FORMER PROSECUTOR REPRESENTING THOSE FACING
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Defending White Collar Crime Charges in Hampshire County and Franklin County
Whether you’re a business executive, licensed professional, or public official, an accusation of committing a white collar crime is a highly serious matter that could lead to the ruination of your career and reputation. White collar crimes refer to a broad range of criminal acts involving the use of deceit, fraud, or violations of trust to achieve financial gain.
Severe criminal penalties for White Collar Crimes
Even though white-collar crimes are non-violent offenses, they are not victimless and can cause significant losses for companies, investors, and employees. The criminal penalties for a conviction can be severe and may include a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fines. Additionally, those who claim to have been victimized by you will surely file a civil lawsuit to recover their losses.
White collar crimes are prosecutable at both the state or federal level. Charges of a Federal nature are brought forth by federal prosecutors who are assisted by federal agents from many different federal agencies and regulatory bodies.
How Will I Know if I’m the subject of an investigation for a White Collar Crime?
Investigations for white collar crimes are often conducted in secret and can take months, even years to complete. Unfortunately, someone who is the target of a criminal investigation involving state law enforcement authorities or the federal government may end up being the last to find out. Nevertheless, there may be a few signs that may give you some insight as to whether or not you’re involved in an investigation for white collar crimes.
Signs that you may be part of a White Collar Crime Investigation
Here are a few signs that you are most likely the target of a federal investigation
- you were subpoenaed by a grand jury to testify or to produce business records;
- you get served with a search warrant for your business records; or
- your colleagues or someone you’ve done business is gets subpoenaed
- you received a formal notification in person or via target letter from US attorney’s office or Department of Justice
Act as quickly as possible
It’s essential to involve a white collar crimes defense attorney like Mr. Kokonowski, as early in the process as possible, to “get ahead” of the investigation. He can intervene immediately to respond to a federal grand jury subpoena and interview witnesses. He can also use his experience as a former prosecutor to negotiate a dismissal or acquittal at trial or strike a plea agreement that minimizes the charges and punishment you face.
Types of White Collar Crimes
The Law Offices of Thomas Kokownoski, Esq. has successfully defended clients against a broad range of white collar crimes, including:
- Fraud — a dishonest act that causes harm to another used to achieve personal or financial gain.
- There are many different types of fraud including but not limited to: mortgage, healthcare, wire/mail, securities, telemarketing, accounting, consumer, credit card, bankruptcy, insurance
- Embezzlement – appropriating or transferring someone else’s property or money without their authorization
- Extortion – the use of force, or the threat of force, to obtain money or something else of value
- Bribery – form of extortion attempting to influence a person by giving money or items of value to a public official in exchange for some action
- Blackmail — form of extortion threatening to do something that would cause another person to suffer embarrassment or financial harm unless that person meets certain demands
- Forgery
- Counterfeiting – printing counterfeit money or manufacturing counterfeit designer apparel or accessories
- Identity Theft – using another individual’s personal data for financial gain
- Ponzi-Schemes
- Money Laundering: investing money obtained illegally into properties or businesses, to conceal the money’s origins
- Insider trading: trading stock or other securities based on confidential information not yet available to the general public.
- Racketeering/RICO violations: running an illegal business for profit
- Perjury: making a false statement under oath
- Securities and antitrust violations (claims of bid-rigging, price fixing, price discrimination, actual or alleged monopolization, market allocation)
- Unfair trade practices
- Environmental, labor, and manufacturing regulatory violations
- Tax evasion
- Cybercrime (hacking, cracking and phishing)
Potential Penalties for White Collar Crime Conviction
- prison time
- probation
- house arrest
- repayment of stolen funds
- fines
- seizure of your bank accounts
- forfeiture of property
- loss of professional license
Agencies that Investigate White Collar Crimes
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Department of the Treasury (DOT)
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
If you think you are under investigation or have been arrested or indicted for an alleged white-collar crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who can mount a strong defense on your behalf.
The Law Offices of Criminal Defense Attorney Thomas Kokonowski, is dedicated to protecting your freedom, reputation, and hard earned assets. White collar crimes are complex and require specific expertise in accounting, technology, and financial practices. Founding Attorney Tom Kokonowski has the skill and knowledge to deliver the best outcome possible.
Call today for a free initial consultation. In Northampton, call 413-585-9200. In Amherst, call 413-549-0022