procedures. Many cases hinge on intent, meaning the prosecution must prove that the accused knowingly engaged in fraud. A strong defense often challenges this assumption and raises doubts about whether any illegal activity was intentional.
One potential defense is the argument the accused lacked intent to commit a crime. Many financial transactions involve mistakes, miscommunications, or accounting errors that can appear fraudulent but do not meet the legal definition of criminal intent. Demonstrating that an alleged offense was unintentional or the result of negligence can be an effective defense strategy.
Another possible defense is entrapment. In some cases, law enforcement agencies pressure individuals into committing crimes they would not have otherwise engaged in. If investigators encouraged or manipulated a defendant into committing an offense, the defense could argue that the charges should be dismissed. Other defenses include challenging the validity of the evidence or proving another individual was responsible for the fraudulent activity.
Why Work with John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm?
White-collar crime cases are highly complex and require strong legal representation. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling financial crime cases at both the state and federal levels. We understand how prosecutors build these cases and know how to challenge the evidence presented against our clients. Our team works tirelessly to negotiate with prosecutors, gather expert witnesses, and analyze financial records to build a compelling defense.
A conviction for a white-collar crime can have long-lasting consequences, affecting not only your freedom but also your professional reputation and financial stability. We work to minimize these consequences by negotiating plea agreements, seeking alternative sentencing options, and, when necessary, taking cases to trial. If you are facing charges or under investigation for a white-collar crime, call us today at (318) 377-1555 or fill out our contact form.