Trusted White Collar Crime Attorney in Charlotte, NC
Facing white-collar criminal charges can put your freedom, professional reputation, and finances at risk. While these crimes don’t typically involve physical harm to others, they generally include accusations of fraud, deception, or financial wrongdoing.
Consequences for a conviction can include fines, jail time, and professional disciplinary action. A Charlotte white-collar crime lawyer can help you understand your options under state and federal law.
Why Choose Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC?
At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, our lawyers have represented criminal defense clients across Charlotte, North Carolina, and Spartanburg, South Carolina for over ten years. We understand that white-collar crime investigations can involve large volumes of financial records and confusing business transactions.
Our lawyers understand the criminal justice system and can work with you to protect your rights. Throughout your case, we can help you understand your legal options and potential outcomes.
Understanding White Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are generally non-violent crimes that cause financial hardship to the victims. Many of these crimes involve some sort of fraud. They can occur in the course of business transactions, workplace relationships, or managing financial accounts. Charges can also stem from allegations involving tax refunds or other public funds.
Charlotte is home to a thriving financial services industry with businesses located throughout Uptown Charlotte and SouthPark. Financial crime investigations can involve allegations related to company accounting practices, loans, or financial transactions. Common white-collar offenses include:
- Embezzlement. The fraudulent conversion of another party’s property by someone who was trusted to manage it.
- Identity theft. Taking someone else’s personal information for an unlawful purpose.
- Wire fraud. Engaging in a scheme to defraud using interstate wire communications.
- Bank fraud. Executing a scheme to defraud a financial institution or obtain money, assets, credits, or securities through false statements.
- Forgery. Creating false documents, typically for financial gain.
- Money laundering. Disguising the origins of financial transactions, usually as an attempt to cover up illegitimate transactions and mask them to appear legitimate.
The exact charge you face determines the legal elements the prosecution must prove. Charges may be brought in state or federal court depending on the conduct alleged.
North Carolina White Collar Crime Statutes & Penalties
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-90 makes it a felony for certain employees and other individuals to embezzle money or property they have been entrusted with. Penalties depend on the value of the property taken. Embezzlement involving property worth at least $100,000 is generally a Class C felony. Embezzlement of lower-value property that falls under this statute is generally a Class H felony.
18 U.S.C. § 1343 makes it illegal to commit wire fraud. Convicted defendants can face up to 20 years in federal prison on a wire fraud conviction. Maximum penalties increase under circumstances involving financial institutions and federally declared disasters.
Like all crimes, these statutes include elements the prosecution must prove. Agreeing to a bad investment, making an accounting mistake, or having a business dispute do not automatically equate to fraud. The prosecutor must prove you committed the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
White Collar Crime & Federal Sentencing
Statistics on federal sentencing can show how white-collar crimes are punished. They can also give defendants facing federal charges insight into possible financial penalties. The United States Sentencing Commission published its Annual Report 2024 with the following statistics:
- 5,312 federal sentences involved a fraud, theft, or embezzlement offense during fiscal year 2024. Fraud offenses made up about 9% of all federal sentences.
- In fiscal year 2024, 6,669 people were sentenced under federal guidelines for economic crimes like fraud or embezzlement.
- Restitution orders were imposed in 79% of federal fraud, theft, or embezzlement cases. Restitution requires convicted defendants to pay their victims.
These statistics are from around the country and refer to federal prosecutions. This shows the level of white-collar crime that is prevalent across the country, including North Carolina.
Get Information About White Collar Crime Investigations
Law enforcement can investigate financial crimes without filing charges. Bank records, emails, tax documents, and business records may be reviewed to find transactions that appear illegal.
White-collar crime investigations can involve state or federal law enforcement. State criminal investigations may be conducted by local police or the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Federal crimes are investigated by agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), IRS Criminal Investigation, and others.
Subpoenas can be used to obtain records from banks and businesses. Law enforcement may interview people who work for the business or were involved with financial transactions related to the investigation.
You should know if you are considered a witness, subject, or target of the investigation. A Charlotte white collar crime attorney can help you understand these terms and how they might apply to you.
Possible Defenses to White Collar Crimes
Your defense depends on the crime you are accused of committing. Each crime includes elements the prosecution must prove. Many fraud crimes require the government to prove you acted knowingly or with intent to deceive. If you made an error on a document or were forced into an agreement, you may be able to argue that you did not have the criminal intent to commit fraud.
We can shape your defense around your identity, your lack of involvement with the transactions, or any discrepancies found in the financial records, depending on the situation. If evidence was obtained through an illegal search, it may be excluded from the case against you. If you do not qualify for a defense, you may be able to argue that you did not cause the losses alleged by the government. This type of defense can reduce potential white-collar crime penalties.
When you hire a white-collar crime lawyer, they can investigate your claims and examine the evidence before developing a strategy for your defense. White-collar crimes can be prosecuted under state and federal law. If you face state criminal charges, your case is likely to be filed in Mecklenburg County Superior Court located at 832 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Hire a White Collar Crime Lawyer Today
If you’re facing white collar crime charges, the attorney you choose can make all the difference. White-collar crimes can carry serious consequences, so you need an attorney who can advocate for you. Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC can help. Contact us today to understand white-collar crime laws and schedule your free consultation.
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Address: 4801 E Independence Blvd #700, Charlotte, NC 28212
Phone: 704-569-9800
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