OKLAHOMA WHITE COLLAR CRIMES LAWYER
Most people accused of a white collar crime would never have imagined themselves in the predicament in which they find themselves. White collar crimes are nonviolent financial crimes, and because the victims of white collar offenses are often large, businesses and organizations, the people who commit these crimes may feel as if they are victimless crimes. However, the costs of fraud and embezzlement are passed on to consumers and may deprive deserving people of needed benefits from government and nonprofit agencies. Identity theft certainly carries an individual impact, and insider trading and Ponzi schemes can cause people to lose their life savings. Because of the economic impact of white collar crimes on businesses and individuals, these offenses are prosecuted harshly in state and federal courts.
If you are under suspicion or have been charged with a white collar crime such as fraud or embezzlement, you need experienced legal representation, and you need it quickly. Corporate crime is often investigated by specialized federal agencies including the IRS and the SEC, and prosecutors often push for maximum sentencing. Attorney Ryan Coventon can work to protect you from overzealous prosecution and can assertively fight the charges on your behalf.
Sometimes, the impetus for embezzlement or fraud is simple greed, but often, the motivating factors are much more innocuous. Maybe you were acting under the direction of a supervisor. Maybe you did not know your actions were wrong. Maybe you have been accused of a crime you did not commit. Or maybe your actions were a desperate solution to personal financial difficulties, and you fully intended to repay any money taken before it was noticed to be missing. Whether you need to aggressively defend your innocence or whether you need the court’s mercy for a situation that got out of hand, attorney Ryan Coventon can provide innovative and effective defense strategies to bring your case to its optimal resolution.
State and Federal White Collar Offenses
White collar crimes generally involve obtaining money from a business, government agency, organization, or from individuals through false pretense or misappropriation of funds. Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and money laundering are examples of white collar crimes:
- Embezzlement or Misappropriation of Funds or Property
- Medicare Fraud
- Health Care Fraud
- Insurance Fraud
- Credit Card Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Bank Fraud
- Securities Fraud
- Wire Fraud or Mail Fraud
- Insider Trading
- Bribery, Blackmail, or Extortion
- Intellectual Property Theft or Piracy
- Internet Fraud
- Computer Crimes
- Racketeering
- Check Kiting, Check Fraud, and Bad Checks
- Tax Evasion
- And more.
If you suspect you may be involved in illegal activities, understand that you may already be under investigation. If you are questioned about your involvement in a crime, or if you have already been accused, arrested, or charged with a white collar crime, contact an attorney as quickly as possible to protect your rights and your defense.
Penalties for Conviction of White Collar Crimes
White collar crimes may be prosecuted by the Oklahoma District Attorney’s office, or they may be prosecuted in federal court by United States District Attorneys. Punishment can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and restitution.
The specific penalties depend upon the amount of money taken or value of the stolen property. Embezzlement as a state crime, for example, is punishable by a range of one to ten years in prison in accordance with the value of the theft:
- Less than $500 – A misdemeanor and punishable by up to one (1) year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Between $500 and $1,000 – A felony punishable by up to one (1) year in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, and restitution to the victim.
- Between $1,000 and $25,000 – A felony punishable by up to five (5) years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, and restitution to the victim.
- More than $25,000 – A felony punishable by up to ten (10) years in prison, a fine up to $10,000, and restitution to the victim.
Beyond the legal penalties, if you are convicted of a white collar offense, your reputation and your career may be destroyed. Contact attorney Ryan Coventon to build a strong defense that can help you protect your name and your livelihood in the face of serious criminal charges.
